basketball Archives - Page 24 of 260

Master P Promises An NBA Championship If Made A New Orleans Coach

May 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Master P is one of the most vocal basketball fans in all of hip-hop. His “Make ‘Em Say Ughh” video was set on a court, and he spent years playing professional ball for the CBA and ABA. He even spent a brief stint on the Toronto Raptors training camp roster. The man born Percy Miller has basketball in his blood, and he wants to put his passion to good use. He told TMZ that he wants to be considered for a coaching position with his hometown team, the New Orleans Pelicans. To describe him as “confident” would be an understatement.

The New Orleans Pelicans went 49-33 last season, but Master P is hopeful for the future. He thinks within a few years time that the team could be a legitimate contender. And he wants to join the ride. “I think we got a great team,” the rapper explained. “I just think that maybe we gotta wait a couple more years.” His solution for those wanted to see the team win ASAP? Hire him. P is so sure of his coaching skills that he promised the Pelicans would win an NBA title in 2025 if they made use of him as a coach. “Y’all need to put me on the coaching staff next year,” he asserted. “We gonna win the whole thing.”

Master P Has Wanted To Coach The Pelicans For Years

Master P has been trying to coach the Pelicans for a half decade. He sang a similar tune to TMZ in 2020, when he noted that his experience as an entertainer would bring more eyes to the franchise. “The NBA is entertainment, I think it’s time for me to be the first hip-hop coach,” he claimed. “If they bring me in as a head coach or assistant coach, I think I can change the game.” He also spoke highly of Zion Williamson, who remains the Pelicans’ star player.

It’s ironic that Master P’s success as a rapper has put in such a powerful position, because it initially held him back in his basketball career. He claimed that his explicit lyrics made him a target when he played on the Charlotte Hornets training camp team. “The GM, Bob Bass, called me in and said, ‘You can play. You are a helluva basketball player, but your music is pure filth and it’s a Bible Belt city,’”, he recalled. “And they let me go.” Only time will tell if Master P’s Pelicans dream will come true.

[via]

The post Master P Promises An NBA Championship If Made A New Orleans Coach appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Nick Wright Claps Back At Reggie Miller After Throwing Shade At LeBron James

May 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Nick Wright has taken issue with Reggie Miller’s remarks about LeBron James during a recent game commentary. Miller, a former NBA player turned commentator, sparked a heated debate during the Nuggets-Timberwolves Game 4 on TNT. While discussing the game and the performance of Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, Miller’s comments took a turn toward LeBron James. In a clip aired during the first quarter of the playoff match, Edwards took responsibility for the Timberwolves’ loss in Game 3. Miller commended Edwards for his maturity, but his subsequent remarks about LeBron James stirred controversy.

Reggie said during the broadcast, “There are certain players that have veteran status that are on people’s Mt. Rushmore that are quick to deflect and blame.” He didn’t name names, but it’s easy to see he was taking a swipe at LeBron James. The comments divided fans on the subject. Nick Wright has been waiting all weekend to unload on Miller for his remarks. The Fox Sports analyst called out Reggie today, and he did not hold back.

Nick Wright Calls Out Reggie Miller

Fans weren’t unaffected by Miller’s comment, and many quickly weighed in on social media to express their opinions. Reactions were mixed, with some praising Miller’s audacity and others denouncing him as a bigot. Now Nick Wright is firing back at the disrespect. Wright first called Reggie Miller “owning MSG,” which is complete fiction, citing his winning percentage and wins against the Knicks. He said Reggie and his friends have made up a narrative about his career that simply was never true. He then turns his eyes to his comments against LeBron.

Wright then implies Reggie didn’t even have the courage to name names and urges other sports personalities to ask. He said the comments were unfair and cowardly. He says if Reiggie ever gets pressed about who he was talking about, he would probably fold. Nick Wright is an entertaining voice on sports media and a known LeBron defender. He brings up a lot of points about what is ultimately a case of really hating for no reason. Will Reggie Miller stand on business and admit he threw shade at Lebron? Ultimately, the answer is probably no.

