The life of an NBA player is not one home away from home, but adjusting to a whirlwind journey across America collectively known as “The Road.” This week, Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner spoke. point forward podcast We discussed what life was like on the road, and more specifically, how players keep to their schedules for trips to their favorite locations.
Unsurprisingly, New York and Chicago were popular destinations, but there was one NBA city that unanimously captured players' attention during their trip.
“Miami. People were looking forward to going to Miami,” Iguodala said. “I've never seen so many people so excited to go to Miami.” upon plane.It was a long flight but everyone didn't mind. that Flight. ”
While the natural reaction might be to attribute this to nightlife and culture – the bars and parties of South Beach – there is also a very practical element to this as well. Turner explains that half of the hype about traveling to Miami was because of the weather, especially if you're on a team based in a city with a cold climate.
Life on the streets is not monolithic and evolves over time. Iguodala and Turner explain that there are actually three stages to a career when moving constantly from city to city.
- As a newbie, you just have to explore. You end up spending a lot of time in shopping malls and eating at the most expensive restaurants in town because you don't know anything about it.
- After being in the league for a few years, we develop these hubs across the country. We know your favorite stores and restaurants that are open late in each city, and you can build a base each time you travel so you can always reach your destination.
- Late in their careers, when players are thinking about life after basketball, these road trips provide an opportunity to network. Hold meetings between games to prepare for life after basketball.
It's this third part that many fans don't know about, and it's where Iguodala went into some fascinating detail. In an effort to use his time efficiently, he never turned on the TV in his hotel room toward the end of his career. Instead, he spent his time reading books about business and then branched out to make connections with the bigwigs in the field.
Iguodala notes that traveling to San Antonio has always been interesting because of its proximity to Austin. This allowed me to arrange meetings with businessmen with whom I wanted to work after my playing days were over, and allowed me to build important networks.
“That's how I changed my flow,” Iguodala said.
Another very appealing element of the NBA player's life on the road is the ability to check in on a specific city each year and see it change over time. Iguodala and Turner were able to recall the scary places they first traveled to and watch them evolve into something amazing over time.
Turner: Shoot, sometimes you'll end up in Milwaukee… you know what I'm saying?
Iguodala: That's nice right now!
Turner: Yeah! Super nice. Previously, there were only safflowers under here. Now that bad guy is jumping!
Iggy cited Uptown Charlotte as a destination, saying it's one of the places he thinks has grown the most from when he first started in the league to now. But both players agree that there is one place where he has improved the most, from the time he entered the league to the time he became a frequent visitor on the road.
Toronto.
When Iguodala entered the league, it felt like its diversity and culture were hidden away, but as a long-time veteran, Iguodala feels like he's alive and well because of what an inclusive and wonderful place it is to visit. I believe it's a great place to go. Turner points out that when he entered the league, it was a completely foreign feeling, but now it's like a three-hour drive from Columbus to the next town over.
It's incredible to think that NBA players have a travel guide's knowledge of every city they travel to. Understanding not just the best spots, bars and atmosphere to meet up with, but also the best places to truly experience the culture and pulse of that city.
A road trip doesn't necessarily mean traveling to a foreign country, but making a home in any part of the country.
