Carlos Arroyo reflects on beating Team USA, playing for Jerry Sloan, the Miami Heat culture & more

We got a Puerto Rican legend in the building this week, as Carlos Arroyo joins Q and D on Knuckleheads. ’Los looks back on how hard it was to come out of Puerto Rico as a hooper, dominating when he came to the states in high school, and how he ended up at FIU. He recounts going OFF against Team USA to beat them in the ’04 Olympics and what it was like going to the finals with the ‘05-’06 Pistons. Also, keep your eye out for his growing music career. Tune in!
» Subscribe to Knuckleheads: / channel
» Visit The Players' Tribune website for the latest written and video content: www.theplayerstribune.com
About The Players' Tribune:
Welcome to The Players’ Tribune, a media platform that presents the voices of professional athletes, bringing fans closer to the games they love than ever before. Founded by Derek Jeter in 2014, The Players’ Tribune aims to provide unique insight into the daily sports conversation and publishes first-person stories directly from athletes. From video to podcasts to player polls and written pieces, The Tribune strives to be “The Voice of the Game.”
Get More of The Players' Tribune and Knuckleheads:
Official Website: www.theplayerstribune.com/
Twitter: playerstribu.ne/Twitter
Facebook: playerstribu.ne/Facebook
Instagram: playerstribu.ne/Instagram
Subscribe to our KZbin: playerstribu.ne/KZbin
Knuckleheads IG: / knuckleheadspodcast
Knuckleheads FB: / knuckleheadspodcast
More from Knuckleheads: playerstribu.ne/knuckleheadspod
00:00 : Intro
00:49 : Who Bust Yo' Ass?
01:47 : Growing up in Puerto Rico
08:07 : Playing High School ball in Georgia
11:31 : Florida International University
15:13 : Toronto Raptors
20:05 : Utah Jazz
27:59 : Puerto Rico National Team
32:00 : Andrei Kirilenko
34:39 : Detroit Pistons
40:08 : Orlando Magic
43:13 : Playing in Israel
44:35 : Miami Heat
51:56 : JJ Barea
54:07 : Music career
56:41 : Basketball academy
58:10 : Carlos' Starting Five
59:54 : Start, Bench, Trade
1:01:28 : First Big Purchase
1:02:22 : Outro

[@knuckleheadspodcastTPT]

00:00 : Intro 00:49 : Who Bust Yo' Ass? 01:47 : Growing up in Puerto Rico 08:07 : Playing High School ball in Georgia 11:31 : Florida International University 15:13 : Toronto Raptors 20:05 : Utah Jazz 27:59 : Puerto Rico National Team 32:00 : Andrei Kirilenko 34:39 : Detroit Pistons 40:08 : Orlando Magic 43:13 : Playing in Israel 44:35 : Miami Heat 51:56 : JJ Barea 54:07 : Music career 56:41 : Basketball academy 58:10 : Carlos' Starting Five 59:54 : Start, Bench, Trade 1:01:28 : First Big Purchase 1:02:22 : Outro

[@SupremeBroncos]

Prayers up for D Miles I hope you don't have to do any Jail time

[@JjHernandez-dc6ul]

D miles!!!

[@jacobsunday6561]

Ngl, I did not expect Carlos Arroyo but I’m all for it, I’d love to see more of these underrated players from the early 2000s on the pod.

[@eddieogun]

More under noticed then underrated but ya point still stands

[@Seroxm13]

​@@eddieogunI'd say underrated cause he's a FIBA legend for Puerto Rico. 2nd best PR player FIBA-wise. 1st is Piculin Ortiz.

[@Mr.PR2000]

@@Seroxm13True but Arroyo could’ve been a way better player in the NBA if they just let him be himself.

[@BranNextDoor973]

'til this day Carlos Arroyo is a massive inspiration to Puerto Rican guards like me. Proudly followed him and it meant the world to see a fellow Puerto Rican impact ball the way he did. Love Q & D always, but y'all really did it with this one 🔥

[@layuponthedownlow]

Carlos arroyo is the best PG to ever play the game of basketball 💯. No one can do what he did. No one. Never. Not in this lifetime

[@kennenallen4321]

Arroyo is a Dog. Always loved to see him play.