[via]

The post Nick Wright Claps Back At Reggie Miller After Throwing Shade At LeBron James appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Bill Simmons Hints On Podcast That NBC’s NBA Deal Is Confirmed

May 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

NBC has caused quite a stir with their bid to secure NBA rights for the next season. The Deal would push TNT out of the NBA business. The NBA hasn’t formally confirmed which network prevailed in the bidding war to broadcast league games. Based on Bill Simmons’ comments, it appears that NBC has emerged victorious. Additionally, this means that Inside the NBA is set to come to an end. Turner Sports had to match or exceed NBC’s offer. Now, NBA fans are already mourning the iconic late-night basketball show. If the news is true, fans are going to miss watching Shaq, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson together.

TNT’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, had to dig deep, shelling out $2.8 billion to win the bidding war over NBC. Additionally, NBC was reportedly prepared to pay $2.5 billion for the NBA broadcasting rights. During the most recent episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” the media personality hinted that NBC has come out on top. Overall, while there could be an Inside the NBA on NBC, it’s clear that it will not be the same, leaving fans to wonder about the future of their beloved show.

Bill Simmons Says NBC’s NBA Bid Has Won Over TNT

Bill Simmons, a trusted NBA insider, asserts that for two weeks the deal has been done. He says, “One of the funniest things ever is that we’re all pretending the TV deal wasn’t done like a week-and-a-half ago.” He continued, “I think it’s done. I think Warner already lost it. I don’t know why we’re waiting til after the playoffs. Maybe that’s how they have to do it, but it’s a wrap. NBC’s getting it.” Unfortunately for Inside the NBA fans, Simmons’ track record suggests that he might be spot on with his assessment.

NBA fans should probably savor these next few weeks of the playoffs. Inside the NBA has become an iconic fixture in basketball. The chemistry between everyone is special, and other networks like ESPN have been trying to replicate it unsuccessfully for a decade. Furthermore, even if it comes back on NBC, it won’t be the same. The show was able to go to places other sports shows couldn’t because it operated more like a late-night talk show. Overall, if the news is true, it will be a sad day for NBA fans. Ultimately, it will be the end of an era when Inside the NBA isn’t on TV anymore.

[via]

The post Bill Simmons Hints On Podcast That NBC’s NBA Deal Is Confirmed appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lebron James Could Play Up To 2 More Seasons To Match His Jersey Number

May 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

It is starting to sound like LeBron James’s illustrious career is coming to an end soon. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar’s future is up in the air. NBA insiders are indicating the timetable for the end of LeBron James’ career. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium revealed a probable schedule for James’ ultimate retirement during an interview on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday. The reporter states that two more years for Lebron is the expectation around the league.

Lebron and the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers have plenty of decisions to make this offseason. They have already fired their coach, Darvin Ham, and are searching for their next top guy. THey are planning a roster overhaul to boost their championship chances next season. They also have to decide on Lebron’s future. The Lakers want to keep the 39-year-old star, but his future isn’t concrete. LeBron is reportedly going to play for two more seasons to match his jersey number, then call it a career.

LeBron James To Play 1-2 More Seasons

Shams has been consistent in his reporting on LeBron James’s career timetable. Back in April, he also said the idea was for LeBron to play 1-2 more seasons. The 2025/26 season will be his 23rd year in the NBA, which would match his jersey number. Additionally, the All-Star game will be in Los Angeles, which will be the perfect send-off for Lebron. This is also good for the Lakers, who are keen to keep Lebron in purple and gold. If this plan is implemented, then it will be a perfect situation for all parties involved. Shams is adamant that LeBron’s timetable mentally is 2 years max.

The reporter also stated that his family will be a big factor in Lebron’s decision to retire in 2-years. He says that even though LeBron might physically be able to perform at a high level, the sacrifice his family has made for his entire career is weighing heavily on his decision. Expect LeBron to be all about his business and family after he retires. Overall, Lebron is still playing like a superstar. The Lakers will look to do everything they can to bring another star in this offseason. It should continue to be an interesting offseason for the Lakers.

