Unguarded is the official podcast of NBA champion Fred VanVleet, offering fans exclusive access to real conversations about basketball, life, and culture. Hosted by Fred and his longtime friend Marquez Beeks, the show blends behind-the-scenes NBA insight with unfiltered discussions you won’t hear anywhere else.
Featuring live fan call-ins, each episode brings authentic, unfiltered access to Fred’s world.
EP 18 PAT BEV UNGUARDED: Harden Over Wade, NBA Money & No Regrets | Unguarded w/ Fred VanVleet
Patrick Beverley pulls up to Unguarded with zero filter. Fred VanVleet and Pat Bev go hooper-to-hooper on the takes that made him basketball's most polarizing voice — starting with the one he'll never walk back: Harden over Dwyane Wade.
They get into the grind that built him (overseas before the NBA, and now finishing his career overseas again), his Houston years next to James Harden, the truth about the recent controversy and the headlines, the Knicks finally winning a championship, NBA money and the latest trades, this year's draft class, and the teammate he says is the best he's ever played with.
No PR answers. No ceiling. Just two competitors talking the game the way it actually gets talked about in the locker room.
🎧 New episodes of Unguarded every week. Follow so you never miss one.
Patrick Beverley · Fred VanVleet · James Harden · Dwyane Wade · NBA · Knicks championship · NBA Draft · Pat Bev Podcast
22 May 2026
EP 17: 10 YEARS IN THE LEAGUE, AI TECH TAKING OVER LIFE, ATHLETES IN MEDIA
A decade in the league changes you, and this week they reflect on 10 years of lessons, losses, and leveling up. Then the convo shifts to what's taking over the culture — AI. Is tech making life easier or are we losing something in the process? Plus, athletes are stepping into the media space in a major way, and Quez and Fred break down what that movement really means. No filter. No fluff. Just Unguarded.
15 May 2026
EP 16: SEASON RECAP, THE OVERRATED LIST & AUSTIN RIVERS & DRAYMOND GREEN🔥
The season is over — and Fred and Sarge are holding NOTHING back. The guys break down the Houston Rockets' season from top to bottom: the highs, the shortcomings, and what needs to change.
The Overrated List, followed by a full breakdown of the Austin Rivers vs. Draymond Green war of words — who won, who went too far, and what it all really means. Locker room perspective you can't get anywhere else. 🎙️
10 Apr 2026
EP 15: SHAKUR STEVENSON | THE NEW FACE OF BOXING, MONEY v LEGACY, BUD CRAWFORD MENTORSHIP and MORE
Unguarded Podcast Ep. 15 ft. Shakur Stevenson
"Shakur Stevenson pulls up to Unguarded and he does NOT hold back! We get into his legacy, upcoming fights, the Moneyverse movement, and his take on Bud Crawford. Plus — is Shakur really a multi-sport athlete? Fred Sees weighs in too. This one's MUST-LISTEN energy from start to finish! 🥊🔥"
3 Apr 2026
EP 14: MVP RACE, ROCKETS STRUGGLES, FACE OF NBA, HOUSTON COMMETS
Episode 14 of Unguarded dives straight into the conversations shaping the league right now. The crew breaks down the heated MVP race—who’s really deserving it and what separates the contenders—before zooming out to the bigger question: who actually is the face of the NBA today?
They also tap into Houston’s growing basketball energy with the return of the WNBA to the city, what that means for the culture, and why it matters beyond the court. Plus, an honest look at the Rockets’ recent struggles—what’s going wrong, what needs to change, and where the team goes from here.
Real perspective, unfiltered takes, and a mix of league-wide debate with hometown insight—this one’s for the true hoops fans.
20 Mar 2026
EP 13: NIL, NBA EXPANSION, SINNERS, SPRING BREAK HOUSTON
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13 Mar 2026
EP 12: Rockets, Media and Russ, Sherrone Moore, NBA Injury updates
New Episodes Every Friday
Episode 12 of Unguarded introduces a new voice to the show. Houston journalist Sarge “Big Sarge” Media joins Fred and Quez as the newest permanent host, bringing a media perspective to the conversation.
