basketball Archives - Page 10 of 260

Caitlin Clark Supporters Have Officially Forgotten What Sports Are All About

June 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Caitlin Clark discourse continues to be a hot-button issue in the sports world. Caitlin was drafted no. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever and had massive expectations placed on her. Her introduction into the WNBA, where she has shown flashes of offensive greatness but has ultimately struggled, has brought out the worst of the media’s coverage and fans’ engagement of the sport. Almost immediately, the discussion became toxic. Fans and media personalities have criticized how Clark has been treated in the WNBA. Clark is a rookie who just finished her college season a couple of months ago. The WNBA is a physical and competitive league full of grown women.

Clark’s fans expected her to pick up where she left off in college. People familiar with the league would say it is a rough transition, and it has been a rough transition for Caitlin Clark. But, the same arguments are being brought up. Fans and media are saying the other players are jealous of Clark. That they should ease up, even saying they should let her win. Her exclusion from the Team USA women’s basketball team has sparked even more debate. Her supporters argue she should be on the team for marketing reasons so that the women’s game can grow. The idea that she should have special treatment just because of her popularity and the eyes she brings to the game is valid. However, it is ultimately against the very idea of how sports fundamentally have worked. The decision-makers for USA basketball have put merit over the potential eyeball.

Caitlin Clark’s Special Treatment Is Anti-Sports

Sports have long been, at least on the outside, a place of meritocracy. Athletes have to earn their spot and overcome challenges to become successful. Much of the Catilin Clark talk comes down to fans and media personalities wanting to push her to the front of the line instead of simply following her journey. The journey great athletes go on is what endears them to us and makes them truly great. It pays off to a story about an individual you have witnessed from beginning to end. When fans and media try to skip those steps in the name of marketing and “growing” the game, it not only robs us of an incredible story but also robs Caitlin Clark of her own experiences.

Clark is a competitor at the end of the day. She wants to compete at the highest level. It doesn’t matter if she is fouled hard or targeted (something that happens to rookies). The argument that Clark should be given this special treatment is an insult to her and goes against what sports has always been about. Michael Jordan failed for years and was broken down by the Detroit Pistons until what? He overcame the obstacle in front of him and became undeniable. If Caitlin Clark is so great, why not let her carve her story out and see if she can reach the lofty heights everyone expects? The bumps in the road are supposed to make us care about the journey and the person we are following, not lobby for the road to be paved and smoothed out specifically for her.

The Caitlin Clark Argument Comes Down To Marketing Vs Merits

#IndianaFever’s Caitlin Clark on her name being weaponized in non-sports topics:

“It’s not something I can control. … And to be honest, I don’t see a lot of it.”

“People can talk about what they want to talk about. … I’m just here to play basketball.”

Qs by @JimTrotter_NFL pic.twitter.com/VhGC7cIgLf

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) June 13, 2024

The argument against just letting Caitlin play everything out and earn her way to her stardom is one of marketing. ESPN personalities Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe are firmly in the follow-the-money camp. They have routinely said that merit doesn’t matter when it comes to Caitlin Clark. Worse, they preach to various women on ESPN that if they want the game to grow, then Clark needs special treatment. This line of thinking is especially prevalent when discussing Clark being left off of Team USA for the Olympics. Her supporters say that even though she doesn’t deserve a spot and isn’t ready for that level of basketball, she should have a spot on the team because of the potential eyeballs she will bring that will make everyone a lot of money, and so on.

It’s undeniable that there may be some uptick in interest in women’s Olympic basketball if Caitlin Clark is on the team. Would it have been wise to include her in the marketing possibilities? Yes, it would have. Does she deserve a spot based on her ability? Absolutely not. The decision not to include Clark isn’t a diss to her, but Team USA is sticking to the mission at hand and assembling the best team they possibly could. In four years, Caitlin Clark will be more than deserving of a spot on the team. But she hasn’t earned it yet. You cannot blame the WNBA or Team USA for throwing away the competitive nature of the sport. Clark herself is OK with the decision. She will do what a competitor does, get in the lab, and work to make the team the next time.

