To me this isn't a tragic downfall. This is a triumphant recovery. Most people would be unable to recover from what he went through. This man found away to use it to revive his career. My hats off to him.
Vin is a great person with a nice heart. Super humbling story from working at Starbucks to being on the Bucks coaching staff and being a great mentor to Giannis. I had the chance to meet Vin and chat with him
Vin Baker does have an interesting career. Yeah I heard about this guy a few times like when he was an All-Star and the guy who fill in the void left by Shawn Kemp in Seattle. Additionally, this guy was such a huge part on the Milwaukee Bucks on their 2021 title team. Nice one Andy.
I’m a hartford student athlete but I didn’t know much about him until this video. He’s the greatest athlete to come from our school and we have a locked up case of his awards, newspapers, and nba jerseys in our athletic center. One of my friends got to meet him on a zoom call and they said that he’s a really great guy
"For me to summon the strength to walk out here and get excited about retail management at Starbucks and try to provide for my family, I feel that's more heroic than being 6-11 with a fade-away jump shot." Only someone that has been up, down and got back up can come up with such a grounded, honest statement. Often we looked up to these NBA stars like celebrity with envy and Mr. Baker appreciates being the everyday hardworking citizen supporting his family. Thank you Andy for highlighting such a great quote, and shinning light to an awesome bounce back story.
I remember that kemp-Baker trade (obviously more complicated trade). But I was shocked that Sonics gave away Kemp. I was a kid in Serbia and all news I got was from basketball dedicated newspaper. And i really didn't know much about Baker. I knew about Kemp as I watched 96 finals. Next season I was following what Baker is doing in Seattle (Bring Sonics back!).. Fine first impressions.. Aaaand he fell off :)
Yinka Dare sighting at 1:45 (big-time Nets draft bust who prematurely died almost 20 years ago). And props for pronouncing niche correctly instead of the ear-raping “nitch” I always hear.
I haven't thought about Vin Baker in years. Glad he was able to turn his life around, surviving something like that and being able to thrive after moving past it is worthy of respect.
Baker was one of my favorites as a teen. I loved his game and likened him to Ewing but with a bit less defensive prowess. I was so glad when I saw him hug after their championship. Glad he's doing better. At one point I even hought of naming my son Vin....lol
Andy, can you make a video about Baron Davis, he is a very interesting player since he suffered injuries all the way since highschool and even got a ACL injury which wouldve ended his career in college yet he turned out into a star despite him wearing a knee brace and favoring his other leg at times even with those injuries he never lost his reputation of being one of the most explosive and exciting players of the 2000s
yh nowadays ppl only remember him for his poster on kirilenko (one of the best defenders at his prime) but he was more than that, he posterized players like garnett aswell lmao
Having lived in Seattle during the 90s, I would be lying if I said I wasn't resentful toward Vin Baker when he played for the Sonics. Shawn Kemp was my favorite Sonic and I was saddened he asked for a trade and got it in 1997.
Good content! Growing up I wanted to shoot just like Vin Baker. I'm glad to see that Vin Baker has recovered from his past battle with alcohol addiction.
It's nice to see videos of big men from the 80s and 90s. They played in the post back then. Today, 7' guys stagger out to the 3 point line like an injured gazelle.
Amazing story. I remember Vin Baker with the Sonics around 99 or 2000. It was a weird game on NBC where he played just terrible and the announcers were talking about his substance abuse issues live. Glad to see him doing good all these years later
I actually almost thought this was one of those “how good was X player actually” videos But yeah I didn’t even know things about Vin Baker myself personally
I loved Vin Baker during his NBA stint and knew of his problems even during that time. I'm so happy for him he got through all that ordeal and made a good comeback inspiring others.
He had an interesting career and good bounce back in life. Also wondering, If he was with the Bucks since 2018, then he would probably give Butler's coffee a run for its money during the bubble.
