Jim Williams: David Aldridge is the versatile insider
By: Jim Williams
Examiner Sports Columnist
November 15, 2009
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| Scottie Pippen, left, speaks to David Aldridge on the red carpet at the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2009 Induction Ceremony in September. (NBAE via Getty Images) |
David Aldridge is busy working the phones and talking to players, general managers and coaches about what is going on in the NBA. He is the "NBA Insider" for TNT, NBA-TV and he writes the very popular "The Morning Tip" for NBA.com. Aldridge is one of the most respected people who covers the NBA and we talked about what it is like to be an "insider" as well as the many roles he serves as a member of Turner Sports:
JW » How does an "insider" work?
Aldridge » First of all, you have to develop trust over a number of years with players, coaches and front office people. They need to know that what they tell you will be reported accurately, fairly and timely, without ever burning any of your sources. The key here always starts and ends with trust. I have been fortunate to have covered the NBA for many years and you build up quite a rolodex in that time. You also develop relationships with people that will tell you what is really happening in the league. These relationships, along with the trust, are paramount to my getting a story first and getting it right.
JW » Your role at Turner Sports continues to expand.
Aldridge » I can tell that they have been very good to me. It is like a family there with everyone part of a team. I work on the pregame show with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley filing reports. I also do sideline reporting on live games during the season. Now that Turner works with NBA-TV I am seen every Tuesday at 6 p.m. on "The Beat," a show that looks at all the big stories going on around the league. Plus I try to constantly update all day "The Morning Tip," my column on NBA.com. So yes, they keep me busy, but I do love my work at Turner and our partners at NBA TV.
JW » How about working on MLB Playoffs with TBS?
Aldridge » It was great to get to do baseball. I enjoyed doing the playoffs and working with pros like Brian Anderson and analyst Joe Simpson who cover baseball every day. They made my job as a reporter easier and I look forward to hopefully doing it again next season.
Washington remains Aldridge's base. He also can be heard as a semi-regular guest on the "Tony Kornheiser Show."
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on washingtonexaminer.com.
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