Is The Game Really Being Grown?

Caitlin Clark has brought a ton of eyes to the WNBA on the surface, but is she growing the game? The “we want it now” nature of the discourse around her means there really isn’t any patience from fans or media regarding her impact. There is a feeling that she isn’t bringing new fans to the WNBA, but new fans that solely follow her and are interested in her for good and bad reasons. Her popularity should be an organic force of growth, not a toxic flood of people who don’t really want the actual basketball. The most prominent voices that have hopped on the WNBA train, Stephen A. Smith, and Shannon Sharpe, are clearly not interested in the basketball being played. If that’s Clark’s fans’ attitude, then there won’t be any meaningful growth for the league; it’ll just be for her.

The WNBA has a talented crop of rookies that have come in with Caitlin Clark. Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, and Aaliyah Edwards, to name a few, have all taken the league by storm and are promising in their own right. Combined with the already cemented stars, like A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Breanna Stewart, the league is in a good place to grow into something special. It’s not going to get there if it rests solely on one Caitlin Clark’s shoulders, and it’s unfair to put the success of an entire sports league on her.

The post Caitlin Clark Supporters Have Officially Forgotten What Sports Are All About appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The Most Outrageous Moments This NBA Season

June 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The 2023/2024 NBA regular season had so many talking points. Worthy highlights include LeBron James hitting the 40,000 points mark, Victor Wembanyama’s introduction to the NBA, and Jalen Brunson’s impressive season, to name a few. However, while there is a long list of great moments in this NBA season, there have been some really outrageous ones, too. It was a season to forget for the Detroit Pistons, who lost 27 straight games. The Golden State Warriors failed to make it to the playoffs and may have come to the end of an era, while Kevin Durant and The Suns disappointed yet again. This has been an NBA Season full of drama, excitement, and a great deal of absurdity. Let’s relive the 2023/2024 NBA season’s most outrageous moments.

7. Anthony Black & Gradey Dick’s Jersey Swap

On Mar. 18, 2024, Orlando Magic played against the Toronto Raptors. Although the game didn’t have many eye-catching moments, what happened afterward had the internet talking. Two rookies from both teams, Anthony Black of the Orlando Magic and Gradey Dick of the Toronto Raptors met to exchange pleasantries after the game. However, amid the greetings, they plotted what would eventually become a viral basketball meme. The rookies agreed to exchange jerseys and pose for the camera after doing so. Why? Well, the names on their jerseys are Black and Dick. You need no more explanation but these rookies knew just what they were doing.

6. Jimmy Butler’s Look For NBA Media Day

Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler takes the NBA Media Day as a special holiday of some sort. Ahead of the 2023/2024 NBA season’s Media Day, Jimmy, in his true style, reinvented himself with a new look that left his teammates in stitches. The 34-year-old rocked a fully straightened hair that covered one of his eyes. He completed his rockstar appearance with eye, nose, and lip piercings. Jimmy also painted his nails to add color to his “emo” look. He sarcastically told a reporter that his look depicted his emotional state, adding, “I’m one with my emotions.” One can only wonder what new look Jimmy would serve for next season’s Media Day.

5. Robin Lopez Reads A Book Mid-Game After Being Traded By The Bucks

Robin Lopez suffered a terrible fate during the 2023/2024 NBA Season. Perhaps, the worst highlight of the season for him came in February during a game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Bucks traded Robin to the Sacramento Kings ahead of the game but he was expected to be waived by the Kings to become a free agent. Being inactive after the trade, Robin chose to watch the Bucks against the Timberwolves. He sat courtside, but rather than watch the game’s proceedings, he read a book. Robin concentrated on the pages of Backstory 2: Interviews With Screenwriters Of The 1940s And 1950s by Patrick McGilligan. It was a moment that shocked many NBA fans who could hardly believe their eyes.