[via]

The post Lebron James Could Play Up To 2 More Seasons To Match His Jersey Number appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Caitlin Clark’s Teammates Give Her A Suprise Unofficial Graduation

May 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Caitlin Clark is preparing for her WNBA debut tomorrow night against the Connecticut Sun. Despite being a college legend and the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft, she was forced to miss her graduation. The WNBA season is starting up, and players like Clark and several others were not able to participate in their college graduations. However, Clark’s Indiana Fever teammates took things into their own hands and made a special gesture for the rookie sensation.

Caitlin Clark cemented herself as one of the greatest women’s players in college basketball. During her tenure, she brought Iowa to two final fours and an NCAA championship game. College graduation is the epitome of celebration after grinding for years to get that degree. Clark, like a lot of WNBA rookies, was not able to walk at graduation. WNBA teams should be able to let these players miss a day of training camp to celebrate a massive accomplishment. At least Clark got to celebrate with her teammates.

Caitlin Clark Gets Her Graduation Certificate Form Her Indiana Teammates

The Indiana Fever came up with a charming method to commemorate the occasion when Caitlin Clark was forced to skip her college graduation ceremony at the University of Iowa. Instead, Clark’s teammates carried out an unofficial celebration in Indiana. It was shared on social media, and the video shows Clark sprinting past a group of her colleagues, who applaud her during training camp. Her teammate, Aaliyah Boston, presented Clark with a “Certificate of Graduation. It’s a super nice gesture to Clark and shows a lot of team chemistry.

Fans have pointed out that the WNBA schedule is unfair to rookies who are graduating at the same time. They should be allowed to close their college chapter like everyone else, especially after competing and performing for their schools for years. The Indiana Fever plays the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday, May 11th, to kick off the WNBA season. Clark showed out in the preseason, showing off the long-range shot-making and superb playmaking she displayed in college. The WNBA season should be fun, and it will have an unprecedented amount of hype largely because of newcomers like Caitlin Clark.

[via]

The post Caitlin Clark’s Teammates Give Her A Suprise Unofficial Graduation appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Stephen A. Smith Says Kevin Durant Is Unhappy In Phoenix

May 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Stephen A. Smith said today on First Take that Suns superstar Kevin Durant is unhappy in Phoenix. After getting swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Phoenix Suns have now fired their head coach Frank Vogel. They have now hired NBA title-winning coach Mike Budenholzer, who was fired by Miluwalkeue after getting eliminated from the first round of the playoffs two seasons ago. The Suns have a ton of question marks, including the future of its star players, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Stephen A. Smith calls the Durant situation a “problem” for the franchise.

“All of us covering the NBA are fully aware of Kevin Durant in Phoenix is a problem. It is a problem. We don’t see it because the stats are there. Him and Booker average 27 points per game and what have you. But they say Kevin Durant is never happy,” said Smith on First Take. Stephen A believes the situation may come to a head sooner rather than later. Kevin Durant is an aging superstar, and his future in Phoenix is looking to be on shaky ground, according to folks around the league.

Stephen A. Says Durant “Is A Problem” For Phoenix

Stephen A. Smith went into detail on the things he has heard surrounding Kevin Durant, saying, “They say that he went more than a month without even talking to the head coach. They say that he doesn’t look happy there and all he wants to do is play when the game starts and tip-off time arrives, but when it comes to ingratiating yourself with your teammates and getting along with everybody and stuff like that, he just lives in his own world.” He goes on to explain that he keeps to himself and he isn’t hated, but his loner attitude rubs people the wrong way.

