Introducing "Death at the Wing"

Introducing "Death at the Wing"

Author: Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast March 31, 2021 Duration: 7:40

“Death at the Wing” is a narrative documentary series looking at the generation of basketball stars and prospects that fell victim to the historical, socioeconomic and political forces that defined the ‘80s. 

As the new generation of basketball players — players like Magic, Bird and Dr. J — took their mantle as the league’s stars, basketball’s faster and flashier style of play would captivate TV audiences. But along that way to wealth and stardom, the excess of the ‘80s took its toll on the next generation of the sport as Reaganomics created an explosion in wealth for the richest members of American society. Crack and cocaine made its way through neighborhoods where aspiring basketball players lived. Cars were faster and car accidents took the lives of several players. Guns became easier to acquire. Health care and education budgets were slashed. Incarceration took over rehabilitation as the country’s guiding principle to addiction. Many players were suspended and jailed, and those less fortunate died. 

Those that made it through became overnight superstars for an eager and demanding audience of TV and media coverage, but never in the history of any sport have we seen so many who were ready to become household brands lost in such a short time frame.

Why? How? And Who?

This is what this show will look into. This is DEATH AT THE WING.

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For anyone who thinks basketball history is just a list of champions and stats, Over and Back: Stories About NBA History offers a much richer, deeper dive. This podcast lives in the fascinating spaces between those well-known facts, unearthing the forgotten narratives, pivotal moments, and colorful personalities that shaped the game. Hosts Jason Mann and Rich Kraetsch guide you through the entire landscape of professional basketball, exploring not just the NBA but also the ABA and other pivotal leagues, treating each story with the detail and context it deserves. You'll hear about legendary teams that defined eras, controversial trades that altered franchises, and the off-court dramas that became as iconic as the on-court performances. The conversation feels less like a lecture and more like a passionate discussion between two knowledgeable fans, making complex historical threads engaging and accessible. As part of The Step Back NBA Podcast Network, powered by FanSided, this series is built on a foundation of genuine enthusiasm for the sport's legacy. Each episode is a chance to connect the dots from the past to the modern game, understanding how yesterday's decisions echo in today's league. If you've ever wondered about the real stories behind the headlines or wanted to know the context that made certain players or teams truly revolutionary, this is the podcast for you. It’s a dedicated archive of basketball’s living history, told one compelling story at a time.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Over and Back: Stories About NBA History
Podcast Episodes
Gambling scandals in NBA history [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:42:21
From the Olympians’ collapse in 1951 to a referee’s bets in 2007 to the FBI arrests of 2025, gambling has shadowed pro basketball from its earliest days. Sometimes it’s proven. Sometimes it is rumor. Either way, every sc…
Luka Doncic and the most mind-blowing trades in NBA history [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:16
We're back! The Luka Doncic trade demanded the return of Over & Back, and here we are. Jason and Rich reunite for the first time since November 2023 to discuss the blockbuster to end all blockbusters with Luka shipped of…
Preseason Power Moves: A Look at the NBA's Fall Trade History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:23
We're back! You couldn't get rid of us that easily!In this episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast, Jason and Rich talk about the history of fall trades in the NBA.We'll discuss Damian Lillard's move to Milwauke…
Are there more 50-point games than ever? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:55
On the latest episode of Over and Back, Jason and Rich revisit one of their favorite topics: 50-point games in NBA and ABA history.The focus this time is on the last four seasons, which have seen 18% of all 50-point game…
Victor Wembanyama & The History of International #1 Picks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:49
In celebration of 2023 NBA Draft #1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama's Summer League debut, the Over & Back Podcast digs into the history of international players drafted first overall. Advertising Inquiries: https://redci…
Nikola Jokić and the Best NBA Playoff Seasons Ever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:08
The Denver Nuggets have won their franchise's first NBA title, largely thanks to Nikola Jokić. For his efforts, he was awarded the Bill Russell Award for NBA Finals MVP, a testament to his outstanding performance.However…
The history of the Denver Nuggets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:10
After 56 years of existence, the Denver Nuggets are finally in the NBA Finals. Thanks to the heroics of two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr, Aaron Gordon, and coach Michael ("Don't Call Him Mik…
Willis Reed: 10 best & most important games in his career [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:24
The NBA world mourned the loss of a true icon in March when New York Knicks legend Willis Reed passed away. In tribute to his remarkable legacy, Over and Back has put together a special episode chronicling Reed's journey…
HOFers for every NBA franchise: Post-merger era [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:48
Part 3 of our multi-part series discussing each & every Hall of Fame player to have played for a particular franchise.In this episode, we'll examine the Hall of Fame players of post merger-era teams:Utah JazzDallas Maver…