[RickyRubio9Participant]

Who do you all think would be the best motivational speaker in the NBA??
Someone who’s done a little of it in the past, if anyone has?
Someone that has been quoted saying positive things that people actually believe in or use now..
I know it’s random, but just curious.

[fliptonnParticipant]

Maybe A.I. about making the right decisions and keeping yourself out of bad situations.

Maybe Chris "Birdman" Anderson who got kicked out of the league a few years ago for drug abuse.

Obviously Dennis Rodman would be a good one.

Maybe even Gilbert Arenas.

[Moon RiverParticipant]

I know people who have seen Pat Riley speak at corporate functions and they say he is outstanding.  Not cheap however.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

But, here are a few that would be good at it:

Kevin Garnett: Not an incredible public speaker, but he makes up for it with his intensity and I think would give a great motivational speech, as long as at the end he does not drop "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE"

Kobe Bryant: Incredibly intelligent, no one works harder and his IQ of the game is second to none in my estimation.

Steve Nash: As much as he has never made a finals, he always gives 110%, is a great speaker and chooses to lead by example. He has never been one of my favorite players, but I think he is definitely inspirational with the passion he has for the game and shining in adversity.

Derek Fisher: His leadership has been incredibly important to the teams he has been on, and I think that has made him one of the more respected players by his peers. Has never been one of the best at his position, but just seems to be one of the better winners in NBA history, along the lines of Robert Horry.

Chauncey Billups: Great leader, has overcome adversity in his career and went from being considered a bust at the brink of oblivion to a staple in the conference finals and a finals MVP.

Those would be 5 really interesting stories and I believe some great speakers. I am usually more inspired by what players have done on the court and overcome than by hearing them speak, because to me, it is incredibly difficult to find someone who is truly a captivating speaker. I think a lot of leadership in the NBA is by example, and while verbal communication is incredibly important, I do not think a player has to be the spoken leader of their team to achieve success. For instance, while Kobe has become more of one over the years, I never really felt that he nor Shaq was overly outspoken to their teammates. I think the biggest motivator in doing well is wanting to do whatever it takes to help your team and not let your teammates down. I feel the movie style motivational speeches you see just are not what brings people up to the level you see them play in these games. Honestly, as much as motivational speaking can amp you up, most players in the NBA probably roll their eyes when coaches try to amp them up with speakers. Have you ever read "Loose Balls" by Jayson Williams? Read the part about when John Calipari brought in Pete Sampras. To me, that is an example of most motivational speakers and what they would mean to players. Some coaches are excellent motivators, but also tend to do it through action rather than speech, Phil Jackson being an example, Pat Riley another. Isiah Thomas for instance, came to Raptors camp, with a bunch of middle class white kids, and told them not to do drugs. To me, the best motivational speaker is one who hopefully tries to relate to his audience and gives useful tips on the positive and negative things that got them to the point where they are today. Setting an example, while at the same time expressing that in the end, you will have to do the work to achieve your goals.

[PureshooterParticipant]

Bill Bradley

His message could be that professional basketball is only the beginning, but how hard you play will carry over to how people see you for the rest of your life. 

[TyroberParticipant]

 Matt Foley.. Most people im sure have never saw the real motivational speaker. RIP Chris Farley

[M-DYMESParticipant]

I would say KG hands down.  But if I could bring in anyone from any sport to do a motivational speech, without a doubt I would bring in Brian Dawkins.  I heard him speak in Philly a couple times and he brings chills to your skin. 

 

[PureshooterParticipant]

"Matt Foley.. Most people im sure have never saw the real motivational speaker. RIP Chris Farley"

If you play as hard as you can, even Lebron here can live in a van down by the river.

[Bossy13Participant]

I gotta disagree with a couple of your choices. I agree with everything you said about Kobe but that guy seems to be too internally driven to relate to a large group of people or be able to translate his own personal drive to other peoples daily lives.  I’m sure he’d be interesting to listen to but I dont know how inspirational he’d be. 

KG is a terrible choice imo.  Bulging eyes, beating your chest, yelling like a fool and pretend intensity don’t really have a place any where outside of pro sports. The guy quit on the TWolves, and quitters dont usually command respect from the type of people that pay big money to hear motivational speakers. 

 

[goneParticipant]

NBA maybe Kobe but If I could pick anyone Ray Lewis no doubt

[llperez]

the new orleans saints had derek fisher come in before game one of this season and give them a speach about defending their title. Being a respected vet who stays calm under pressure and has a position as the president of the players association as well as numerous rings would put him high on any list.

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