[@yonh5350]

man i love how this pod continues to put shine on players like Arroyo, those early 2000s NBA was such a good time

[@bluegregory6239]

Different time, different style, but I loved that era. Not such a huge fan of the modern 3-point-chucking game where defense is no longer allowed.

[@rbfx9741]

Dude is mad humble. I appreciate his story arc.

[@jla3562]

His humility is amazing ❤ I love it

[@MrFlamesP]

This is why this is the first and best Player podcast out there. 💯💯💯

[@tutran8363]

Fact!!!

[@nanox4]

Como latinoamericano y fan del basketball, un gran orgullo 🇵🇷🇦🇷. I wish I could see Manu with you fellas one day.

[@adpada7122]

As a boricua, AMARÍA A MANU AHÍ ❤

[@dirtyface-capone7622]

Yeah Manu would be an awesome guest.

[@christianolmeda8073]

Aprecio tu comentario admiro el basket argentino, grandes batallas entre PR y Argentina , Nuestra Leyenda Flor Meléndez dirigente de dirigentes también pasó mucho tiempo en Argentina y ayudó mucho el desarrollo de el Basket Argentino , El que Sabe Sabe

[@samusaran4948]

🇦🇷🇨🇺woooooooo

[@SeroxMorales]

As a Puerto Rican, I would love to see Manu! I miss those old school Puerto Rico vs Argentina battles I grew up watching. Miss our old school teams. 🇵🇷🇦🇷

[@jidc667]

Always think of the 2011 Heat vs Dallas finals. Arroyo was doing a good job, I think he even was the leader in % for corner 3s, they waived him to get Bibby who was done. It would have been Arroyo Vs Barea in the finals. PR was going nuts seeing Barea Kill everyone. Imagine having them 2 going against each other.

[@g..._anthony27]

I seen him play with Miami in a preseason game that year...

[@LuisMos]

💯

[@bluegregory6239]

J.J. Barea tore up my Lakers in that Dallas run. Lakers have always been vulnerable to small, quick PGs, back to Walt 'Clyde' Frazier at the very least.

[@leonidaspr805]

Arroyo wasn’t even on the team in the finals lol

[@jidc667]

@@leonidaspr805 lee bien

[@AmiriHipHop]

Y'all can say I'm tripping for this idea, but am I only that thinks Q&D should have AND1 legends on this show as well? Like AO, Hot Sauce, Half Man Half Amazing, Main Event, etc.

[@Flameville]

That would be FIIIIIRREEE!!!!

[@c7lee]

All I rmb is Iman Shumpert talking about a hot sauce story playing in a pro am and they were calling him ketchup afterwards 😂

[@A_Sleap]

I was just about to comment this

[@HemiNeutron]

You tripping, lol seriously though that would be lit

[@JKemp-no1qq]

Hell yeah I believe all hoopers watch and 1 or grew up watching and 1 i know I did had the shoes and all back in 00 01

[@ibzanarroyo704]

The pride of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷!!!!

[@lemini4k]

Years ago, I was playing a pickup game in Oviedo/Orlando FL and Arroyo walked onto the court and nobody knew who he was at first nor did I recognize him. I caught fire and hit five threes in a row and got high fives and was cheered on. He was talking about "Don't let lil' man cook you like that play defense." That last three I hit, he took his hoodie off and it was Carlos Arroyo. Big high five laughing. Game was over after that. Every single PR person @ the park were in shock. He's like PR's MJ. Most people don't realize that outside of PR Hoop culture. My brother from another mother was almost in tears holding back because that was his hero. Very chill guy wish we had a sharpie my boy had them AND1 Tai Chis on too. Should have had him sign em. Lol.

[@Sprezza_tura]

Tai chi’s are legendary 🔥

[@T-HaynesTv]

That's a dope ass story man frfr.