Stephen A Smith explains why his personality is rubbing people the wrong way, saying, “Why does that matter? It’s similar to what he was doing in Golden State before he ultimately departed, which is what was driving Draymond Green crazy, which is why they ultimately got into it on the court in that Clippers game and what have you. Because you hear stuff. You hear stuff.” He went on to conclude his KD statements, saying, “There’s more than that. Make no mistake, it’s not all on Kevin Durant. But that’s a big, big part of it.” Overall, Stephen A. is reporting what he has heard about KD and how it might impact their decisions this off-season.

[via]

The post Stephen A. Smith Says Kevin Durant Is Unhappy In Phoenix appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Paul Pierce Forgets He’s On Live TV And Drops The N-Word

May 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Paul Pierce, the legendary former Boston Celtic, forgot he was on live TV earlier today. Price has already been in hot water at another network, ultimately losing his job due to his unfiltered social media presence. Now, he may be in. hot water at his current job after forgetting that he was on live TV and casually dropped the n-word. The 46-year-old Hall of Famer seemed to accidentally use the N-word while discussing New York Knicks shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo with co-host Keyshawn Johnson on Monday’s episode of Undisputed.

The moment on Undisputed caused quite a stir on Twitter. Despite the scratchy audio, Pierce’s usage of the N-word seems to have been widely confirmed on social media. Once more, Paul Pierce was the subject of criticism for using the N-word in a live appearance on Undisputed. Many fans on social media expressed their outrage and amusement at Pierce’s choice of language in response to the occurrence. Ultimately, Paul Pierce definitely has a knack for viral moments, and this situation is no different.

Paul Pierce Drops N-Word Live On “Undisputed”

The incident happened during a conversation on the broadcast, and Skip Bayless, the co-host, responded with a visible sigh when Pierce used the obscene epithet. Although the exact meaning of Pierce’s remark is still not confirmed but, everyone thinks they know what he said. Using such language during a live broadcast is wild and caused a stir on social media. In the middle of his excited talk about Donte DiVincenzo, Paul Pierce said to his co-host Keyshawn Johnson, “Look at this n***a, Key.” Keyshawn was unfazed, but Skip Bayless looked a little uncomfortable and slightly in disbelief.

Pierce established himself on NBA on ESPN. However, following his termination due to an Instagram tale, the NBA icon lost everything on the network. Pierce has discussed the event in public and still isn’t certain that the termination was warranted, though. he got fired for posting videos of himself smoking with strippers dancing around him at his house. He was definitely wild, but it can also be seen as wild that he was fired for that. Overall, Paul Pirce is definitely getting a call from management for his latest slip-up.

[via]

The post Paul Pierce Forgets He’s On Live TV And Drops The N-Word appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Bronny James Makes Huge NBA Draft Decision

May 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Bronny James and his draft stock have been a topic of intense speculation. After an underwhelming freshman season and a serious medical scare, Bronny declared for the draft. Many scouts and executives have voiced their doubts, placing him outside the first or even second-round draft picks. Yet, Bronny James remains one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft pool, his potential and talent sparking curiosity among fans and experts alike. The young hooper and son of LeBron James has now made a significant decision after receiving the green light from the NBA.

After suffering from cardiac arrest and a congenital heart defect treatment nine months ago, Bronny James has been medically cleared to be selected by the NBA’s Fitness to Play Panel for the draft. Now that he is officially cleared, Bronny has made the decision to stay in the 2024 NBA draft. Additionally, Bronny is set to participate in the NBA Draft Combine this week. Ultimately, he will be able to show scouts his athleticism and skill set and hopefully fly up draft boards.

Bronny James To Stay In The NBA Draft

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by House of Highlights (@houseofhighlights)

According to reports, the NBA will notify clubs on Monday that James’ three medical panel evaluations and approval were completed. This will enable Bronny James to fully participate in this week’s pre-draft combine, a crucial step in presenting himself to team executives as a potential 2024 contender. Additionally, Bronny is now expected to participate in the 5 on 5 scrimmages at the combine, which is an incredible opportunity to showcase his NBA skillset.

