Vin Baker Discusses Matchups With All-Time Centers, Bucks Championship, Overcoming Addiction & More

It’s all about Vin Baker this week! The Best-Kept Secret out of Connecticut joins the pod to talk about his journey from University of Hartford to 4x NBA All-Star to Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach. Vin looks back on his years facing off against some of the NBA’s greatest centers, being an original member of Jordan Brand, winning a championship as a coach, the power of vulnerability and overcoming addiction.
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00:00:00 Intro
00:00:56 Who Bust Yo' Ass?
00:02:07 Growing up in Connecticut
00:07:06 University of Hartford
00:15:40 NBA Draft
00:19:19 Milwaukee Bucks
00:24:23 Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson
00:30:00 Jordan Brand
00:36:32 Seattle Supersonics
00:40:36 Gary Payton
00:43:42 New York Knicks
00:46:56 Mental Health
00:56:12 Bucks Coaching Job
00:58:52 Giannis Antetokounmpo
01:03:55 Damian Lillard Trade
01:08:22 Championship with Bucks
01:09:32 Start, Bench, Trade
01:10:21 Starting 5
01:11:10 First Purchase
01:13:11 USA Team
01:18:51 Outro

[@knuckleheadspodcastTPT]

00:00:00 Intro 00:00:56 Who Bust Yo' Ass? 00:02:07 Growing up in Connecticut 00:07:06 University of Hartford 00:15:40 NBA Draft 00:19:19 Milwaukee Bucks 00:24:23 Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson 00:30:00 Jordan Brand 00:36:32 Seattle Supersonics 00:40:36 Gary Payton 00:43:42 New York Knicks 00:46:56 Mental Health 00:56:12 Bucks Coaching Job 00:58:52 Giannis Antetokounmpo 01:03:55 Damian Lillard Trade 01:08:22 Championship with Bucks 01:09:32 Start, Bench, Trade 01:10:21 Starting 5 01:11:10 First Purchase 01:13:11 USA Team 01:18:51 Outro

[@DDSTWO]

No Bs narratives to try and go viral, no fake love. That’s why I rock with this podcast. Being genuine is such a rarity nowadays.

[@kylegravel5298]

This podcast feels like the 2000’s. back then we didn’t do things to go viral. More often it was passion.

[@dodson52081]

Facts

[@Roc_Official]

How it should be. Passion is very important. There is nothing like the true love of the game.

[@Virtualcritic111]

I wouldn’t even say that they are with times but they bring a old school feel to it

[@kdkdQ]

1000% couldn’t have said it better!

[@nate8604]

One could argue that era of stars underachieved the most. So I question that “passion” opinion.

[@JeffAxel410]

Vin was ahead of his time with the ball handling, shooting, and ability to run the floor glad to see he’s recovered 14 years of sobriety is dope.

[@andrewbradley5235]

Him and Rex Chapman to me were the most open and raw about their struggles. Salute to these dudes.

[@cchampaine179]

Your right Chris Mullen was the 1st that I remembered

[@Ryan-mx3rx]

Trust me, I can say from experience, a person that overcomes substance abuse issues will be the most honest people you'll ever meet. Rex and Vin both overcame their struggles and want others to learn from their mistakes.

[@tiborpataki749]

What a humble person Baker is. He's so intelligent and he was a killer on the court. I'm glad his life is back on the right track. 🙏

[@mattforman4972]

I could agree more...I am alumni of Hartford and still live in CT and outside of struggles with alcohol the people I have met that knew him all spoke highly of him. After watching him it's hard not to root for him to continue to be successful and sober, he is just a nice guy

[@ericcaesar5457]

I love how these brothers have improved their interview skills...

[@jaysivv436]

💯!!

[@AMart870]

One of the forgotten about PF/C of the Mid 90s- Early 2000s Vin Baker, smooth Big with a nice Middy, he'd be even better in this era!

[@Terry794]

For the youngins who don’t know about Vin, he was HIM!!!

[@therealkwamebrownbustlife]

😂😂😂

[@antoniorod6689]

​@@therealkwamebrownbustlifewhy u laughing little man

[@therealkwamebrownbustlife]

@@antoniorod6689 what's up nugga👌?

[@davidcovington1046]

Facts!

