The 2014-2015 NBA season kicked off Oct. 28, and players aren’t just readying their jump shots — they’re preparing their playlists. Top players (along with retired legends and current NBA on TNT analysts) reveal the pregame music they pump when they’re getting pumped up.
Brandon Jennings, Guard – Detroit Pistons
“‘Lose Yourself’ by Eminem, the greatest pregame song maybe ever. The first couple lines explain it all.”
Chandler Parsons, Forward – Dallas Mavericks
“Right now I have the whole Sam Smith album [In the Lonely Hour] on repeat. He is unreal.”
Jamal Crawford, Guard – Los Angeles Clippers
“Wale‘s ‘Heaven’s Afternoon’ [featuring Meek Mill]. It gets me going, and Wale is one of my favorite rappers.”
Jeremy Lin, Guard – Los Angeles Lakers
“‘Cornerstone’ by Hillsong. It reminds me that God is bigger than the results of the game.”
Andre Iguodala, Forward – Golden State Warriors
“Childish Gambino‘s ‘II. Earth: The Oldest Computer (The Last Night).’ It gets my mind ready for battle.”
HALL OF FAMER PICKS
Charles Barkley
“Nas, ‘Hate Me Now,’ because he likes to dedicate it to his haters — for reals.”
Shaquille O’Neal
“Beyonce‘s ‘Halo,’ because she’s a legend. The song is inspiring and the piano part is calming.”
Reggie Miller
“‘Remember the Time,’ Michael Jackson. Trying to hit his high notes wakes up my vocal chords!”
Inside the NBA airs Thursday nights on TNT.