Watch Best of All the Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, The

Best of All the Smoke is a sports talk show that offers an unfiltered and uncensored look into the lives and perspectives of some of the biggest names in basketball. Hosted by former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, the show takes a deep dive into the sport’s culture, exploring the stories and experiences that shape the lives of players both on and off the court.

One of the things that sets Best of All the Smoke apart from other sports talk shows is the authenticity and honesty of its hosts. Barnes and Jackson are not afraid to speak their minds, and share their own experiences with addiction, loss, and mental health. Guests are often invited to delve into their own struggles and triumphs as well, making the show a platform for more than just basketball talk.

Despite its rawness and lack of filter, Best of All the Smoke is not a show that traffics in negativity or drama. Instead, the hosts and guests often approach difficult topics with empathy, understanding, and a sense of humor. It’s not uncommon for the show to veer between serious topics and lighthearted banter within the span of a few minutes, offering viewers a well-rounded and authentic experience.

One of the ways that Best of All the Smoke stands out is through its in-depth interviews with some of basketball’s biggest names. The show has featured interviews with everyone from LeBron James to Kobe Bryant (before his death), often touching on topics that other sports media might shy away from. Barnes and Jackson have also made a point of featuring female athletes and highlighting their stories, breaking down the gender barriers in traditional sports media.

Another element that makes Best of All the Smoke unique is its focus on the business and culture of basketball. While other sports shows might focus solely on game highlights, stats, and predictions, this show takes a wider lens, looking at the ways that basketball intersects with music, fashion, and politics. These topics are often explored through the show’s “Off the Court” segments, where guests are given a chance to showcase their off-court interests and venture beyond the world of basketball.

One of the highlights of Best of All the Smoke is its irreverent and unscripted style. There are no prepared segments or canned questions; instead, the show’s guests are invited to speak their minds and share their stories freely. This can lead to some unexpected and unplanned moments, whether it’s the hosts chugging beer with Shaquille O’Neal or Jackson openly weeping over the loss of a close friend.

Despite its casual style, Best of All the Smoke is not without substance. The show’s hosts and guests are well-versed in the intricacies of the game, and often offer insights and observations that can’t be found anywhere else. They also tackle important social justice issues, including police brutality, racism, and the Black Lives Matter movement. These conversations are not just lip service; Barnes and Jackson are both active in social justice causes outside of the show, and often have guests on who are doing important work in their communities.

In short, Best of All the Smoke is a refreshing departure from the world of sanitized sports media. The show offers a raw, unfiltered look into the lives of some of basketball’s biggest stars, all while tackling serious issues and breaking down stereotypes. With a mix of humor, heart, and insight, Barnes and Jackson have created a show that transcends the sport it covers, offering something for all viewers to enjoy.