[@mattforman4972]

So good to see Vin healthy and sober and back involved in the game in some capacity

[@djblakethesnake]

This guy is so refreshing with a humble honorable outlook

[@tezplayedwhat]

Vin seems at peace and really humble. Great interview Q&D

[@Sbj0707]

He was a beast. Definitely enjoyed the match up with him and Webber and Duncan. I'm also proud of my big bro giving another opportunity. Winning a championship as one of the coaching staffs. Salute Big Vin!🏀🙌🏿

[@nktechnical_9966]

Yall need to get Lindsey Hunter, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Antonio McDyess, Terrell Brandon, Tony Allen, James Posey, Andrei Kirilenko, Al Jefferson, P.J Brown

[@heirling25]

Fyi, this podcast is several years old and they've already interviewed lot of the people you suggested, but it looks like they've recently taken the older interviews down.

[@nktechnical_9966]

@@heirling25 several years old? I know they began when the pandemic began but they def have not interviewed any of those players I suggested. I know for a fact

[@heirling25]

@@nktechnical_9966 By several years I mean they've been around about 5 years 9r so- but you may be right- I could very well be mixing up guests who have been on All The Smoke with Knuckleheads guests, but in any event those guests are all good suggestions.

[@matthewschelle1829]

I want Jordan on here lol

[@DeTAYL.]

@@matthewschelle1829Jordan would be dope. I’m waiting on that DRose interview

[@bobbiem1058]

Vin is one of the nicest most wonderful people out there. He just happened to have an addiction. So glad he was able to turn it around.

[@ericsalazar6712]

I still have Vin Baker's Rookies which looking at his class there were a bunch of All-Stars. I followed him through out his career, and at his pinnacle VB was a problem. Real Happy for him, keep succeeding.

[@AdrianEmbrey1979]

Much respect to these cats for doing their research and I guess knowing these player’s backgrounds. Keep up the good/hard work fellas.

[@drew8703]

Man, I can't put my finger on it, but it never ceases to amaze me how interesting, thoughtful, deep, intelligent, funny, each show and individual guest has been and continues to be. In a way, the journey and path of each guest is similar, with some predictable points and questions, yet each guest has their own personality, own experience, how they progressed, dealt and met challenges, and on, with respect to their life as athletes and then even more outside the sport. Then, on the other hand, I could probably invert most of the last sentence and descriptive words (e.g., each guest has wildly different paths, but there are core similarities to each) and it would still make sense to me (still entertaining, interesting, funny, etc.) Its just a brilliant show, and brilliant guest. Thank you Vin for coming on show. Loved hearing from you and how you roll. I was limited in how much I could see you play because I didn't have cable, but it was fun and exciting to experience your career just through boxscores in newspaper, league avg leader list, basketball cards, magazine articles , occasional highlights I caught by chance and news/sports TV stories.

[@tezplayedwhat]

I ended drafting Vin on my fantasy draft on 2k and he won MVP and led my squad to a chip!! Vin was a beast for the bucks and he made 42 cool aszell when I was a kid!

[@johncrook9519]

Loved Vin Baker. Like Joe Smith and Donyell Marshall, consistently long and underappreciated careers.

[@verified.my2cents]

I remember that Knick playoff game and MSG saluting Vin Baker. Once a Knick....always a Knick. Salute & Peace.

[@ishetrying]

This is one of my favorite interviews ever. Vin Baker is so open, direct, and fair about his life.

[@mi.tsiklauri]

Vin Baker is a great human and honorable man.

[@abuwadie3]

Vin was ahead of his time like dirk. Face up 4. He would clean up in today’s game. On the court and 💵

[@elijahkeys6991]

CAN WE GET LATRELL SPREWELL PLEASE?!?! I’ve been asking for a year!!!!

[@TheSportsandFilmFellowship]

Vin was a beast!! Loved watching him. I remember him in He Got Game also.

[@garybush5471]

Him talking about being the first Brand Jordan athlete is so dope!!!

[@michaelbeale518]

I remember reading about you at Hartford. I followed you at Milwaukee. I am a life long Sonics fan.I enjoyed you playing for the Sonics. I am happy to see you're doing well Vin. I was just in Lake Wales yesterday.