Never really heard of Baker before, my interest in basketball only started later in the mid 2000 'when he basically was out of the league. But to me it sounds like a good bounce back story, young players/ ppl in general can learn from! Your videos are great Andy! The storytelling and editing, I'm really liking it! You're one of my favorite youtubers! ❤
I remember Vin when he played for the Bucks he had game real smooth .I find it Ironic that he fell off when he went to Seattle . $ean Kemp was a hard act to follow . Both of them suffered from addiction and Their Potentials were wasted.. Thank God they Bounced Back in the end .. 💰 Money only amplify the Madness
Baker is mostly remembered in replacing Shawn Kemp in Seattle on a 3-way trade deal, and is the same efficient player compared to his 4-yr Bucks stint.
I remember vince well, i had his jordan pro strong sneakers, one of the best bball sneakers i ever played in. To bad his career never got to where it should have been.
Mark Aguirre deserves to be in the Hall of fame. First Mexican-American to have great success, multiple HS and college player of the year awards, all-final four team, was a great freshman back when freshmen struggled mightily, 2 championships, many years of over 20 ppg, on and on. His coaching success only helps.
My ultimate respect for this guy……so damn awesome how he recovered his life in the end…they should make a movie of his life to show people with similar demons that their is light at the end of the tunnel 💪💪💪👏👏
I was a huge Sonics fan and I loved seeing him play! HE WAS GOOD! The trade for Shawn Kemp is very similar to Jr. being traded for Mike Cameron. Both trades turned out great but Vins ended badly, but Seattle still loves you Vinny! GODSPEED
Vin Baker wasn't really outsized at the center position. Nearly 7 ft tall was still mostly above average during that era. Of course he was smaller than somebody like Shaq but so was everyone else. He dominated at the mid-range because he was a good shooter not because he was small.
Nice vid. I knew Vinnie Baker was an all star but never knew he was a college star nor about his alcoholism. He was always a boring and efficient semi star lol
To me this is a way of saying as long as you have your life you didn’t loose anything because yes he lost his career and money but he took it day by day and recovered that’s a miracle always remember that as long as your living everything that happens good or bad is temporary if you live to see another day you have another shot 🤷♀️
Growing up in Seattle in still mad they traded kemp for baker essentially.... Not gonna get over it till Seattle has a team again. Props to vin for conquering his demons.
So...the title, while somewhat captivating, is misleading because he humbled himself and turned his life around for the good. Great story of redemption...I would like to see the documentary.
To me this isn't a tragic downfall. This is a triumphant recovery. Most people would be unable to recover from what he went through. This man found away to use it to revive his career. My hats off to him.
Totally agree, yes he blew his money but I am 100% sure he is much happier now then when he was a star
@@perfectblue8443qj
Vin is a great person with a nice heart. Super humbling story from working at Starbucks to being on the Bucks coaching staff and being a great mentor to Giannis. I had the chance to meet Vin and chat with him
Wilson! Your takes are unfiltered and brutal. Love em!
Working a regular job after a great career isn't a tragedy.
True it's sad, but it seems it had a good ending
If your "great career" involved you earning millions of dollars per year then yes it is
The tragedy is losing millions of dollars..
@@ballinboxer3676no cause quite a few that fell off that bad either died or full on addicts
@@Bigedub101 okay? Just because some people got it worse doesn’t mean it’s not bad
Vin Baker does have an interesting career. Yeah I heard about this guy a few times like when he was an All-Star and the guy who fill in the void left by Shawn Kemp in Seattle. Additionally, this guy was such a huge part on the Milwaukee Bucks on their 2021 title team. Nice one Andy.
Lowkey forgot he was an assistant coach
carried the bucks coaching staff during the 2021 finals run while budenholzer was drinking and being dumb again
Unfortunately, addiction was also part of Shawn Kemps life. Shawn Kemp is one of my all time favorite players!
