THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST
WITH JASON ROMANO, FEATURING RYAN CARR
Ryan Carr is the vice president of player personnel with the Indiana Pacers. His primary job is overseeing the Pacers’ scouting department as they prepare for the NBA draft.
Carr’s journey to the NBA is an improbable one that began in high school with a letter he wrote to then-University of Indiana head basketball coach Bobby Knight. From there, Carr was introduced to Basketball Hall of Famer Larry Bird, the coach of the Pacers at the time, and now Carr is entering his 19th year with the Pacers.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Carr about his incredible journey to the NBA, how his faith in Jesus has evolved and grown over the years, working for Bobby Knight and Larry Bird, and why Carr’s desire now is to make an eternal impact on all he comes in contact with.
“And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.” Matthew 13:57-58
THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING DAVID POLLACK
David Pollack is a former University of Georgia All-American linebacker, who was a first-round draft pick in 2005 by the Cincinnati Bengals. After his playing career, he spent more than a decade at ESPN as a college football analyst. He is also the co-host of the “Family Goals” podcast and the host of the “See Ball Get Ball” podcast.
Today on Sports Spectrum, David Pollack discusses his wife’s brain cancer battle, trusting God in the storm, carrying your cross, and the current state of college football.
THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE & JASON ROMANO, FEATURING TAUREN WELLS
Tauren Wells is a multi-Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning recording artist, author, podcast host and pastor. His song “Hills and Valleys” reached near the top of the Christian music charts after it was released. His latest EP, “Let the Church Sing,” released in March 2025. And his new book, “Joy Bomb: Unleash Jesus’ Explosive Joy for an Extraordinary Life,” comes out May 20.
In 2024, Tauren and his wife, Lorna, launched Church of Whitestone in Austin, Texas, where he serves as the senior pastor.
Tauren’s new book “Joy Bomb” releases May 20, 2025.
Today on the podcast, Tauren Wells shares with Matt and Jason about his relationship with NBA star Stephen Curry, hearing his songs be used as an influence for sports teams, what it means to have the ego sanctified, and why strength is found in service.
THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE & JASON ROMANO, FEATURING CHI BRALEY
Chi Braley is a survivor. The former professional field hockey player has an incredible story. She was raped at age 12, then trafficked by age 13 as a sex-slave. For seven years she was drugged and sold to hundreds of men. She was rescued at the age of 19, and after coming to Christ in her 20s she began work as a media producer. She’s currently a producer at the Christian Broadcasting Network and “The 700 Club.”
Today on the podcast, Chi Braley shares her incredible story of redemption, forgiveness, motherhood and Jesus.
Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield. (AP Photo/Howard Lao)
Between Steph Curry, Draymond Green and midseason acquisition Jimmy Butler, the Golden State Warriors have as much playoff experience as any team in the NBA. Offseason addition Buddy Hield, however, had four career postseason appearances when he joined the Warriors.
But with their season on the line in a win-or-go-home Game 7 Sunday night, it was Hield who propelled No. 7-seed Golden State past the Houston Rockets and into the second round. The nine-year veteran will not forget his performance inside the Toyota Center anytime soon.
Having scored four total points in Games 5 and 6 (both losses), Hield tied a Game 7 record by knocking down nine of his 11 3-point attempts. He went 12-of-15 from the field for a game-high 33 points in the Warriors’ 103-89 victory.
Two players have EVER hit 9+ threes on at least 80% from deep in a Playoff game:
“It’s a childhood dream,” he said in the postgame press conference. “We all talk about Game 7s. We all want to play in Game 7s, but actually playing in a Game 7 and preparing for it is one of the hardest things ever.”
Hield scored 22 of his points before halftime, including a buzzer-beater from halfcourt to end the first quarter.
Speaking with the media after the game, Hield openly discussed the nerves and pressure he felt. He told TNT’s “Inside the NBA” crew that his strong faith in God helped steady him.
“All glory to God, man,” he said. “Without Him this would not be possible. I was really locked in, just keeping my mind right and just talking to God and knowing I had to come through and help my team.”
Hield gave thanks to God again in the postgame press conference.
“Just trying to find my joy,” he said. “I’ve never been in this situation before. Just trying to seize the moment … Tonight was fun. All glory to God.”
Drafted sixth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016, Golden State is the fifth different organization Hield — who was born in the Bahamas and won the 3-point contest at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game — has played for. He appeared in all 82 games this season, averaging 11.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.
In 2021, he became the fastest player in NBA history to make 1,000 3-pointers, breaking the record held by his now-teammate Curry.
Going back to his college days at the University of Oklahoma, Hield has also been outspoken about his faith in the Lord. He regularly thanks God for “Life, Health and Strength” on X and credits his mom, Jackie Swann, for laying the foundation for his relationship with the Lord.
“Psalm 23 is the one I always read, the main one before my games,” he said in a 2016 Sports Spectrum article. “My mom always told me to read that when I was nervous or before a big game. I also like Psalm 91, 27, 35, and 37. I read them before every game. I’m trying to get my mind right.”
If the Warriors are going to make a run at another NBA title, they’ll need Hield to continue making shots and playing at a high level. They have not reached the conference finals since winning the championship in 2021-22.
The No. 6-seed Minnesota Timberwolves await them in the second round. Game 1 from the Target Center in Minneapolis is at 9:30 p.m. ET Tuesday. The winner of the series will face either the Denver Nuggets or Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.