[@michaelcopeland2054]

The Vince Carter dunk story is by far one of the funniest stories ever 😂 Loved every part of this interview.

[@chrisisslick]

"That was some bullcrap" 😆

[@ColinCaptures]

Thank you Q and D for continuing to do this podcast! These interviews never get old no matter who the guest is. Ya'll interviewing style is so natural and comforting for the guests and enjoyable for us listeners.

[@Classicbasketballdvds]

madd underrated player...luved his game

[@kendrickbell8525]

DEFINITELY appreciated the honesty and transparency, insightful interview.💯

[@tiborpataki749]

That knicks story deep man. You can see how much Q and D admire the man, the way they're listening when Vin speaks.

[@Patawon]

Loved this one. Vin is a super solid guy.

[@marcomcdowell8861]

Vin Baker was nice. You never hear Shaq badmouthing him because Vin would make him work. He wasn't giving him 30, but Shaq had to actively defend Vin when they matched up.

[@JoshuaMitchell-bey7]

I remember being at TSU and Vin and Van Exel was there! 💪🏾

[@nicktinson2950]

Damn I was there during that time too. I wish I could’ve got a pic with them

[@Aaron_Jamal32]

My coaches! Still keep in touch with them guys!

[@Aaron_Jamal32]

I got so many stories of this guy right here! A great mentor and a great player coach! My confidence was on 10 playing him! He also checked my classes to make sure I was in them, and I never was and he never snitched! My guy! 😂

[@2KGrind09]

my brother had 2 broken legs, so he would still send me to go buy shoes for him for when he healed. I remember he told me to go pick up the Vin B's, I was asking could I wear them while he was laid up.

[@jefflikesgolf4768]

Yessah Vin Baker is one cool dude🙏🤙

[@IAintGonLieSoTellMeWhy]

Shoutout to the knuckleheads

[@hugh_jazznuts]

Absolutely love Mr. Baker's story. Much respect and thanks for sharing.

[@b.o.1951]

Rip Rob Sanders. We love you and we miss you my brotha. CT’s finest 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Lovlee33161]

What a good guy man.

[@benjaminvardaman1406]

Great interview everyone! I love the progression. You guys are killing it

[@jamalsdad3711]

Great interview. The humility and honesty is dope.

[@LavaLampZone]

Vin's book is soooo cold!!! Can't wait to watch this!!!

[@662Cno]

Ima say it every episode 😂 WE NEED A MONTA INTERVIEW

[@jodycollier6607]

Lived in wa state and developed the love of basketball while watching the sonics in the 90s and Vin was cool. Big fan. Good to see him on the greatest podcast around

[@vharris5503]

Man yall gotta keep this going!!! I did not hesitate and pressed play IMMEDIATELY

[@Dp.92voicebox]

I worked with vin at Starbucks.. really humble guy

[@horacelilbigbrother9215]

NBA 2000: Stars for the new millennium... I had that VHS yrs ago 😂 thanks Vinny B😊

[@donaldbell3338]

Great interview! Congratulatons on your journey Vin.

[@AJShotDat]

I love for this podcast man.

[@CindiKRyan]

Lots of love & respect for Vin! Great podcast!

[@leecee9528]

One of my favorites Vin Right on Sir

[@mario1229]

Q and D this was a dope interview...Vin had nice footwork on the block...I enjoyed watching him play

[@reedrasaan]

96 San Antonio VIN don’t forget that allstar game.

[@alanfortune3092]

I can relate to Vin's story! 14 years clean and sober!

[@KingTodd_gaming_]

Vin Baker, Seattle Sonics, yessir!

[@Wyndamn]

Ohhh boy , Shawn Kemp was terrifying on the court 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿 Athletic, quick/ fast , had hops, bounce whatever you want to call it The Reign Man could fly !!!

[@raheemhenderson]

S/o to vin baker. I got a funny story when I seen him at van dome in NEWHAVEN CT. Much love vin.

[@BoricuaAlex86]

I met Vin Baker at Bertuccis in West Hartford, CT where i worked as a manager back in 2007, very humble guy really good dude, I took a picture with him , made me feel like a midget standing next to him lol😅

[@_saucegod]

Great conversation

[@christophercooper8190]

Best podcast hands down 4real hoopers

[@nathanielbrown3136]

I knew yall wasn't gonna let me down. I was waiting for the Vince Carter question

[@arthurfarquharsonjr9229]

Let's go Vin Baker...fellow Uhart Hawk.!!!

