basketball

Shaquille O’Neal Makes Candid Kobe Bryant Admission To Give Jayson Tatum & Jaylen Brown Finals Advice

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Shaquille O’Neal shared some advice for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown during NBATV’s pregame coverage of the NBA Finals on Sunday night. In doing so, he reflected on his relationship as a teammate with Kobe Bryant during their Los Angeles Lakers’ title runs. He admitted that he was never the best player on the team and had to accept being the second option for them to succeed.

“In my Laker runs, I wasn’t the best player on the team,” O’Neal admitted. “I knew that, but I knew I was the most dominant. So, I knew my role. I knew what I had to do. I wasn’t worried about these useless titles. So if those two young gentlemen are worried about useless titles … it will definitely affect them tonight. … Not only affect this game, but they will lose the series.”

Read More: Shaquille O’Neal Gets Emotional Discussing Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant & Shaquille O’Neal Celebrate NBA Championship Victory

LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: Kobe Bryant (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers holds the Larry O’Brian trophy as teammate Shaquille O’Neal (L) hold the MVP trophy after winning the NBA Championship against Indiana Pacers 19 June, 2000, after game six of the NBA Finals at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The Lakers won the game 116-111 to take the NBA title 4-2 in the best-of-seven series. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read AFP/AFP via Getty Images)

O’Neal’s advice comes after Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd labeled Brown the Boston Celtics’ best player, last week. “Jaylen’s their best player,” he said after the Game 1 loss. “He did everything, and that’s what your best player does. Just understanding how to play both sides — defense and offense at a high rate — he’s been doing that the whole playoffs.”

Shaq Shares Advice For The Celtics

Despite their success together, O’Neal and Bryant’s relationship on the court eventually deteriorated and the iconic big man left for the Miami Heat. Years later they mended their relationship before Bryant’s tragic passing in 2020. Be on the lookout for further updates on the NBA Playoffs on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Kobe Bryant & Shaquille O’Neal Traded Bars On NBA Rap Classic “3X’s Dope”

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Drake Gifts “NBA Today” Crew with Special OVO Jackets To Commemorate The NBA Finals

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In honor of the 2024 NBA Finals, Drake and the worldwide leader have linked up. Drake’s October’s Very Own brand and ESPN have collaborated to create a special varsity jacket. The robust OVO x ESPN jackets, which fuse the worlds of sports, music, and fashion, are certain to become collector’s items. Furthermore, only 175 were made, and the retail price was $698. Drake gifted the cast of ESPN’s NBA Today with their own personal letterman to kick off the network’s NBA Finals coverage. 

With a golden outline, the October’s Very Own and 2024 NBA Finals insignia stand out on the sleek breastplates of the jacket. Also of note, the rear of the stylish sleeves. They are made of superior leather and have the NBA On ESPN logo on them. Additionally, the style combines the ESPN trademark badge with the iconic OVO owl. Additionally, the model number out of the 175 produced is imprinted inside the coats. Malika Andrews, Kendrick Perkins, Richard Jefferson, and the rest of the crew got their hands on special jackets from Drake himself. 

Read More: Drake’s Reference Track For Lil Wayne’s “I’m Single” Surfaces Online

Drake Gifts “NBA Today” Cast with OVO Jackets

 
 
 
 
 
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Kendrick Perkins and Richard Jefferson had a good time laughing at Perk’s jacket size. The jackets will be extremely hard to get for Drake super fans, and the reselling market is probably a wild palace right now. Through his collaboration with Stake, Drizzy was able to post two $500,000 gambling slips. “Dallas cause I’m a Texan Oilers are self explanatory Picks are in @stake,” he captioned the post featuring the six-figure betting slips. He wagered $500,000. Furthermore, with the Dallas Mavericks, he will win $875,000. It will be a total payout of $1.375 million if they beat the Boston Celtics for Kyrie Irving’s second Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Drizzy is rooting for Canada on the ice. He is hoping that Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers may win the Stanley Cup. Drake is betting $500,000 to win $525,000, making them a small underdog with a combined payout of $1.025 million. Additionally, the OVO CEO’s luck with his bets hasn’t been as good lately. Furthermore, he bet $565,000 on boxer Tyson Fury in May, but the Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk prevailed. Overall, Drake is making bets and brand deals with all the postseason sports going on right now. 