4. Antman Hits His Head On The Rim After A Game-Winning Block

Anthony Edwards enjoyed an incredibly successful NBA season. He had many highlights and led his team to the Western Conference finals. One of the moments that defined Antman’s season was his gravity-defying block during the Timberwolves’ 113-111 win against the Indiana Pacers in March. Anthony showed his outrageous athleticism with a spectacular block on Aaron Nesmith’s layup attempt at the buzzer to earn his team the win. The Timberwolves star rose so high to make the block that he hit his head on the rim, contributing to an awkward landing. Rather than lay on the floor, Antman rose to his feet immediately, and chest-bumped his teammate Rudy Gobert, before flexing his muscles in celebration. After the game, Anthony admitted he had never jumped that high. He also declared that he was a tough dude with a high pain tolerance level.

3. Mike Brown Gets Ejected After Confronting Referee

When referees make questionable calls during games, they infuriate players and coaches alike. Sometimes, these players or coaches lose their cool, leading to aggressive behavior on their part. That was certainly the case when Sacramento Kings’ coach Mike Brown squared up to a referee during a game against the Bucks in January. Referee Intae Hwang made a call that displeased Mike, who stormed into the court and began screaming at and charging toward him. Mike’s players had to restrain him and he was subsequently ejected. The NBA fined Mike $50,000 for “aggressively pursuing a game official during live play, and for publicly criticizing the officiating.” During the postgame press conference, Coach Mike Brown brought out a laptop to show just how inconsistent the officials were.

2. Draymond Green Swings & Hits Jusuf Nurkic In The Face

Draymond Green was already notorious for his unsportsmanlike behavior. However, he unraveled in the 2023/2024 NBA season, taking his antics to unprecedented levels. In November, Draymond received a five-match ban after he put Rudy Gobert in a headlock. One would have thought the Golden State Warriors center would learn his lesson from that incident. Instead, he progressed to even more shocking behavior a month later when the Warriors faced the Phoenix Suns. Draymond and Jusuf Nurkic were tangled during a play after which the former lost his balance a little bit. In a bid to regain his balance, Draymond mysteriously turned around and swung at Jusuf, hitting him in the face and earning an ejection. Following the incident, the NBA suspended Draymond indefinitely. He missed 16 games as a result and returned in January after completing steps that demonstrated his commitment to playing according to required NBA standards.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Ball Controversy

The Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers engaged in a great rivalry this NBA season. The peak of the teams’ rivalry came in December when the Bucks defeated the Pacers 140-126. Giannis Antetokounmpo enjoyed a great game and scored a career-high and franchise-record 64 points. However, the game ended bizarrely for the Greek Freak, who searched for the game ball so he could keep it as a memento after his record-breaking exploits. Giannis learned the Pacers possessed the game ball and he charged toward their locker room with so much rage. Reports revealed the Pacers wanted to keep the ball for their rookie, Oscar Tshiebwe, who made his first regular season basket during the game.

Giannis’ teammates and security tried in vain to hold him back. Eventually, the situation calmed after the Bucks’ security staff reportedly secured the ball Giannis badly wanted. However, during the postgame presser, the two-time MVP said he doubted if the ball given to him was the game ball. He said, “I have a ball, but I don’t know if it’s the game ball. It doesn’t feel like the game ball to me.”

[Via] [Via]

The post The Most Outrageous Moments This NBA Season appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Stephen A. Smith Throws Shade At Kahwi Leonard Straight To His Clippers Teammate Paul George’s Face

June 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Paul George took Josh Hart’s place as the fifth cast member on the pregame and noticeably shortened halftime show when he joined the NBA Countdown team for Games 3 and 4. Because the Dallas Mavericks eliminated George and the Los Angeles Clippers in the opening round of the NBA playoffs, George is available. George averaged 19.5 points while playing in all six of the series games. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard played in just two games in the series. It was the third straight postseason where Leonard missed the end of the Clippers postseason with injury. Stephen A. Smith made a point of referencing this on NBA Countdown, saying, “Nobody on the planet knows what it’s like to play without a star than Paul George.”

