“NBA nation” took over Toronto for the first All-Star game to be held outside of the U.S. this past Feb. 14. All-Star week was a busy time for Dennis “3D†Scott as he and his fellow TNT analysts provided the most coverage they have ever this year.
After playing in the league for 10 years, Scott smoothly transitioned into broadcasting as the host of his own show in Orlando. Since then he has done radio, TV show appearances, and for the past seven years, has been an NBA analyst on TNT.
[Related: LeBron James Signs Lifetime Deal with Nike]
Recently, Scott launched a new website and business venture–3DShootersParadise.com. After holding the 3-point record for nine seasons, he has only been passed in 3-pointers made in a single season by Ray Allen and 2015 MVP Steph Curry. Scott is using what he knows to help the next generation of players at all levels improve their shot with his proven training methods.
BlackEnterprise.com had a chance to catch up with Scott at Turner Studios in Atlanta to talk about his NBA career, his transition into broadcasting, and his new website.
BlackEnterprise.com: What is the biggest lesson you took away from your time in the NBA?
Dennis Scott: I would say discipline, because you have to stay focused and understand that for 90% of the guys in the NBA, it was their dream to play there. Each night you have to make sure you take care of your body. You have to get your rest because you don’t realize it until you go through it–where you may play through three different time zones in four days and your body goes through changes. You have to make sure you eat properly and keep your body fine-tuned because at the end of the day, we take for granted that our body is the vehicle that helps us make money. You think you can last forever. You can get there but you have to work even harder to stay there.
How were you able to make a smooth transition out of the league and into broadcasting?
A lot of times as young African American men, when you come from nothing you have to figure out what the difference is between coming from nothing and being happy. Now you have all the money you dreamed about, are you happy? Once you realize money doesn’t make you, you make the money; you start to figure out who you are as an individual.
You have to continue to dream. That was biggest thing. I saw myself doing TV after basketball. I knew I didn’t want to coach. I had the opportunity but I always turned it down. The first opportunity I had to do TV and radio for the Orlando Magic–I jumped right at it because I knew that’s what I wanted to do. While I was playing, I was getting my feet wet. I was learning the skills I needed and understanding the red light and all different things people panic about. So as soon as the opportunity presented itself I knocked it out of the box and, so far, Turner and I still love each other (smiles).
What is your advice for NBA rookies and younger players on how they can sustain themselves and make a smooth transition after retirement?
You have to put in the same work. People say ‘Hey, you were a great 3-point shooter. Did you used to wake up and make 3-point shots?’ No! It’s like Steph Curry today. People say ‘How did he get so good?’ He worked at it. If you go back to his rookie year and compare it to now, you’ll see he’s gotten better every year.
It’s the same thing in TV. When I go back and look at my first year at Turner, I cringe. That’s how I know each year I had to work at something to get better and better and better. You have to take your craft seriously.
(Continued on next page)