The guys dive into some of the biggest topics in sports right now including NBA injuries, Jayson Tatum’s return, and an update on Fred’s health status. They also have a real conversation about the growing tension between NBA players and the media, including the discourse around Russell Westbrook and how narratives are shaped from the outside looking in.
Off the court, the crew reacts to the surprising story around Dak Prescott and a bachelor party fallout, plus the wild situation involving Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore beating charges but still being at the center of a crazy headline.
From locker room perspective to media insight, Episode 12 brings honest conversation, laughs, and unfiltered takes.
9 Mar 2026
EP 11: Draymond Green on Legacy, Loyalty & Owning the Moment
Draymond Green joins Unguarded with Fred VanVleet and Marquez Beeks for an unfiltered conversation about the moments that shaped his career — the good, the controversial, and everything in between. Draymond opens up about the “crash out” moments that defined public perception of him, how he’s learned from them, and why his legacy will be about much more than the headlines.
The three dive into what it really means to stand on principles in the NBA, balancing competitiveness with accountability, and the importance of family off the court. Draymond also reflects on his brotherhood with Stephen Curry and the foundation behind the Warriors’ championship culture. Raw, honest, and full of perspective — this is Draymond Green like you’ve rarely heard him.
16 Feb 2026
EP 10: RICH PAUL - KLUTCH, BUILDING FROM NOTHING, PODCASTING
Fred VanVleet and Quez sit down with KLUTCH Sports Group founder Rich Paul — one of the most influential figures in modern sports. From selling throwback jerseys out the trunk of his car to building a global agency that reshaped athlete representation, Rich shares the mindset behind the movement.
They dive into the origin of KLUTCH, what it means to truly represent players beyond contracts, and how ownership, relationships, and long-term thinking changed the power dynamics of the league. Rich opens up about navigating criticism, building trust with superstars, and why culture and credibility matter more than ever.
This isn’t just a conversation about sports agencies — it’s about shifting the ground beneath an entire industry.
Legacy. Disruption. Blueprint.
5 Feb 2026
EP 9: BUN B - TRILL BURGER, PIMP C, MUSIC INDUSTRY, MARRIAGE
On this episode of Unguarded, Fred and Quez sit down with Houston icon Bun B for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond music.
Bun opens up about life after the spotlight, carrying the legacy of Pimp C, and how grief, growth, and purpose reshaped his outlook on success. He reflects on love and partnership with his wife, the importance of integrity, and what it means to evolve without losing who you are.
The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship with Trill Burgers, his passion for education as a professor at Rice University, and why giving back to the next generation is just as important as any chart-topping record.
Raw, thoughtful, and full of game—this is Bun B unguarded.
27 Jan 2026
EP 8: LEBRON ERA OVER? NBA WATERING DOWN THE PRODUCT? SPORTS BETTING, DILLON BROOKS
Fred’s Unguarded dives into legacy, access, and accountability across sports and culture. From questioning whether we’re entering the final phase of LeBron’s era, to debating the NBA’s fractured streaming model and the unintended consequences of legalized sports betting, the conversation stretches far beyond the court.
We also explore mental health in today’s culture, information-hoarding versus mentorship, Hollywood’s treatment of Black excellence, and how narratives shape public judgment — ending with a real discussion on fairness, legacy, and context in how athletes are remembered.
23 Jan 2026
EP 7: Trade Deadline Talks, Ja & the Grizzlies, Rich Paul the Podcaster, and more!