On set, this sparked a variety of emotions. Malika Andrews and George chuckled right away, while Bob Myers and Michael Wilbon seemed a little taken aback. George hurriedly warned, “Don’t do that,” and Bob Myers chimed in and told Goerge, “Don’t react to that.” Nevertheless, Smith must not have heard him since, half an hour later, he cracked the identical joke. The team was less accommodating at that time.

Stephen A. Smith Throws Shade At Kahwi Leonard In Front Of His Clippers Teammate Paul George

Although everyone was smiling and the talk was lighthearted, Smith made a highly impolitic act that would have put George in a difficult situation with his co-star Kawhi. In addition, George may need to look for housing when he pursues a max contract extension with the Clippers this summer. Since his season-long absence in the 2017–18 NBA season, Kawhi has been among the most injury-prone superstars in the league. Leonard’s health issues on the Clippers persisted, even after he elevated load management to the top of NBA discussions by helping Kawhi lead the Toronto Raptors to an NBA Championship.

Even if George hasn’t exactly been a shining example of availability, Leonard is a player who is more prone to injuries than George. Even so, this isn’t the first time Stephen A. has disparaged Kawhi. A couple of weeks ago, Stephen A Smith called out Clippers star Kawhi Leonard. “He’s The Worst Superstar In Sports,” Smith said of Kawhi. Overall, Stephen A. has a serious bone to pick with Leonard.

[via]

The post Stephen A. Smith Throws Shade At Kahwi Leonard Straight To His Clippers Teammate Paul George’s Face appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

JJ Redick To Formally Interview With Lakers After Dan Hurley Rejection

June 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, JJ Redick will have a formal interview to become the Los Angeles Lakers’ next coach this weekend. If he does well, the team will likely consider him as their frontrunner. A successful interview will persuade the Lakers to move to sign him as their head coach. At the Chicago draft combine last month, Lakers vice president and general manager Rob Pelinka had a more than ninety-minute meeting with ESPN NBA commentator and 15-year player Redick. According to insiders, Pelinka and business owner Jeanie Buss will be attending meetings in Los Angeles, where a thorough discussion of the position will be had.

Redick and Pelinka have spoken over the phone recently. According to insiders, Redick is aware of and accepts Pelinka’s prolonged courtship of Connecticut coach Dan Hurley, which at first put a stop to Redick’s candidacy. Hurley rejected a six-year, $70 million contract offer from the Lakers on Monday, according to sources. Now, it looks like JJ Redick is back in the driver’s seat. The job he has been rumored to be his for the taking for weeks.

JJ Redick To Interview With Lakers

ESPN Sources: JJ Redick will formally interview for the Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching job this weekend and a strong performance is expected to move him to the forefront of the franchise’s search. pic.twitter.com/LqRR3ha4Es

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 13, 2024

According to sources, Redick will present his case to Pelinka, Buss, and other top decision-makers in Los Angeles during an all-day meeting. According to reports, Pelinka still desires a teaching coach and staff that will put an emphasis on the growth of young players like Max Christie, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura. They also want a staff that can show innovative ways to feature Anthony Davis on both ends of the court. This is similar to what he accomplished with Hurley. LeBron James, a star player for the Lakers, and Redick co-host a basketball podcast. Overall, the two have a close friendship.

JJ Redick will continue to cover the NBA Finals with ESPN. Though they might be wrapped up by Friday night, looking at how the Mavs have been playing. That would leave Redick time to interview and go all out for the Lakers’ opening. JJ is still making his podcast with LeBron James. The biggest question fans should have is if they will continue to podcast together next season. Overall, a head coach plodding with their star player might be a recipe for disaster.