Vin Baker apparently was also struggling with depression and let’s remember that mental health awareness was just not a thing back in those days
Yea because you new age sissy’s take everything personal
He was struggling with drinking, that was giving him depression.
Its still not a thing today outside of internet talking points lol
@@Zhaturianvisionznow it is, but sadly not nearly enough to solve the problem, we as society are just at step 1
Boo hoo I’m in the NBA what the heck was his problem?
The fact he was able to average 20 and 10 in the 90’s while being drunk makes it even more impressive to me
More players than you realize were under the influence while playing in the 90s.
😂😂😂
@@thisnewnamesystemisdumb it was not a big deal back then among players pro and amateur
That was basically a requirement in the 60s and 70s lol so many players missed games with bad hangovers
@thisnewnamesystemisdumb stop!. That is not what 1990 NBA was about. Name these many players.....
I’m a hartford student athlete but I didn’t know much about him until this video. He’s the greatest athlete to come from our school and we have a locked up case of his awards, newspapers, and nba jerseys in our athletic center. One of my friends got to meet him on a zoom call and they said that he’s a really great guy
I’d really like to meet Vin Baker some day
Vin Baker with Bucks & Sonics was a beast. Good to see him still in the league coaching the Bucks
96 he played all 82 games and dropped 21-10
If i were a GM & had Vin Baker, Glen Robinson, & Ray Allen on my roster, there's no way i'm breaking that core up.
@@the503creepout7Fr. Only reason that isn't seen as a complete disaster was because of Baker's issues.
"For me to summon the strength to walk out here and get excited about retail management at Starbucks and try to provide for my family, I feel that's more heroic than being 6-11 with a fade-away jump shot." Only someone that has been up, down and got back up can come up with such a grounded, honest statement. Often we looked up to these NBA stars like celebrity with envy and Mr. Baker appreciates being the everyday hardworking citizen supporting his family.
Thank you Andy for highlighting such a great quote, and shinning light to an awesome bounce back story.
A perennial 20 and 10 guy who was a force with the bucks. So sad to hear about his downfall. Glad he turned it around.
I remember that kemp-Baker trade (obviously more complicated trade). But I was shocked that Sonics gave away Kemp. I was a kid in Serbia and all news I got was from basketball dedicated newspaper. And i really didn't know much about Baker. I knew about Kemp as I watched 96 finals. Next season I was following what Baker is doing in Seattle (Bring Sonics back!).. Fine first impressions.. Aaaand he fell off :)
Yinka Dare sighting at 1:45 (big-time Nets draft bust who prematurely died almost 20 years ago). And props for pronouncing niche correctly instead of the ear-raping “nitch” I always hear.
I haven't thought about Vin Baker in years. Glad he was able to turn his life around, surviving something like that and being able to thrive after moving past it is worthy of respect.
Baker was one of my favorites as a teen. I loved his game and likened him to Ewing but with a bit less defensive prowess. I was so glad when I saw him hug after their championship. Glad he's doing better. At one point I even hought of naming my son Vin....lol
i did remember Baker but he quickly faded but at least hr bounce back from his addiction
From Bucks through Starbucks to Bucks again, what a career. Bless him
How does someone go through that amount of money in only a couple of years?
Thanks for the video Andy. Honestly never heard of Vin baker before. Keep up the good work✌️
What a story. He was a special player. Glad to know Vin is doing great.
Andy, can you make a video about Baron Davis, he is a very interesting player since he suffered injuries all the way since highschool and even got a ACL injury which wouldve ended his career in college yet he turned out into a star despite him wearing a knee brace and favoring his other leg at times even with those injuries he never lost his reputation of being one of the most explosive and exciting players of the 2000s
I think this would make for good content
Just imagine him without injuries, HOF candidate for sure. Especially his charlotte and we believe warriors days
Idkk
Baron was a very exciting explosive player
yh nowadays ppl only remember him for his poster on kirilenko (one of the best defenders at his prime) but he was more than that, he posterized players like garnett aswell lmao
Having lived in Seattle during the 90s, I would be lying if I said I wasn't resentful toward Vin Baker when he played for the Sonics. Shawn Kemp was my favorite Sonic and I was saddened he asked for a trade and got it in 1997.
