basketball

Stephen A. Smith Argues His Pick For NBA MVP

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Stephen A. Smith has revealed who he is rocking with for NBA MVP. As the NBA playoffs are starting up, Stephen A. picked his MVP this morning on First Take. The MVP race is a three-way battle between Denver’s Nikola Jokic, Dallas’s Luka Doncic, and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. All three have had incredible seasons leading their teams, but one guy is hands down the MVP, Stephen A.

Jokic is a two-time MVP and defending NBA champ with the number two team in the West. Luka has put up ridiculous numbers in Dallas this season, leading the Mavericks to the 5th seed. SGA has led the unlikely OKC Thunder to the 1-seed in the West, putting up ridiculous numbers in the process. It’s a tough call between the three, but votes for awards are coming in, and Stephen A. is confident in his pick. Stephen A.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Wants Anthony Edwards To Step Up In Wake Of KAT Injury

Stephen A.’s MVP Pick

Stephen A. Smith has chosen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as his NBA MVP. Stephen A. made the case to Shannon Sharpe and Molly Qerim, citing Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic season, which was full of accomplishments. Picking over the consensus pick Jokic is befitting of Stephen A., who is known for his strong takes. Stephen A. may be proven right, depending on how things unfold in the postseason. Shai led the second-youngest roster in the league to the top spot in the tough Western Conference. Furthermore, Shai put up incredible numbers on offense, possessing one of the smoothest playstyles in the league. No one expected this so soon for OKC, and their success might mean hardware for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The NBA MVP award has a lot of different factors tied to it. Factors include Team success and individual stats, as well as the overall narrative of the season. Shai has a great narrative, leading OKC out of nowhere into the top team in the West. Luka Doncic and, more so, Jokic are equally deserving, but Jokic already has two MVPs, and Luka’s team isn’t as good as Gilgeous Alexander. Voters might be looking for new blood to award. In any case, Stephen A.’s pick is a smart one. Only time can tell who the real MVP of a season was anyway. We will hopefully get these MVP candidates playing head-to-head in the playoffs to prove whose award it really is.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Tries To Argue Caitlin Clark Isn’t The GOAT Immediately After Saying He’s “In No Way An Expert”

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Bronny James NBA Draft Odds Revealed

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Bronny James made waves by declaring for the 2024 NBA draft after a turbulent freshman season at USC. This decision has caused speculation about where he will end up in the NBA. After a difficult season with the Trojans, Bronny James has chosen to bet on himself to make it to the NBA. The move is a big risk especially after an underwhelming showing in college. Despite his struggles, there is obvious potential that teams will roll the dice on especially with his father LeBron wanting to eventually play in the NBA with Bronny.

Oddsmakers are predicting the most likely team Bronny James will end up on with some surprising insights on his draft prospects. The Lakers are an obvious place for Bronny, but other teams looking to acquire the services of LeBron James Sr. might take a gamble and try drafting Bronny in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. GMs around the league are skeptical of risking draft capital on a player that some think should return to school, but things can change very quickly as the draft process picks up this summer.

Bronny James Draft Odds

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Lakers are the hands-down favorite in acquiring Bronny James. It makes perfect sense. Lebron is the Lakers’ best player, and taking Bronny in the draft solidifies their relationship. Additionally, the move would keep The King happy and in Los Angeles. It’s no surprise a big market franchise like The New York Knicks are one of the more favored teams to acquire Bronny to try and pry LeBron away and bring him to the East Coast. Other noticeable teams include the Cleveland Cavaliers, which could be a potential homecoming, and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Bronny James may not get drafted. As a result, Bronny would be able to sign with any team like any other undrafted free agent. Moreover, Bronny still has the option to return to school for another year to increase his draft stock. Furthermore, James has overcome some serious health problems to get back on the court, which has clearly impacted his college play. Fans are still hyped about Bronny James and hoping for a bright future in the NBA.

Read More: LeBron James Reacts To Bronny Falling Out Of Latest Mock Draft

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Caitlin Clark Joins “SNL” To Troll Michael Che For Jokes About Women’s Basketball

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Caitlin Clark made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live, this weekend, joining Colin Jost and Michael Che for the “Weekend Update” segment. In doing so, she trolled Che for the jokes he’s made about women’s basketball over the years. She instructed Che to read from a list of jokes she had prepared for the show, which all poked fun at the comedian.

“This year, Caitlin Clark broke the record for 3-pointers in a single season and I have 3-pointers for Michael Che,” he said. “One, be. Two, funnier. Three, dumbass.” She finished the segment by giving a shoutout to “Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Cynthia Cooper, the great Dawn Staley, and my basketball hero, Maya Moore.” She added: “These are the women that kicked down the door so I could walk inside. So, I want to thank them tonight for laying the foundation.”