[via]

The post JJ Redick To Formally Interview With Lakers After Dan Hurley Rejection appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Brian Windhorst Goes In On Luka Doncic With Fan-Made “Meet The Grahams” Edit

June 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Dallas Mavericks have fallen into a 0-3 deficit in the NBA Finals. The Mavs rallied from a poor first half to make it a close game that could have gone either way in the end. Luka Doncic fouled out of the game with almost 4 minutes left in the fourth quarter, and the Mavs star was irate. Luka had been complaining and berating the referees all night while playing terrible defense, and many are saying his performance and decision-making are why the Mavs ultimately lost. After the game, Brian Windhorst, who was clearly fed up with Luka’s antics during the game, went in on Mavs superstar.

Particularly to the disadvantage of his play and the Mavericks, Doncic was a terrible defender and was constantly barking at the referees. That culminated in the fourth quarter when, with just over four minutes remaining, Doncic fouled out after picking up his fifth and sixth fouls in rapid succession while guarding Jaylen Brown. In his absence, the Mavs were unable to finish the comeback and now trail 0-3, a point that no team has ever overcome in the NBA Playoffs. Following the game, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst joined Scott Van Pelt for SportsCenter and unleashed a fiery tirade on Doncic, criticizing both his poor defensive play and his incessant whining about the officials. Fans quickly edited Windhorts Doncic’s “Ether,” putting the beat to Kendrick Lamar’s “Meet The Grahams behind the rant.

Brian Windhorst’s Goes In On Luka Doncic

Windy x Meet The Grahams are what the NBA interwebs are all about pic.twitter.com/WO8H7tU3wb

— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) June 13, 2024

While it was fantastic on its own, “Meet The Grahams” takes it up a level. Brian Windhorst mixed with Kendrick Lamar is the perfect energy for the rant. There is also a “Not Like Us” version floating around that might be even better. Windhorst was clearly frustrated with not only how Luka played but how he conducted himself throughout the game. Luka has all the talent in the world, but he complains a lot to referees and is oftentimes a no-show on defense.

The Celtics are looking to close out the series on Friday and hang up banner number 18 for their storied franchise. No one has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit, and it’s very unlikely the Mavericks will break that trend. What the Mavs can do is come out with some pride, play for some respect, and not allow themselves to get swept. Overall, hopefully, Luka Doncic is on his best behavior, or we will get another Brian Windhorst diss track if he doesn’t.

[via]

The post Brian Windhorst Goes In On Luka Doncic With Fan-Made “Meet The Grahams” Edit appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Dan Hurley Net Worth 2024: What Is The College Basketball Coach Worth?

June 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Dan Hurley is an esteemed basketball coach known for his dynamic leadership and strategic acumen. He has a net worth of $20 million as of 2024, according to ClutchPoints. Hurley’s impressive wealth is a testament to his successful coaching career. It has seen him transform various college basketball programs and achieve significant success on the court. Daniel S. Hurley was born on January 16, 1973, in Jersey City, New Jersey, into a family deeply rooted in basketball. His father, Bob Hurley Sr., is a legendary high school basketball coach. Further, his brother, Bobby Hurley, is a former NBA player and current college coach. Growing up in such a basketball-centric environment, Dan developed a profound understanding and passion for the game from an early age.

Hurley played college basketball at Seton Hall University. There, he was known for his tenacity and leadership on the court. After graduating, he quickly transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant coach at St. Anthony High School under his father. This experience also laid the groundwork for his future coaching philosophy and style.

Building A Reputation In College Basketball

Dan Hurley’s first head coaching job came at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey. During his nine-year tenure, he transformed the program into a national powerhouse. They produced numerous Division I players and achieved a remarkable winning record. His success at St. Benedict’s caught the attention of college programs, leading to his first collegiate head coaching position at Wagner College in 2010.

At Wagner, Hurley also quickly turned around a struggling program, leading the team to a 25-6 record in his second season and earning the Northeast Conference Coach of the Year award. His ability to revitalize teams became his hallmark. In 2012, he was hired as the head coach of the University of Rhode Island. Under Hurley’s leadership, Rhode Island also saw significant improvements. This culminated in an Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship and consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.

