SLIC, short for Sports and Lifestyle in Culture, is one of several enterprises Davis has launched since retiringDAVID DUROCHIK
Former NBAer Baron Davis said his content production network, SLIC, is raising outside capital, preparing to sign a streaming distribution deal and working to build a 3-on-3 basketball league that would include separately owned clubs. “It’s really taking 3-on-3 basketball and esports and putting that into an experiential event,” Davis said. Davis spoke a little bit about business while on stage at the ’19 Intersport Brand Engagement & Content Summit, but mostly will be remembered for his clever and self-aware memories of his playing days. SLIC, short for Sports and Lifestyle in Culture, is one of several enterprises Davis has launched since his playing career. His final advice to the room: Distribute the ball to everyone who can help the team; don’t just look to the superstar. “Storytelling is at an all-time high,” he said. “We should keep our eyes open and really be looking for the people to give opportunities to. We can’t just fall for the fool’s gold.”
Quick Hits:
*On playing for the Donald Sterling-owned Clippers: “You have an owner or somebody who just didn’t like you. He didn’t like people taking care of people, whether you’re black, white, female, it was just the most disgusting thing he could say to you, that’s how he viewed you. And when you have an organization like that, it starts from the top down."
*On playing for George Shinn, James Dolan and Sterling: "I probably played for the worst NBA owners in sports team history. Every time I went somewhere, they’d say, ‘Hey, you know you play for the worst owner?’ and then I’d get traded, and they’d say, ‘Hey, you got traded to the worst owner.’”
*On firing his agent: “Hey man, I’m about to sign a max deal, and 4 percent of $90M is a lot of money, and you don’t deserve it. I’m going to start a business with that.”