We kick things off with the NBA trade deadline, breaking down what really happens when teams start making moves — who benefits, who gets left behind, and how “business decisions” affect real lives. From there, the discussion turns into a wild but honest comparison: why the mob operates without a salary cap, and what that says about structure, risk, and accountability.As the episode unfolds, we expand beyond sports into the bigger picture:The real impact of AI replacing jobs and why it’s happening faster than people thinkHow Elon Musk approaching a $1 trillion net worth represents more than wealth — it represents influence. Why certain systems are designed to reward the few while squeezing everyone else. What it means to adapt when the game keeps changing. This isn’t a headline-chasing episode. It’s a real conversation connecting sports, technology, money, and culture — and asking the questions most people avoid.No scripts. No gimmicks. Just honest dialogue and different perspectives.🎙️ Watch the full episode, drop your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more conversations like this.YouTube: @FVVTV815 Instagram: @unguardedpod / @fredvanvleetPatreon: @Unguarded (exclusive episodes & behind-the-scenes)Tik Tok: @fredvanvleet / @Unguardedpod
16 Jan 2026
EP 6 Mark Owens: Jail, Rebuilding Life, Houston Rockets Trainer, New Space
In this episode, we sit down with Mark Owens, founder of Mark Owens Boxing, to talk about a journey that’s bigger than sports.Mark opens up about his past — including time spent in jail — and the hard lessons that forced him to confront his mistakes, his mindset, and his future. Through boxing, discipline, and relentless self-belief, he transformed his life and built one of Houston’s most respected training facilities.This conversation goes beyond boxing. It’s about accountability, second chances, mental toughness, and turning negativity into purpose.If you’ve ever felt counted out, this episode is for you.Presented by Li-NingFollow & subscribe for more unguarded conversations around basketball, culture, and life beyond the game.YouTube: @FVVTV815 Instagram: @unguardedpod / @fredvanvleetPatreon: @Unguarded (exclusive episodes & behind-the-scenes)Tik Tok: fredvanvleet / Unguardedpod
14 Jan 2026
EP 5: NBA FIGHTS, SHORTER NBA SEASON, BEARS v TEXANS, REED SHEP,
Episode 5 is all about the uncomfortable conversations people usually avoid.We talk politics in sports, recent NBA fights, what loyalty really looks like in today’s league, and whether the NBA season is simply too long. Players, fans, and media all have opinions — we break it down from every angle.This is Unguarded the way it’s meant to be.Watch, listen, and join the conversation.Follow & subscribe for more unguarded conversations around basketball, culture, and life beyond the game.YouTube: @FVVTV815 Instagram: @unguardedpod / @fredvanvleetPatreon: @Unguarded (exclusive episodes & behind-the-scenes)Tik Tok: fredvanvleet / Unguardedpod
31 Dec 2025
EP 4: KD RECAP, CLICKBAIT MEDIA, JAKE PAUL, LOVE v LOYALTY
On this episode of Unguarded, Fred VanVleet reflects on the social media reactions to the Kevin Durant podcast release and the challenges athletes face when media pulls headlines out of context. He talks resilience through adversity, including the moment Jake Paul broke his jaw, and shifts into his Chicago roots with thoughts on the Bears and the power of hometown fan loyalty. Fred closes on one of his core principles: the balance between love and loyalty, the difference between obligation and belief, and why context matters more than reaction. Real conversations. Real perspective. This is Unguarded.
16 Dec 2025
EP 3: KEVIN DURANT - Goat Talk, Rockets, 2019 Raptors Championship, Cannabis and more
Episode 004 of Unguarded features NBA superstar Kevin Durant joining Fred VanVleet for an unfiltered conversation on GOAT debates, the Houston Rockets, and the 2019 Toronto Raptors championship. Fred and KD also discuss cannabis being removed from the NBA’s banned substance list, how to fix the NBA All-Star Game, and the continued growth of Jabari Smith Jr. Real basketball talk, league insight, and culture straight from two of the game’s best.
Keywords: NBA podcast, basketball podcast, Fred VanVleet, Kevin Durant, NBA culture, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, NBA All-Star Game, player perspective, sports podcast
11 Dec 2025
EPISODE 2: NIL, LANE KIFFIN, DILLON BROOKS, FANS, RAPTORS PARADE
NIL drama, Lane Kiffin headlines, Dillon Brooks energy, a Luka conspiracy, and a Raptors parade story you’ve never heard. Fred and Marquez break it all down in another hilarious, unfiltered episode of Unguarded.
6 Dec 2025
EPISODE 1: RAPTORS, NBA YOUNGBOY, STEPH CURRY and more.
The debut of Unguarded is here. Fred and Marquez rewind to the Raptors championship days, react to Steph Curry stepping away from Under Armour, and swap stories about Fred at the NBA YoungBoy concert. Plus, our first wave of callers jump in to debate, joke, and talk their shit with Fred. A chaotic, honest, late-night vibe to kick things off.
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