[@jonisafreak3]

Shoutout to Puerto Rican legends Carmelo Travieso and Edgar Padilla who was the starting backcourt for the 1996 UMASS college who made it into the final 4 of the NCAA college tournament with Marcus Camby . after college they decided to go back to the homeland instead of pursuing an NBA career but I think had they tried out for the NBA they would’ve made it.

[@SeroxMorales]

Yeah, Carlos Arroyo is like our MJ and Piculin Ortiz is like our Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

[@brandonball4247]

Remember him lighting the USA's ass in the Olympics. A real one for sure 🫡

[@Sbj0707]

People slept on my boy Carlos. His handles and jump shot was crispy.

[@layuponthedownlow]

Carlos arroyo is the best PG to ever play the game of basketball 💯. No one can do what he did. No one. Never. Not in this lifetime

[@bryanlopez3457]

Q ain’t lying this man is national treasure and living legend for the island

[@P-DAPS]

As a hoop junkie since 1990 this podcast is must see tv. A lot of insight into the League. I remember when Arroyo was here in Toronto, glad everything worked out for him

[@18incheswide89]

What an episode! Carlos has such a crazy list of teammates. Insane resume, could have picked few rings too.

[@amancalledhawk5575]

Man he had a crazy handle too it doesn’t get talked about enough

[@tradeforcharity]

Soccer #1 sport in PR 🇵🇷 don’t disrespect us like that bruh !!!! It’s BASEBALL

[@TonyRealTalk07]

Puerto Rico finest, one of the greatest if not the greatest ever for us! 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🐐

[@Penny4URToughts]

Yo any other Rican paused the video at 1:57 and was no bro it’s baseball ⚾️

[@ChevyPedia]

Carlos Arroyo is one of the main reasons, Puerto Rico is not a State and Puerto Ricans are ok with it. Best day of my life and biggest upset in Sports History. The Day Puerto Rico defeated a Dream Team in the Olympics by 19 points in 2004. I still get goosebumps! Boricua aunque naciera en la luna! Eso eh Puñeta!!!!

[@Thelastpogi]

This is one the reasons why i love this podcast.. u get to know those players. U get to hear their stories and get access to their life in the nba. U dont get that in any other channels. Like this episode. Full of stories and inspirations

[@mikeportnoy7622]

Carlos got quite a career. Man oh man. Those legends he became teammates with and coaches and teams he was a part of. He's so blessed.

[@jeremyroberts4760]

That year he started for the Jazz was one my favorite years. They were only supposed to win 13 games. They won 42 and missed the playoffs by one game. Carlos is the man. That team busted their asses every night.

[@Noname-hc5uw]

Carlos definitely had a flair to his game, you could see a rhythm to his ball handling and with his jumper.

[@dezmen07]

I am always inspired by an underdog story, never give up on your dreams, stay hungry and be humble. 👏

[@WittenbergProject]

man .. Carlos has seen so much greatness. From Vince Carter, to guarding MJ, to Sloan, to Coach Brown, to Sheed, To Stockton and Malone, etc... just amazing.

[@AnthonyWilliams-vx8ul]

Great episode I'm playing NBA live 2002 and just dropped 35 off the bench with Q Richardson!

[@danielcigarroa1724]

Glad you guys had this interview Arroyo is a LEGEND here in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[@darrennieves5117]

Carlitos, saludos brother. El mejor!!!!! Orgullo boricua.

[@user-ph1eo1bl4e]

I requested Arroyo a while back, Luv the pic, Arroyo was my guy I luv'd his organized style of ball, true PG

[@richdome1]

I'm a Hooper from the 60's Bk NY. During my honeymoon In Ocha Rio ,Jamaica I brought my Rock in my luggage! After we checked in I went MIA,PR national team and a teen Carlos were hooping by the beach. Wife was upset, hoops is how we met she was the score keeper! Rock til you drop. Isabela/AguadillaPR !

[@emauricedavy733]

As a proud Trinidadian basketball fan, I wished they asked him about losing to Trinidad and Tobago in Centro Basket 2010, I think. He had fellow NBA players JJ Barea and Renaldo Balkman playing with him that night. T&T had "Lighter" Lewis (who? exactly).