[@jveezy9153]

The legend

[@creydadj]

Man Starbucks SAVED Vin Baker’s life big time. He was able to recover

[@leggo0116]

Shoutout Lake Wales, currently living about 10 minutes from there

[@kmorr212]

Lol speaking of mad max….I can guarantee yall that you will never laugh harder than with an interview with him, especially you Q. The man got stories.

[@tugard1]

I use tu get on Q hut his interviewing has improved alot. He dont drsg on questions anymore and he ask solid questions now. Props tu Q.

[@samuelmaat4148]

One of my fav Vin Baker moments was seeing his stank face after witnessing Vince Carter dunk over the 7-footer in the Olympics. A true olden moment.

[@qceaz11]

Vin Baker Was That Dude In Milwaukee & Seattle

[@NellBentley1]

Gotta Give My Man D. Miles Some Credit My Man Doing His Thing Hosting While Q Kinda Plays The Background Till Someone From The Chi Comes On.

[@goldteethpoohproductions2707]

Damn I didn't know he was the first I thought it was Ray Allen lol. Vin Baker is very underrated Very humble

[@erablaktv]

Vin baker 1st all star appearance is the 1995' all-star game,his 2nd year in the league,no Michael Jordan (MJ came back from first retirement this year with 17 games to go in the season therefore missed the whole season and no all star appearance) 2nd was 96 3rd was 97 and the nba 50th anniversary team,Ray Allen rookie year 4th and final All Star appearance was 98 and he was a Seattle supersonic

[@carlcolemanjr6]

Aye OG D Miles you been asking the start bench trade too long to still mess it up 😂😂

[@DcDolo]

I'm from NY Q right Knicks fans are knowledgeable and show love to Any body played on Knicks

[@dancingwithfools]

Love this podcast....head and shoulders above all other bball podcasts

[@Dipset415]

Vin and t Mac look related 💯💪🏿

[@jsimmons834]

Yung-ones need to know about Vin. He was a different type of big man at the time. Love the mentioning of faith in his life as well. But the Bucks ARE 2ND to the PACKERS. Real Talk.

[@iamkenkong1]

#DopeEpisode

[@creydadj]

1:11:37 man that 5 spot was tough because he played with role centers for most of his career

[@dennisgodman9732]

Big S/O to Vin

[@Richard-Reloaded]

The real Vinsanity 🔥

[@donDubP]

Why did he forget Big Dog in his 5 OMG!!!! hahahaha especially after giving Big Dog his own segment

[@chrisisslick]

Because pierce is better

[@TheThrillChannel]

It was between this and Dame Dash on 85 south 😂😂 ima do half and half right now 😂😂

[@creydadj]

0:59 fact check: Malone scored 14 and 27 in two games against Vin man his rookie year. But he held his own too against the mail man

[@creydadj]

1:09:44 Start Malone that’s two MVPs and 3rd all time leading scorer Bench/Trade either Chuck or Kemp because these two either demanded or involved in a trade

[@propanepetey3637]

We need Monta Ellis man 🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@javon408]

good sh!t yall

[@kylegravel5298]

If you close your eyes you’re actually listening to James worthy and vin baker at the same time

[@12ladder]

Basketball in CT is better than Mr. Miles said it was, especially in the urban centers like Hartford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, and New Haven. Vin Baker, Michael Adams, and Marcus Camby didn't come out of nowhere.

[@davidcovington1046]

Facts!

[@demigodt34]

Asks a question Vin baker it was crazy 😂

[@user-qx7ix9ve3l]

Eddie Jones would be 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@davidcovington1046]

Facts!

[@mauricescott4190]

We want Michael Redd

[@boyangli7266]

DAY 1

[@seanterrell7383]

Bring the old man on here AKA JORDAN SINCE U ALL ON THE BRAND

[@RacingHeartMedia]

Gotta have Ahmad Rashad on here!!!!

[@Johan-zm8hj]

Tim Duncan wasn't on that Olympic team