Success At The University Of Connecticut

In 2018, Dan Hurley also took on one of his most challenging and prestigious roles as the head coach of the University of Connecticut (UConn) men’s basketball team. UConn, a program with a storied history and high expectations, provided Hurley with the platform to showcase his coaching prowess nationally. He quickly instilled a culture of discipline, hard work, and defensive tenacity.

Hurley’s tenure at UConn has also been marked by significant achievements. These include multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and a return to national prominence for the Huskies. His leadership and strategic expertise have restored UConn’s reputation and contributed substantially to his net worth, reflecting his value and impact in the world of college basketball.

Personal Life & Legacy

Moreover, Dan Hurley’s personal life is intertwined with his professional journey. He is married to Andrea Hurley, and the couple has two children. Additionally, Hurley is known for his intense coaching style and passionate sideline demeanor. He is deeply committed to his players’ development on and off the court. His dedication to mentoring young athletes and preparing them for life beyond basketball is also a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. Further, Hurley is respected for his integrity and commitment to the sport. His influence extends through his family’s legacy in basketball, continuing the tradition of excellence and dedication established by his father.

Overall, Dan Hurley’s net worth of $20 million reflects his success and enduring influence in college basketball. His ability to transform programs and lead teams to success underscores his reputation as one of the top coaches in the sport. With a career that continues to thrive, Hurley’s impact on college basketball is set to endure, inspiring future generations of players and coaches.

The post Dan Hurley Net Worth 2024: What Is The College Basketball Coach Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Steph Curry Allegedly Almost Cried Because Kevin Durant Was Beating Him Out For Finals MVP

June 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Despite spending just one season with the Golden State Warriors, Nick Young managed to win a title and, presumably, see an intense matchup between Steph Curry and Kevin Durant for the MVP award in the 2018 NBA Finals. The Warriors of 2017–18, which featured Durant, Young, and Curry, defeated LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals to win back-to-back championships. According to Young, Durant’s 2017 NBA Finals MVP victory meant that the two future Hall of Famers would have to contend for the trophy in 2018.

Then, even after winning, Young said that Curry’s difficult Game 3 left him “damn near tears” because he felt he had let the MVP title for the Finals slip from his grasp. Curry had won two championships at that point but did receive a Finals MVP. Curry scored 11 points in the Game 3 victory on only 3-of-16 shooting from the field. With 43 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists that evening, Durant lifted Golden State, and it was only a matter of time until he took home the individual award for the second consecutive year.

Steph Curry Allegedly Almost Cried Because Of Losing Finals MVP

“I remember they was neck and neck, KD [Durant] and Steph [Curry], then Steph had one bad game…KD was hitting. Locker room Steph, head was down [and] damn near tears after a win. Man, he wanted to win that [Finals MVP],” Young said. “KD was trying to give it to him, like KD won it a year before…[Durant] was trying to miss. [But] Steph couldn’t make a shot.” In their fourth and final meeting of the season, the Warriors defeated the LeBron James-led Cavaliers 4-0 in the 2018 series. The following year, after suffering an Achilles injury to Durant and an ACL injury to Klay Thompson, Steph Curry and the Warriors were unable to accomplish a three-peat after losing to the Toronto Raptors in six games.

When Curry earned his first ring in 2015, Andre Iguodala was named the NBA Finals MVP; however, the future Hall of Famer didn’t receive his ring until 2022, after Durant had left for another team. The future Hall of Famer averaged 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 43.7 percent from outside the arc and 48.2 percent from the field to help Golden State defeat the Boston Celtics in six games. Curry had a four-to-two edge in rings over Durant and was, without a doubt, the NBA Finals MVP that year. Nevertheless, Young said that missing out on that 2018 award impacted Curry.

