James Pickens Jr.: 22 Years of Grey's Anatomy and Cleveland Basketball Loyalty

Marc's daughter had to tell him he was interviewing a major TV star.Sometimes the best interviews happen when you least expect them. Marc thought he was sitting down with a regular basketball fan, until his daughter pointed out he was about to interview Dr. Richard Webber himself, James Pickens Jr., star of Grey's Anatomy for an incredible 22 seasons.Pickens shares the legendary casting story behind Grey's Anatomy, including the executive producer's famous question: "What are you doing for the next 5 years?" — which turned into over two decades and nearly 500 episodes. As one of only two remaining original cast members from the show's initial nine, Pickens offers rare insight into what makes a television phenomenon work.Key topics: Grey's Anatomy casting story, Hollywood longevity, Cleveland Cavaliers loyalty, surviving 22 seasons on television, basketball fandom in Lakers territoryThanks for listening to Courtside. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.