Read More: Drake Deletes “The Heart Part 6” From His Instagram Page, Fans Question Why

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Austin Rivers Fires Back At Stephen Jackson: “Poor Dude Starving For Attention”

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In recent days, Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson both criticized Austin Rivers. “I just don’t wanna be in no conversation when Austin Rivers’ name is involved,” Jackson said on the “Gojo and Golic” podcast. “Why is his name even involved? I don’t even want to answer a question when his name is phrased in it. Austin Rivers is somebody not relevant nowhere.” Jackson was questioned by host Mike Golic over a statement that Rivers had made on X, claiming that more NBA players than NFL players could play in both leagues. Rivers shot back at Jackson’s jab on X.

“This is so ironic considering he stays having my name in his mouth,” Rivers posted. “(I have never met this guy btw lol) The comments say it all. He’s at it again lmao!! Pour dude starving for attention. Sad sight tbh. I honestly wish him nothing but the best fr. Good God bro… grow up.” In addition to ripping Rivers, Barnes, who Jackson co-hosts the podcast “All The Smoke,” was on the “Gojo and Golic” podcast with Jackson and previously ripped Rivers’ father Doc Rivers.

Read More: Is Bronny James Declaring For The NBA Draft? Rich Paul Gives Update On USC Freshman’s Thinking

Austin Rivers Claps Back At Stephen Jackson

Barnes recently responded to an Instagram comment claiming the “Utah Jazz broke that sh–t up” regarding the Lob City Clippers that featured Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan. Austin and Barnes were teammates on the 2014–15 team, during which Doc served as both head coach and president of basketball operations. Barnes believes the Rivers are to blame for the club’s lackluster performance. “nah Doc broke that sh–t up when he paid his son that money,” Barnes wrote in the comment.” He lost the team after that.”

The Clippers had five straight seasons with 50 wins and two Pacific Division championships during the “Lob City” era, which ran from 2011 to 2017. The club did not, however, make it past the conference semifinals. In four seasons with the Clippers, Austin Rivers averaged 11.1 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds. Although the Lob City Clippers enjoyed a strong off-court rapport in 2022, Barnes claimed that this did not convert to on-court success. Overall, this is not the last time we will hear from Autin Rives, Jackson, or Matt Barnes

Read More: Stephen Jackson Roasts Austin Rivers, Calls Him “Irrelevant”

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Joe Budden Hates The Casting On The New Clippers Drama “Clipped”

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Clipped, the new FX drama series that follows the NBA’s Donald Sterling Saga, premiered this week. The series comes after a taped conversation between Clippers owner Donald Sterling (Ed O’Neill) and his arm candy, mistress, assistant, and “silly rabbit,” V. Stiviano (Cleopatra Coleman) was released in 2014. The shocking racism on the tape caused a huge uproar, which ultimately resulted in Sterling’s dismissal. When the first look at the series dropped, fans were quick to roast the casting of the real-life players and figures. Joe Budden says he can’t get into the show because he can’t get over the casting.

The casting of iconic actor Laurence Fishburne as Doc Rivers, the then coach of the Clippers, was a point of comedy for NBA fans. Now that the first episode is out, NBA fans are roasting the casting of players like Chris Paul, balke Griffin, and Steph Curry. It is hard to get a one-to-one casting, but it is pretty funny that these well-known figures have these accurate doppelgangers. Joe Budden and some viewers just can’t get past the casting choices, and it’s hard not to blame them. 

Read More: Murda Mook Goes After “Bozo” Joe Budden For Joking About His Recent Arrest: “That’s A Special Kind Of Hate”

Joe Budden Hates The Casting But Clipped Is Pretty Good

A decade after the scandal broke and on the eve of the NBA Finals, the series, which is an adaptation of Gina Welch’s ESPN podcast The Sterling Affairs, explores the challenges the league faces. Up to the NBA’s 2014 ban and forced sale of the team by new commissioner Adam Silver, Sterling is shown brushing the entire situation off as “A big nothing.” Joe Budden and viewers of the first two episodes had some takes on the casting choices. Fans roasted the actors who played Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Fishburne’s Doc Rivers has also been the subject of many jokes on social media.

