Former NBA guard Isaiah Taylor sits down with Mark Israel on Courtside to share his journey through professional basketball — from the NBA to leagues across Europe, China, and the Middle East.

Isaiah talks candidly about his time with the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, and Cleveland Cavaliers, learning from stars like James Harden, and guarding LeBron James. He also explains what most fans never see: the realities of overseas basketball — language barriers, cultural differences, hostile crowds, guaranteed contracts, injuries, and life far from home.

From winning championships in Lithuania to playing in China with translators calling plays mid-game, Isaiah offers an honest look at the global basketball grind and what it takes to sustain a professional career.

A fascinating conversation for NBA fans, aspiring players, and anyone curious about how the game is played — and lived — around the world.

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New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

What happens at an NBA game when the cameras aren’t focused on the players?

In this episode of Courtside, host Marc Israel sits down with Natalie Alvarado, Director of Live Programming & Entertainment for the Houston Rockets. Natalie is responsible for everything fans experience inside the arena — from national anthems and halftime shows to mascots, contests, music, and real-time game flow.

Natalie’s story goes far beyond the arena. A former Rockets Power Dancer, she went on to sign a record deal, tour nationally, and chart on Billboard before returning to the NBA with a new perspective and a bigger role.

This episode explores:

• The choreography behind NBA game presentation
• The pressure of live decision-making during games
• The intersection of performance, production, and sports
• Why the most memorable moments can’t be planned

A fascinating look at the people who turn basketball games into unforgettable experiences.

Thanks for listening to Courtside.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

In Episode 2 of Courtside, host Marc Israel sits down with Jonathan Sanford, the public address announcer for the Houston Rockets and the University of Texas Longhorns, to explore the hidden craft behind the NBA game-day experience.

Jonathan shares his remarkable journey from a small town in Alabama to announcing NBA Finals games, winning a championship with the San Antonio Spurs, and ultimately becoming the voice fans hear inside Toyota Center.

This episode explores:

• 🎙️ What a public address announcer actually does during an NBA game
• 🏀 How arena energy is built, managed, and protected
• ⏱️ The precision behind timeouts, music cues, and in-game entertainment
• 🤝 Why relationships, preparation, and reliability matter
• ❤️ The powerful story behind the fan-favorite “Two Shots” call

Jonathan also discusses working with officials, coordinating with game operations, respecting player identities through pronunciation, and why PA announcing offers a level of fan connection that radio and television simply can’t match.

If you’ve ever wondered how the NBA experience comes together beyond the court, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the voice that helps bring it all to life.

Thanks for listening to Courtside.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.