(Ep001) Chris Kaman Gets Candid About his Mental Health Challenges, Why Old-School Centers Still Have a Place in Pro Basketball, and the Glory of 3-on-3 Tournaments
Imagine suiting up to do battle with the likes of Shaq, A Mourning, and Dikembe Mutombo on a nightly basis. That’s what awaited Chris Kaman when he debuted in the League after the LA Clippers selected him with the 6th pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, which also featured LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Carmelo Anthony. Chris became one of the best post players in the NBA, earning an All-Star nod in 2010. After leaving the Clippers, Chris remained a consistent scorer and defender for the New Orleans Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, LA Lakers, and Portland Trailblazers.
Before making his mark in the League, Chris worked his way up from a blue-collar background to become one of the most highly-rated big men in the nation. Earning a scholarship to Central Michigan University, Chris led the Chippewas to a Mid-American Conference Championship and an NCAA tournament first-round win in 2003. Chris’s stellar performances as a beast on the low block led to Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America honors, and a clamor among NBA scouts to sign the skilled center.
In this episode, Chris gets real about:
What his working-class upbringing taught him that served him well on the court
How his father became his best friend and confidant
Why loyalty is so important
What it took to excel in the NBA for so long
Why Terry Stotts is his favorite coach and Damian Lillard the best teammate