The casting may be a turnoff for Joe Budden and many fans who know these real-life individuals intimately, but the show is pretty good. It’s a trashy and entertaining drama that explores a period in time that isn’t that long ago. The casting does add a layer of comedy that makes it fun to watch if you are an NBA diehard. People like Joe Budden may have been expecting a very serious retelling of a time of upheaval in the NBA’s ownership due to racism. But the series is having fun telling a juicy story with a lot of moving parts. Overall, what do you think about the Clipped casting?

Read More: Statik Selektah Calls Out Joe Budden For Giving DJ Akademiks A Platform

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TNT Is Reportedly In Talks With The NBA To Save “Inside The NBA”

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The NBA is close to signing a new media rights agreement. In this agreement, ESPN, NBC, and Amazon may contribute $76 billion to the league’s books over the following few years. Warner Bros. Discovery, which has partnered with the NBA since 198. Despite that, they have been left out of the conversation surrounding the league’s new media partnerships for weeks. This is a huge issue because Turner Sports, the parent company of Warner, is what runs the NBA on TNT and the popular Inside the NBA, which stars Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny “The Jet” Smith.

Though much discussion has focused on Inside the NBA’s termination due to the NBA’s Warner collaboration disintegrating in the wake of the new media rights agreement, it seems like things might be heading in a different direction. According to Front Office Sports, Warner Bros. Discovery is still pursuing a new agreement with the NBA. Now, they are negotiating a potential fourth media rights package with commissioner Adam Silver and the organization.

Read More: Metro Boomin Partners With The NBA For New 2024 Finals Campaign

TNT Is Fighting To Save “Inside The NBA”

 
 
 
 
 
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The NBA may be interested in a fourth package, given the money involved. Despite the fact that the league has concentrated on the three deals it has negotiated with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon. This fourth, smaller media package may include the regular season and a few postseason games. With all the talk about Inside the NBA, the NBA might be on to something, creating a smaller media package right now. Globally, Barkley, Smith, O’Neal, and Johnson are revered by hoops fans. Many people consider their show to be the greatest sports program on television since it has been so successful over the years.

Salvaging Inside the NBA will be at the top of both parties’ lists during these talks since Silver and the league acknowledge the success Warner Bros. Discovery has had building the NBA brand. It is also important to note that TNT runs NBA TV and NBA.com, which may cause issues if the league were to sever ties with the business. Overall, all hope is not lost for Inside the NBA fans.

Read More: NBA Closing In On $76 Billion Rights Deal With ESPN, NBC, And, Amazon, “Inside The NBA” Is Done

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Jay-Z And Steve Ballmer Tour The Clippers New State Of The Art Arena

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The Los Angeles Clippers have operated under the Los Angeles Lakers’ shadow for all of their existence. The Clippers have always come in second. Now, owner Steve Ballmer is ready to change that idea with a new arena that they won’t have to share with the Lakers. Although the two teams have always used the same stadium, the Clippers have never felt at home there. There is always a pro-Lakers crowd present when the Lakers and Clippers play. The Clippers have had to hide the Lakers’ title banners during home games. The Billionaire gave Jay Z a tour of the almost finished state-of-the-art arena.

The Clippers will have a new arena to play in in the coming season—finally, one the squad can claim as its own. The Clippers will play in the Intuit Dome starting in the upcoming season. Steve Ballmer has been aiming for this arena for a long time. Finally, the public will be able to access it. Jay-Z, who has sat courtside with Ballmer on many occasions, got a personal tour of the arena this week, and it looks incredible even though it’s not yet finished.

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Jay-Z Spotted In Clippers New Arena

Jay-Z toured the Arena, which is estimated to cost almost $1.2 billion. As previously reported by CNBC, the building’s name rights agreement was for somewhat more than $500 billion. According to Urbanize LA, the arena will be situated on a 28-acre mixed-use development tract in Inglewood. It has space for 18,000 people. It will be situated immediately to the south of the Rams’ SoFi stadium campus. The Clippers’ new campus will feature a 25,000-square-foot sports medicine center, 71,000 square feet of club office space, and an 85,000-square-foot practice facility. A concert stage and a retail area with plenty of activity are also planned.