Always used to choose Vin Baker on Total NBA 98 haha
Glad I found this channel so I can see vids of my fav players as a kid!
Thank you @Andy Hoops. I had been wondering where Baker is for quite some time. Man what a story! I am glad he was able to turn his life around.
Honestly, respect to Vin for bouncing back from alcohol addiction problems, and happy for him that he won a chip as an assistant coach for the Bucks.
Yeah, glad he was able to win that chip as an assistant too
Wow. Had no idea Vin was even back in the league. Super cool story
Good content! Growing up I wanted to shoot just like Vin Baker. I'm glad to see that Vin Baker has recovered from his past battle with alcohol addiction.
It's nice to see videos of big men from the 80s and 90s. They played in the post back then. Today, 7' guys stagger out to the 3 point line like an injured gazelle.
Never knew who Vin was!! Thanks Andy!!
Amazing story. I remember Vin Baker with the Sonics around 99 or 2000. It was a weird game on NBC where he played just terrible and the announcers were talking about his substance abuse issues live. Glad to see him doing good all these years later
I actually almost thought this was one of those “how good was X player actually” videos
But yeah I didn’t even know things about Vin Baker myself personally
Before he became an alcoholic, Vin Baker was a very strong NBA player.
He is a forgotten star player.
I loved Vin Baker during his NBA stint and knew of his problems even during that time. I'm so happy for him he got through all that ordeal and made a good comeback inspiring others.
Vin Baker with Sonics and Bucks was a BEAST 💪💪💪
Oh yeah!! Another great Andy video!! Thanks!!
Thanks for the amazing video on Vin Baker Andy my dude !!!!!!
He's doing fine now, Bucks assistant coach and won a ring too.
He had an interesting career and good bounce back in life. Also wondering, If he was with the Bucks since 2018, then he would probably give Butler's coffee a run for its money during the bubble.
Very interesting great research as always
Great video and awesome story
All of the nba guys I’ve never heard of like this guy or that guy on the bullets, are really solid hoopers
Amazing to think that this guy was so talented that he could play under the influence and still be among the best in the world. Insane.
Just like Chris Mullin
Great video! Awesome job!
Never really heard of Baker before, my interest in basketball only started later in the mid 2000 'when he basically was out of the league. But to me it sounds like a good bounce back story, young players/ ppl in general can learn from!
Your videos are great Andy! The storytelling and editing, I'm really liking it! You're one of my favorite youtubers! ❤
He was David West before David West but more athletic
I remember Vin when he played for the Bucks he had game real smooth .I find it Ironic that he fell off when he went to Seattle . $ean Kemp was a hard act to follow . Both of them suffered from addiction and Their Potentials were wasted.. Thank God they Bounced Back in the end .. 💰 Money only amplify the Madness
Baker is mostly remembered in replacing Shawn Kemp in Seattle on a 3-way trade deal, and is the same efficient player compared to his 4-yr Bucks stint.
Crackin a cold one and watchin andy hoops 👆🏼💯
All I remember was, before Ray Allen, it was Vin Baker.
In one frame, there is a background newspapers article with the title "Scored 41 stoned". Amazing.
All’s well that ends well💯
A wonderful story excellently narrated
Vin Baker was a waking double double fan player to watch!
Wow, I never knew Vin was an alcoholic and lost it all! I'm glad to see he's doing a lot better now.
Enjoyed watching Vin Baker as a kid. Sad to see him fall off.