[@bybarco]

Took some time to come around to this pod, but y'all have the absolute best basketball pod. By far. No gimmicks, no filler, time stamps, informative graphics, detailed conversation allowing the guests to be the speaker they came to be. Keep up the good work.

[@user-zm9bf1pi8f]

Am a huge fan of your show. Knuckleheads podcast is the best, You guys always make the interview very entertaining and allow the guest really feel comfortable, it gives a cool vibe like a feel of those barber shop convos with friends. I thank you Q and Darius for this interview many blessings to you guys. As a Puerto Rican Am proud of Carlos Arroyo many blessings to him and his family You guys need to get JJ Barea or Jose Alvarado to the show. there were puerto ricans back in the day in the league like Butch Lee Jose Ortiz Ramon Ramos Ramon Rivas Jerome Mincy Rolando Balkman but none had the sucess like Carlos Arroyo JJ Barea and Jose Alvarado and Carmelo Anthony who is half puerto rican

[@danielcunningham-ks1ic]

Great interview fellas. Y’all always on point and real. Carlos seems like a real one, down to earth.

[@jaylebron777]

In Puerto Rico, you'd find a basketball court and a barbershop in every neighborhood - sometimes even three! Not sure about the current scene, but this was my experience 25 years ago when I was 15. 😄🏀✂️

[@LiosWorld1]

Carlos Arroyo was underrated. He was a baller.

[@FromTheHipp]

i LOVED arroyo's game. he was so nice. very underrated player.

[@trigga1863]

When he beat USA i gassed him up on live 05 and started a Dynasty with him damn im getting old Shoutout Los

[@numbersandsports4206]

Carlos is dope on the mic, he should be doing more pods with his come up story.

[@soleinclined]

My man got the Puerto Rico Air Max 1s! Arroyo was always so fun to watch, I remember watching them upset AI, TD etc. Great story

[@ill-nois2282]

PR legend, salute 🇵🇷

[@992porter]

I love these types of player. They meant something in the league and real hoop fans know them. Good to hear their story. Now let’s get 55 buckets on here. J Will

[@imarealboy3657]

These are the guest I love … real ones know Carlos arroyo 💯 we need great role players with hidden gem stories like this more on the podcast frfr

[@1000Fam-]

I just want to Salute yall for getting the guys that people might’ve forgotten about that really did hoop fareal, NOT JUST PLAYED,HOOPED!!!!

[@Buckets2321]

Wow man this might just be the best basketball pod imo. Basketball pod culture is really growing but somethin about this one takes me back to when I was 5 yrs old watching nba games with my dad

[@Elvin_reels]

Finally, loved him on the Pistons!🤘🏽🔥 red jerseys were bold!

[@jordanperez1810]

Love this interview I'm 🇵🇷 so I'm glad ya did this

[@richAsaur]

I appreciate yall brining on these older players because they were the ones I grew up watching and that feeling whenever an older player is mentioned is like dangggg.

[@michaellopez8894]

Salute... Q and TBO this is crazy, greatly appreciated.

[@stringer2295]

Dude was solid, played his part and didn’t lose games

[@bemtank5227]

He was getting buckets in Boston swear to god I he was a bucket in the bean I loved him out here

[@robertotapia8086]

Thanks for Having @Carlos Arroyo on he's always represented Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 respectfully

[@jus-ejays1236]

Yo arroyo was a bucket on the Jazz in nba live 2004 😆 i loved watching puerto rico beat Team USA in that olympics. Great story need more of these international legends sharing their stories

[@HCaulfield115]

What a great podcast. Loved it ! ❤

[@gspadeo87]

AO has Class, all young teenagers pay attention to him, this is how to be so you can go places in life!