Jay-Z will surely be treated to some upscale treatment whenever he visits his buddy Ballmer’s new arena. Probably the most awesome feature of the arena itself is this. The Clippers will feature “The Wall,” a section of seats reserved for supporters. There will be 51 rows of seats reserved exclusively for Clippers supporters. If supporters choose to sit in this section, they must abide by certain conditions. Steve Ballmer and the Clippers are trying to strike out on their own and stop being the little brother to the Lakers. Overall, expect to see Jay-Z courtside or in one of the luxurious suites during a Clippers home game next season.

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Delonte West Has Been Arrested Again, Collapsed While Running From Police

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Reports have verified that Delonte West, a former NBA player, has been arrested once more. It appears he’s had some really tough times based on the mug shot he took while in detention. The former point guard for the Boston Celtics was charged with two misdemeanors on Thursday at 4:35 AM in the Fairfax County Detention Center in Virginia: resisting arrest and breaking conditions of release, according to a jail official. West posed for a concerning mug shot while he was being processed, looking as though he was having trouble keeping his eyes open.

According to officials, the 40-year-old is being held on a $2,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. However, no information about the accusations against him was immediately made public. Since leaving the NBA after the 2011–12 season, West has had multiple run-ins with the law. He has appeared to get things back on track a few times in recent years. Nevertheless, the recent incident means that he has fallen back into a troubled period.

Read More: Delonte West Denies LeBron James Rumor

Delonte West Reportedly Arrested Once Again

In 2020, he worked with Mark Cuban to go to rehab. In 2022, he made an attempt to try out for the Big 3 with the intention of picking up where he left off in basketball. He has, however, been detained multiple times since the return attempt, most notably twice in a two-week period in the fall of 2022. The 38-year-old was seen on camera in 2022 pleading for money from passersby on a street in Alexandria, Virginia. “Delonte, what’s going on my brother,” the person filming said as they shook hands. West answered, looking disheveled, “What’s going on? You have a few bucks?”

From 2004 to 2012, West was a member of the NBA teams Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics, and Cleveland Cavaliers. In each game, he averaged 9.7 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.9 rebounds. Fans are saddened by this development. Overall, it seems like Delonte West’s troubles just keep coming back to haunt him. We join all the fans out there wishing and hoping he can get better.

Read More: Delonte West’s NBA Odyssey: Triumphs & Trials

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Chennedy Carter Gets Harassed By Fan While Getting Off Chicago Sky Bus Four Days After Caitlin Clark Incident

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The consequences of Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter’s strong foul on Caitlin Clark are becoming more and more out of pocket. Three of Carter’s Sky teammates claimed to have experienced harassment at a team hotel. The incident took place four days after the rookie Indiana Fever player received a hard shoulder check. The Sky travel to play the Washington Mystics on Thursday. Carter isn’t mentioned by name in any of the tweets. However, according to Angel Reese and Isabelle Harrison, as the team got off the bus, one of their colleagues was deliberately targeted and had a camera in her face. Ultimately, the tension was defused by the team’s security, according to Michaela Onyenwere.

Later, Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times offered additional information. Stating that one man approached the group while carrying a camera and made an effort to talk to Carter. According to reports, Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca stated that team security walked the man away and that no police were contacted. “It was over as fast as it started,” Pagliocca said. “I’m very confident in our security always making our players feel safe. Today was a great example of how critical they are to our team.”

Read More: Shannon Sharpe Goes Off On WNBA Players For Their Treatment Of Caitlin Clark And Angel Reese

Chennedy Carter Gets Camera Put In Her Face

The incident is the most recent indication that Carter’s penalty on Clark, which was eventually raised to a flagrant foul, has developed into what is maybe the most contentious play in the WNBA this season. Furthermore, it has ignited a heated discussion about Clark’s standing in the league. After the game, Carter declined to talk about the foul and subsequently stated that she had “no regrets” about what she had done. She even went so far as to challenge Clark’s ability to do anything other than make 3-pointers on social media.

In a statement, Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon said that the foul was “not appropriate.” Reese, who was spotted applauding on the sidelines when Carter fouled Clark, said she was delighted to “take the bad guy role.” Notably, Carter and Clark were seen jawing back and forth the possession prior to the hard foul. The discourse around Clark’s treatment is a complicated matter. It’s not a good sign that fans are taking things into their own hands. Overall, the whole situation is taking away from what the WNBA should be trying to promote.