College is a much different game than the NBA. Therefore, it could be that Bronny’s skillset was more pro than that of a collegiate player. He has the ability to be a good three-point shooter and an adequate defender. Furthermore, Bronny will be looking to showcase his upside and earn an NBA roster spot. Overall, the draft combine is going to be a major event, and Bronny is looking to capitalize.

[via]

The post Bronny James Makes Huge NBA Draft Decision appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Ice Cube’s BIG3 Lands $10 Million Deal To Sell Its First Team

May 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

DCB Sports has inked a $10 million deal with Ice Cube and his BIG3 basketball league to become the first owner of one of the teams. The move comes as the BIG3 transitions to a home markets format. DCB Sports will now own the team based out of Cube’s hometown of Los Angeles. While teams still don’t have any geographical ties as of now, that will change beginning in the 2025 season.

“This is a historic day for the BIG3,” Ice Cube said in a press release, as caught by HipHopDX. “We could not be happier to entrust part of our league to Gary [LaDrido, managing partner of DCB Sports] and this seasoned group of sports investors ahead of our most important season yet. We have all-star basketball talent, millions of loyal fans around the world, and we are one of the most viewed sports programs of the summer on CBS. Basing our teams in home cities allows BIG3 to engage local communities and fanbases and bringing in ownership groups each with their own sports expertise, business, and capabilities beginning in 2025 will allow BIG3 to grow exponentially. I know that DCB Sports will do right by the people of Los Angeles and together, we’ll continue to change the game.”

Ice Cube Celebrates During BIG3 Championship

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 21: Ice Cube celebrates with in the locker room with Trilogy during the BIG3 Championship at State Farm Arena on August 21, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images for BIG3)

The sale comes as Ice Cube has been trying to branch out the BIG3 in recent months. He offered NCAA Women’s Basketball star Caitlin Clark a massive contract to come play in his league, but she declined. In turn, he accused her agents of working for the “NBA mob” as she signed to play with the league’s women’s counterpart, the WNBA.

Clark addressed the BIG3 offer while she was still competing in the NCAA tournament. She said at the time: “To be honest, I found out about the Big3 thing at the exact time you all did, and my main focus is on just playing basketball.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Ice Cube and The BIG3 on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

The post Ice Cube’s BIG3 Lands $10 Million Deal To Sell Its First Team appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Patrick Mahomes Weighs In On Viral NFL Vs NBA Debate With Surprising Take

May 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Patrick Mahomes has weighed in on the viral debate as to whether NFL players could play in the NBA and vice versa. The drama began when Austin Rivers argued take 30 NBA players could immediately succeed in the NFL while NFL players could not do the same in the NBA. Expectedly, the take resulted in plenty of backlash from professional football players. While watching the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder’s playoff matchup on Saturday, however, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes shared a surprising take.

During the broadcast, Dave Pasch and Hubie Brown revealed that Mahomes shared his take on the matter while sitting courtside. “Patrick Mahomes, unsolicited, just turned to Hubie and I and said Lu Dort could play in the NFL,” Pasch said. Dort, who is listed at 6’4, 220 pounds, finished the game with 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists as his Thunder fell 104-101 to the Mavericks.

Patrick Mahomes Watches Mavericks & Thunder

DALLAS, TEXAS – MAY 11: Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during the third quarter between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma. City Thunder in Game Three of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at American. Airlines Center on May 11, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

Rivers made his original comments on The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN. “Where the best athletes in the world are, that’s us,” Rivers said. “I could take 30 players right now in the NBA and throw them in the NFL. You cannot take 30 NFL players and put them in the NBA.” One of the most prominent NFL voices to speak out against him was former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones. Doing so resulted in a back-and-forth between the two on social media.

Patrick Mahomes On The NFL Vs. NBA Debate

Check out Patrick Mahomes take on the matter above Be on the lookout for further updates on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

The post Patrick Mahomes Weighs In On Viral NFL Vs NBA Debate With Surprising Take appeared first on HotNewHipHop.