[via]

The post Steph Curry Allegedly Almost Cried Because Kevin Durant Was Beating Him Out For Finals MVP appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Shams Charania Seemingly Takes Shot At Adrian Wojnarowski Over Lakers Dan Hurley Scoop

June 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

There is still no basketball coach on the Los Angeles Lakers roster to take over Darvin Ham’s role. After weeks of speculation, ESPN commentator JJ Redick appeared to be the clear favorite to land the position. However, in the final days, Dan Hurley, the coach of UConn, emerged as the front-runner and later declined a contract offer from the franchise. The campaigns of Redick and Hurley were closely linked to reporting by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and Shams Charania of The Athletic, respectively. Wojnarowski broke the news of Hurley’s interest in the role. Charania was often the most well-known national reporter, stating that Redick was in the lead.

The two had a lengthy connection. Last year, a feature in New York magazine compared their back and forth to a “cold war.” On Tuesday, Charania appeared to be relishing the chance to outdo his former master, seemingly taking a shot at him. “Then they, last week, on Wednesday, turned their attention, I’m told, to Dan Hurley,” Charania said on FanDuel TV. “And, he was not the No. 1 candidate, the No. 1 guy to go pursue from the start, from the beginning.” he refutes Woj’s assertion that Dan Hurley was the Laker’s number one option from the beginning.

Read More: Over Lakers Dan Hurley Scoop

Shams Charania Seemingly Takes Shot At Adrian Wojnarowski

This contradicts several reports by Wojnarowski. Woj said in his original piece that “Hurley has been at the forefront of the Lakers’ search from the beginning of the process, even while the organization has done its due diligence interviewing several other candidates.” Notably, Wojnarowski reported a month ago that the Lakers were considering Redick as part of their “wide-ranging and lengthy search.” Both Charania and Wojnarowski concur that Hurley was not the only person the organization interviewed.

However, Charania made other remarks about Hurley’s candidacy that gave the impression that he was disparaging Wojnarowski. When Charania went on Pat McAfee’s show, which is shown on ESPN naturally, she came across as rather skeptical of the Hurley issue as a whole. “If the Lakers wanna go hire James Borrego, they’ve had a month to hire James Borrego,” Charania said. “They’ve had this week, after losing out on Dan Hurley, I guess, they’ve had this time to go get James Borrego.” overall, the battle between Shams and Woj will wage on.

[via]

The post Shams Charania Seemingly Takes Shot At Adrian Wojnarowski Over Lakers Dan Hurley Scoop appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Shannon Sharpe Called Out By Fans For Hypocrisy Regarding Sha’Carri Richardson And Caitlin Clark’s Olympic Snubs

June 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Two of the most talked-about American athletes, Sha’Carri Richardson and Caitlin Clark, come from diverse backgrounds and sports, among many other things. However, they have had similar setbacks at the Olympic level. Preventing them from qualifying for their first Olympics at pivotal junctures in their careers. Sha’Carri Richardson’s failing drug test kept him out of the Olympics in 2021. As for the USA women’s basketball team, which is headed to the Olympics in Paris, Caitlin Clark was just cut from the team for not “checking more boxes” than the other 12 players chosen. Shannon Sharpe has come under fire for his hypocrisy about the two women’s similar circumstances.

In the argument, Shannon Sharpe has stirred up some controversy. The well-known sportscaster has had contrasting views over Sha’Carri Richardson and Caitlin Clark’s failure to qualify for the Olympics. Fans claim that his criticism of Richardson is unjustified. Sharpe has since received heavy criticism for his remarks. Shannon Sharpe recently supported the rookie Caitlin Clark after word leaked that she would not be playing for the United States at the Olympics in Paris.

Shannon Sharpe Called Out For Sha’Carri Richardson And Caitlin Clark Hypocrisy

.@ShannonSharpe on Sha’Carri Richardson not making the Olympic team:

“She could’ve competed. She didn’t qualify to compete. Stop the bulljive antics. Train hard. Sports aren’t sympathetic. You do or you don’t.”

