NBA Access with Ahmad Rashad
NBA Access with Ahmad Rashad is an American television program which initially aired on Saturday afternoons on ABC.[1] The program details the behind-the-scenes activities of NBA players, coaches and officials, and serves as a replacement for NBA Inside Stuff. On American markets, the show is still aired; however, it is now moved to NBA TV beginning with the 2008-09 season. Ahmad Rashād has been the only host of this show and has brought on the show famous NBA athletes and coaches such as Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, Vince Carter, and many more. NBA Access was also a 30-minute real-life drama television series produced by NBA Entertainment that also chronicled the lives of larger-than-life NBA stars.
NBA Access with Ahmad Rashad presented the NBA’s compelling story lines in the style of a television drama and provided viewers with first-person perspective of its main characters, which included league stars such as Shaquille O’Neal, Richard Jefferson, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul. The show delivered exclusive and unprecedented NBA access, and with such access, it was poised to capture the emotional and engaging story lines that emerged in the NBA season.
Also featured in this series were the Maloof brothers, the owners of the Sacramento Kings and Suns head coach Mike D’Antoni. NBA Access with Ahmad Rashad also took a broader approach by going behind-the-scenes with two teams throughout the season: the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets. Rashad hosted the show from a new set at NBA Entertainment’s studios in Secaucus, N.J., which featured a collection of sports fan memorabilia.
International coverage
On international markets, the show is known as NBA All-Access. The show is similar to the format of NBA Access. It is hosted by Rick Kamla and is aired on NBA TV through its international cable partners. Beginning with the 2008-09 NBA season, the show was retitled as Real NBA.