[@BigMir248]

He was nice as hell on NBA live. I still remember when he COOKED Team USA. I was sick smh lol. Solid dude though. Salute

[@boricua007x]

Legend from 🇵🇷. Great convo

[@Och93hi50]

one of the first to do it

[@b.newsome8696]

Man, I'm glad I found this podcast in the last 3 weeks..perfect for the holidays

[@puertoricobasketball]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Excellent interview. Carlos Arroyo is the beast 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@JCYoo]

Loved this.

[@heavybrandpodcast]

🔥 interview!

[@dorianfrancilus2095]

Banger pod today 🔥🔥

[@mrsmoove5715]

Respect bro GOD Bless always Ballin

[@horacelilbigbrother9215]

Luv this Kat Carlos Arroyo man. I remember Chauncey Billups saying how "Los" used to cook his ass 😂 on NBA Open Court

[@usmc29er44]

Love this dude. Dude was tough as nails

[@troymoitt5248]

Loved this one

[@rafaelvega538]

Great interview to the pride of PR, Carlos Arroyo. There is a couple of great individuals I would like to spend a day with to pick there minds. The great Carlos Arroyo is one of them.

[@bby_plut0]

Boricua Legend, love u CArroyo 🔥

[@vharris5503]

I did not expect this interview but i clicked instantly

[@lgilbert696]

Did yall tell on Coach??!! 😂😂😂😂 man I love these dudes! 😂😂.. I watched the whole career of you both. Was a joy to watch here in Detroit bro.

[@robboruff1608]

Great show Q & Darius….. Love the enthusiasm and pro insight with Carlos… only NBA players can do this….. Scott Van Pelt, as good as he is could not have done this interview better. You guys do an outstanding job interviewing these former pro players….. Cheers

[@jonathanaponte6823]

You guys nailed with this one 🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@ihsanhasserbetci5457]

he also played for besiktas istanbul, and won everything that year 🦅

[@pedrogiusti761]

Carlos Arroyo! Its a Legend in PR!

[@junjun.47_]

Appreciate y’all for this one 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@charliehorse543]

Good job, you guys got everybody,I like Carlos from the Detroit pistons when he was a rookie.

[@T-HaynesTv]

S/o to the PR. He made me proud to have PR blood running through me after seeing them beat USA in 04

[@joshuaperez4151]

Great interview

[@Kedp_]

They interview every one I grew up watch hoop, I love there pod 🔥

[@hecmaelirodriguez3781]

Great content guys just subscribe looking forward for more interviews like this one shot out to Carlos Arroyo great career

[@cyclone927]

Growing up in PR back in the 2000s Carlos Arroyo was a fucking ICON for us. Specially after that PR vs USA game

[@angelarmandoperez1344]

Honor and love Carlos. Representando Fajardo y PR.

[@christianjimenezzengotita8105]

💪😎 Leyenda por siempre Carlitos

[@tradeforcharity]

Q Rich funny as hell. He said hell no to knee pads. Great podcast. 😂

[@Benito722]

Chicago and Puerto Rico! 😍

[@travg3964]

Loved seeing arroyo on the magic

[@drizzle1934]

Arroyo was a bad man

[@iii5091]

If only Carlos was five inches taller I can only imagine the career he would've had in the NBA. Dude was nice.

[@dominicrigsby8547]

Good interview

[@Bukahta]

I remember Carlos at FIU cool dude. You could tell he loved the ame back then he as he was playing for the schoolbut also jumping in the intramural leagues playing with the guys

[@joseberrios6714]

Good stuff guys. CA is a legend in PR man. I remember watching him in person playing for the national team - that ball handling was REDICULOUS. He would put everyone and their mama to dance on defense 🤣🤣🤣🤣🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jayceedope4242]

that AK47 story is wild haha, he was one of my fave player in the early 2000s era

[@OnTheGoWithNgongo]

Always like Carlos and he seems like a dope dude off the court too and he could ball BALL.

[@jahlieel.e7856]

SALUTE MY GUYS 🇵🇷..KNUCKEHEADS 4EVER.

[@vf0009]

Boricua my home town Fajardo thank you Carlos for so much 2004 killer

[@FlippDaBurd]

Salute to the Boricuas!