Shannon Sharpe on Caitlyn Clarke not making the Olympic team:… pic.twitter.com/oFwHCS5FU6

— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) June 11, 2024

Shannon Sharpe backed Caitlin Clark by smashing USA Basketball’s decision to leave her off the Olympic team. He said, “Name a more popular woman basketball player right now than Caitlin Clark.” However, he had a fiery reaction to Sharri Richardson when asked about her losing her Olympic berth. Criticizing the sprinter, he said, “She could’ve competed. She didn’t qualify to compete. Stop the bulljive antics. Train hard. Sports aren’t sympathetic. You do or you don’t.”

Sha’Carri Richardson was suspended for ingesting prohibited drugs in violation of WADA regulations. She participated in and won the 100-meter US Olympic trial event in spite of her anguish. Sadly, Shannon Sharpe, who supported the authority’s choice of Caitlin Clark due to her popularity, didn’t appear to think much of this touching tale. The 2024 WNBA draft saw an average viewership of 2.45 million, the most ever for the yearly event, thanks in large part to Iowa women’s basketball player Caitlin Clark. The 22-year-old is a fantastic performer, scoring 16.8 points per contest on average. Fans of Sha’Carri Richardson, however, feel that Shannon Sharpe’s mockery of the current world champion’s supporters is inexcusable.

[via]

The post Shannon Sharpe Called Out By Fans For Hypocrisy Regarding Sha’Carri Richardson And Caitlin Clark’s Olympic Snubs appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Jerry West Passes Away At 86

June 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The NBA’s logo and Hall of Famer Jerry West passed away at the age of 86. The Los Angeles Clippers announced on the news on Wednesday. West, one of the sport’s most prominent contributors, was a mainstay for eight decades, having won nine titles in his roles as a player, scout, coach, executive, and consultant. He advised the recent dynastic Golden State Warriors. West was a key figure in the Los Angeles Lakers’ ten championship runs in the 1980s and 2000s.

One of the earliest NBA superstars, West distinguished himself long before he became probably the best general manager in history. Throughout his 14-year career, which included 12 All-NBA choices and five All-Defensive appearances while playing for the Lakers, West, a star in West Virginia high school and college basketball, also served as co-captain of the 1960 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team, was selected for every All-Star Game. In nine visits to the NBA Finals, he only managed one championship. Tragically, Bill Russell’s Boston Celtics lost six final series. Additionally, West’s 1969 Finals MVP award is still the only time the award has ever been given to a member of the losing team. Furthermore, in a seven-game defeat against the Celtics, he scored 37.9 points per game on average.

NBA Pioneer Jerry West Has Died

Jerry West lived a profound basketball and American life — iconic as a player, executive and looming figure in the history of the game. He was an MVP, a champion, a gold medalist, a dynasty-builder and literally the league’s logo. His loss leaves a massive void. pic.twitter.com/vE3fQc5XuE

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 12, 2024

West was known for his dogged desire to win. “He took a loss harder than any player I’ve ever known,” late and legendary Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn once said of West. “He would sit by himself and stare into space. A loss just ripped his guts out.” Before the 3-point line was invented, West was a lethal shooter. His most well-known shot was a 60-foot buzzer-beater against the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the 1970 Finals. West was a tough competitor and a trailblazing scoring guard. As the first player in the NBA to reach 25,000 points, he joined Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson. Over his career, West averaged 27 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists.

Due to his unwavering dedication to excellence, West was twice named Executive of the Year in NBA front offices, where his ability to make decisions was unparalleled. He assisted in building the five-time champion “Showtime” Lakers of the 1980s. First as a scout and later as general manager. West laid the groundwork for another five titles from 2000 to 2010 by trading Kobe Bryant’s draft rights and signing Shaquille O’Neal before departing the Lakers in 2000. Overall, Jerry West is an icon of the game, and he has his fingerprints on countless important moments in NBA history.

[via]

The post Jerry West Passes Away At 86 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.