Read More: Angel Reese Gets Hit With $1k Fine For Dodging Media After Caitlin Clark Showdown

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JJ Redick Apparently Not The Frontrunner For Lakers Head Coaching Job, Massive Offer For Uconn’s Dan Hurley Is Being Prepared

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According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Los Angeles Lakers are planning to make a sizable, long-term contract offer to UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley in order to lure the two-time NCAA national champion to the NBA. Hurley and the Lakers have had preliminary talks about the job. Sources told ESPN that the parties intend to intensify their talks in the days ahead. Hurley has led the Lakers’ search from the start, according to insiders. Even though the team has interviewed a number of other applicants as part of its due diligence. This goes against the widely reported idea that JJ Redick was in the pole position to become the franchise’s next head coach.

Rumor has it that governor Jeanie Buss, general manager, and vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka are eager to formally discuss their vision of combining Hurley’s dominant program, which is based on his tactical acumen and elite player development—with the legendary Lakers brand. The Athletic’s Shams Charania has been reporting for what seems like weeks that Redick was the clear frontrunner. Shams reported that it was only a matter of time before JJ Redick was named head coach. Woj has thrown a wrench into that line of thinking, and a massive deal is being drawn up for Hurley. 

Read More: JJ Redick Is Reportedly The Frontrunner And Close To Becoming The Lakers’ Next Head Coach

Dan Hurley To Be Hired As Lakers Coach, JJ Out Of The Running

According to insiders, Dan Hurley has frequently talked about his goal of becoming an NBA coach. Additionally, he has told the Lakers that he would like to explore the possibility of working with one of the most successful teams in basketball. LeBron James is said to have been impressed with Hurley’s sophisticated offensive acumen. Hurley becomes an even more fascinating contender if James decides to return to Los Angeles in free agency. Bronny James could be selected as the 55th choice in this month’s NBA draft. This could make things more interesting to LeBron. Should that take place, Hurley and his team will take on the responsibility of overseeing Bronny’s professional development. Ultimately giving James the opportunity to play alongside his son.

All in all, the JJ Redick Lakers era seems to have never been as sure fire thing as it has been reported to be. JJ Redick was one of several candidates who interviewed and has been in talks with the Lakers. Shams has been reporting that he is the clear frontrunner. It seems like his sources were off the mark this time around, as it seems like the Lakers are drafting up a substantial deal to bring in Hurley. JJ did say he would break his silence on Shams reports after the finals so it will be interesting to see what he has to say. Overall, the deal might be don’t very soon.

Read More: JJ Redick Breaks Silence On Lakers Head Coaching Rumors

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Drake & OVO Team Up With ESPN For Special NBA Finals Varsity Jackets: How To Buy

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In case you didn’t know, the Drake OVO brand is still very strong. Although the artist may have lost a rap battle to Kendrick Lamar, there are still millions of people who care about Drizzy’s next move. As we reported this morning, the artist has even placed his bets on both the NBA Finals and the Stanley Cup Finals. Interestingly enough, this is not the only work the megastar will be doing with the NBA throughout the upcoming series between the Mavericks and the Celtics.

According to Billboard, Drake’s OVO brand has come through with a new special edition varsity jacket with ESPN. This limited edition jacket is black and gold with numerous references to ESPN, OVO, and the Finals. Interestingly enough, only 175 of these were made, which means it is going to be exceptionally difficult to cop. Moreover, thanks to the quality of these jackets, and the exclusivity, you will have to shell out $700 to get one at retail.

Read More: Common Takes Drake’s Side In Yasiin Bey Beef

Drake OVO x NBA

Drake OVO
Image via ESPN
Image via ESPN

For those who are interested in the jacket, you will be able to cop one as of this morning at 10 AM EST through the OVO App. You’re going to need to be prepared because these are going to sell out exceptionally fast. Only time will tell whether or not we see an abundance of these courtside in both Boston and Dallas over the next couple of weeks. Overall, these Finals are going to be a whole lot of fun.

Let us know what you think of this new jacket, in the comments section down below. Who do you believe is going to win the NBA Finals? Do you think that the Mavericks have what it takes? Or are the Celtics just too good of a team right now? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Read More: Drake’s 2023 Features, Ranked From Worst To Best

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