Rashad McCants, a former standout basketball player, had a thriving career that included being a McDonald’s All-American and winning a National Championship with the University of North Carolina (UNC) in 2005. Known for his scoring ability, he was drafted 14th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2005 NBA Draft. Over his NBA career, he averaged 10 points per game during stints in Minnesota and Sacramento. Post-NBA, McCants made history as the first-ever player picked in Ice Cube’s Big3 league, eventually leading his team to win the league’s first championship while earning MVP honors in the final match.
In a recent exclusive interview, McCants discussed various topics including the NBA Finals, where he predicted that the Indiana Pacers would overcome the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games, citing the coaching prowess of Rick Carlisle and the Thunder’s inexperience. He expressed that the Pacers’ strong fanbase could shift narrative momentum in their favor. When asked whether he would choose Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Tyrese Haliburton to build a team around, McCants favored Haliburton for his passing abilities and team-oriented play.
Reflecting on his time in the NBA, McCants shared insights about playing alongside Kevin Garnett, revealing a deeper friendship outside the spotlight where Garnett exhibited a humorous and competitive side. He drew parallels between Garnett and Kobe Bryant regarding their work ethic and competitiveness, viewing both as inspiring figures in his career. When discussing his toughest competitors, McCants named Kobe as the best player he faced, citing the meticulous preparation required to guard such a talented player, while also acknowledging Vince Carter among other talented peers from that era.
Shifting the conversation to college athletics, McCants evaluated the NCAA Transfer Portal, demanding a more structured approach to it. He argued that while the portal can benefit players, it should come with contractual obligations that mandate accountability and performance from student-athletes seeking to transfer. He emphasized the need for clear boundaries and requirements to uphold the integrity and purpose of college sports, echoing sentiments from his book on athlete exploitation.
McCants reflected on his experiences at UNC, mentioning Michael Jordan’s sporadic visits to practice. He shared a light-hearted moment where he claimed to have made a half-court shot in front of Jordan, proudly asserting his skill. He also weighed in on the current pressures surrounding Bill Belichick’s role as UNC’s football coach, characterizing the move as potentially prestigious but filled with scrutiny due to various external controversies, stressing the higher expectations that accompany Belichick’s presence in college football.
As the conversation turned toward the Big3 league’s upcoming season, McCants discussed the significant adjustments players must make when transitioning from 5-on-5 to the more intense half-court 3-on-3 format. He explained that it requires a different kind of physical condition, as each player must sustain a level of constant movement and agility due to reduced team sizes and rapid gameplay. This dynamic has heightened competitiveness, making it a more demanding format than traditional full-court basketball.