Typical amongst his demographic
Jaylen Brown your next video Andy Hoops 😤😤😤😤😤
This guy was so good at the time, that I thought getting him for Kemp was an upgrade! Glad to see Vin succeeding in life once again
One of my favourite players in the 90's. 🇵🇭
I remember vince well, i had his jordan pro strong sneakers, one of the best bball sneakers i ever played in. To bad his career never got to where it should have been.
Mark Aguirre deserves to be in the Hall of fame. First Mexican-American to have great success, multiple HS and college player of the year awards, all-final four team, was a great freshman back when freshmen struggled mightily, 2 championships, many years of over 20 ppg, on and on. His coaching success only helps.
My ultimate respect for this guy……so damn awesome how he recovered his life in the end…they should make a movie of his life to show people with similar demons that their is light at the end of the tunnel 💪💪💪👏👏
Sam Perkins is a cheat code in 2k no one thinks he can shoot out then I put up a 3 with him and it goes in 😂😂😂
Vin possibly should’ve been the new Bucks coach after the firing of Budenholzer
I was a huge Sonics fan and I loved seeing him play! HE WAS GOOD! The trade for Shawn Kemp is very similar to Jr. being traded for Mike Cameron. Both trades turned out great but Vins ended badly, but Seattle still loves you Vinny! GODSPEED
honestly i first heard of Vin Baker in a throwaway line on the tv show Frasier
Always knew he was a stud but I didn’t know he was that good
Former owner of Sonic's gave him job in starbucks, who is founder of starbucks
He discussed his downfall and recovery on the iconic Sonics podcast as well as an interview recently on TH-cam
one of my NBA Card Collection in the 90's!
One of the most underrated players ever
He was one of my favorite players when I was a kid.
He was like the Jermaine O'Neal of the 90's
One of my childhood stars.
Great life comeback.
Stories of redemption are just wonderful
Vin Baker wasn't really outsized at the center position. Nearly 7 ft tall was still mostly above average during that era. Of course he was smaller than somebody like Shaq but so was everyone else. He dominated at the mid-range because he was a good shooter not because he was small.
Averaged 20 points per game in a league with the slowest pace, toughest defense, with legitimate shot blocking centers, while being drunk 😂
I wouldn't say his career has been a tragedy, but not really a complete success either. It's volatile and now it's in a very respectable spot.
In his prime man he was amazing sad to see his story
Ben Simons will join this list in future
Nice vid. I knew Vinnie Baker was an all star but never knew he was a college star nor about his alcoholism.
He was always a boring and efficient semi star lol
do more!
You should do a video on Rik Smits
This guys a beast in 2k
Yep always got draft him in those Jordan era sims
I remember seeing a BTM video on him and I had to watch his highlights and he was a good player in Seattle.
Vin got his ring
To me this is a way of saying as long as you have your life you didn’t loose anything because yes he lost his career and money but he took it day by day and recovered that’s a miracle always remember that as long as your living everything that happens good or bad is temporary if you live to see another day you have another shot 🤷♀️
Imagine him as a vet on a contender
Imagine working for Howard Schultz as one of the top power forwards in the NBA. Then a few years later you're working for Howard Schultz as a barista.
Sheesh, I can barely walk around when I'm drunk. I couldn't imagine playing basketball as hard as I can while drunk.
A 7 year $86million contract for the 90s Era is equivalent to a $250 million dollar contract franchise players salary today.
He always forgets my whip cream and gives me attitude when I remind him 😠
OMG it's Yinka Dare at 1:48!!
Growing up in Seattle in still mad they traded kemp for baker essentially.... Not gonna get over it till Seattle has a team again.
Props to vin for conquering his demons.
Love U Andy
Wow what an amazing story
Great story!
His life is a walking example of triumph over difficulties and tests.
Glenn robinson and vin baker was a beast back in the 90s
Great redemption story!
salute to this man. The first time I hear his name is through my father.
can you do Jordan Farmar
So...the title, while somewhat captivating, is misleading because he humbled himself and turned his life around for the good. Great story of redemption...I would like to see the documentary.