In this episode of the SBC Audio Experience, host Alex Cocoros sits down with Joe Vardon, a seasoned NBA journalist with over two decades of experience, currently serving as a Senior NBA Writer for The Athletic. Known for his deep storytelling and insightful coverage, Vardon has reported on some of the league’s most compelling narratives, from championship runs to international expansion.
A native of Ohio, Vardon began his journalism career covering Cleveland sports, including the Browns, Guardians (formerly Indians), and Cavaliers. His time on the Cavs beat placed him at the center of LeBron James’ rise, giving him a unique perspective on the influence of a superstar in a small-market city. His career has since taken him across the globe, and he is currently reporting from Berlin after covering the NBA’s recent international games in Paris.
During the episode, Joe discusses:
- His journey from local sports reporting to covering the NBA’s biggest stars
- The impact of LeBron James on Cleveland and the NBA at large
- His experience covering the league’s international expansion firsthand
- The crossover between political journalism and sports coverage
With a career defined by adaptability, storytelling, and an eye for the game’s biggest moments, Vardon shares valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of basketball media. Tune in for a conversation that dives into the global reach of the NBA and the craft of covering the sport at the highest level.
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SHOW NOTES
- Just came from NBA Games in Paris, how was that experience? (02:30)
- What was it like witnessing the energy of the fans at the Global Games? (03:50)
- What brings you to Berlin? (05:51)
- How do you approach creating stories, and how long does the process typically take? (07:40)
- Is there added pressure to publish stories quickly when working for major outlets like The Athletic? (09:32)
- What was your early experience like as a local sports writer in Cleveland? (11:04)
- How did you transition from covering politics to becoming LeBron’s lead reporter? (13:18)
- When you were reassigned to cover LeBron, did you already have a rapport with him? (16:03)
- How did LeBron’s move to a small market like Cleveland shape his career? (17:01)
- Was there a sense of competition among reporters covering the team? (20:07)
- What’s your best advice for building strong relationships with players? (21:40)
- How has the shift from print to digital media changed the role of a reporter in the social media era? (25:05)
- How does writing for sports compare to covering politics? (28:55)
- Do you see any overlap between sports and political audiences, and did you make a conscious effort to write across multiple topics? (31:24)
- Did you intentionally avoid limiting yourself to one area of reporting early in your career? (32:53)
- Was sports always your top choice for a career in journalism? (37:35)
- How important has relationship-building been to your success? (39:52)
- Do you enjoy the travel demands of your job? (41:21)
- What was it like witnessing a bullfight in Málaga? (43:36)
- What’s your top advice for aspiring sports journalists? (45:14)