Read More: Travis Scott Was Praising Caitlin Clark Years Before Her National Fame, NBA Trainer Recalls

Caitlin Clark & Iowa Take On South Carolina In The National Championship

CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 07: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts in the second half during the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament National Championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on April 07, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Speaking with the Associated Press on Sunday, Clark revealed she first heard she might be able to appear on the show during the Final Four. “I didn’t know the script until I showed up and saw it, and was like this is very good,” Clark told the outlet. “Set them straight about women’s sports was pretty phenomenal. The crowd was great. Way more nervous than I get for a basketball game. A bucket list item.”

Caitlin Clark Joins “Weekend Update”

Clark’s appearance on SNL, comes as she prepares for the WNBA draft, which will go down on Monday in New York City. The Indiana Fever will likely pick her first overall after her historic college career. Be on the lookout for further updates on Caitlin Clark on HotNewHipHop.

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Sexyy Red Was So Unserious While Answering The Miami Heat’s Questions Courtside

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Sexyy Red is getting her bag by any means necessary -– and she’s not doing anything to change herself or act disingenuously for the cameras. Moreover, a recent interview with the Miami Heat’s media team contained some pretty unserious answers courtside, in the way that she became known for quite quickly. “Do you love the Miami Heat?” the interviewer asked. “Skee yee!” the 25-year-old answered. “What is your favorite thing about Miami” was the next question: “Skee yee,” her daughter answered. “Do you have a favorite player on the Miami Heat?” The only player that matters in the Hood Hottest Princess‘ universe: “Get it, Sexyy!“

As if that wasn’t enough, she also remarked that her favorite Miami Heat jersey is the Sexyy Red jersey. While maybe the NBA basketball team sought actual answers, they and their media team likely knew that this yields more in the long run. After all, whether staged or not, it’s an engagement point for hoop heads mad at the lack of answers or fans of Sexyy Red’s music who might have the exact same responses as her. Speaking of those fans, a lot of them are excited for an upcoming collab with Saucy Santana, which might arrive just in time for the summer.

Read More: What Was Sexyy Red’s First Official Viral Hit?

Sexyy Red’s Hilarious Miami Heat Interview: Watch

In fact, the St. Louis native has a couple of collabs on the docket that are really energizing the fandom, and opening the way for an even bigger 2024 for her. For example, there’s her teased remix with Nicki Minaj that, while still not 100% confirmed, is everything that the Barbz and her fans want right now. While last year will prove steep competition as far as engagement, promotion, and visibility, Sexyy Red also has so much more at her disposal than what she had back then. As such, everyone’s still excited to see her continue to grow.

Meanwhile, what do you think about this career trajectory, linking up with huge companies like the Miami Heat? Do you agree with Joe Budden’s take that some of this hype is paid for or did you decline the Haterade this morning? Whatever the case, let us know your thoughts down in the comments section below. Also, come back to HNHH for the latest news and more updates on Sexyy Red.

Read More: Sexyy Red Hosts Improvised Show After She Couldn’t Enter High School Due To Weed Smell

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Kevin Durant Blasts Fat Joe For Claiming NBA Star “Almost Got Jumped” After Iconic Rucker Park Game

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When you think of legendary moments in professional sports, let alone the NBA, what comes to mind? For many fans of the game, Kevin Durant’s unreal performance at the hallowed Rucker Park near Harlem, New York is one of them. The story goes that he dropped 66 points, which led his team to an unforgettable 99-93 victory. It went down during the 2011 lockout season and it will forever go down as one of the most unstoppable games that a professional has ever put on. The reason it is making waves nearly 13 years later is due to a retelling of the story by New York rap legend Fat Joe.

The longtime New York Knicks fan was a guest on Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart’s podcast, Roomates Show, according to HipHopDX. The current Knicks’ stars let him have the floor and Fat Joe wound up revealing a never before heard part of that game. “Kevin Durant scored like 82 points in the third quarter. He don’t like me telling this story. They chased him out the Rucker, like they wanted to beat him up. He whipped their a** so bad that they wanted to literally beat him up out there,” Joe said.

Read More: Boosie Badazz Issues Warning About Rap Beef: “The Truth Hurts”

Kevin Durant Tells Fat Joe To Check His “Facts”

However, KD almost immediately called out his supposed bluff on X, replying to the clip, “Another podcast lie. It was nothing but respect and love out there that night, didn’t feel unsafe for one second.” Joe stood his ground though, hilariously taunting him back, “I was there he knows I’m not lying 62 points in 3 quarters why was the game stopped it’s all love all i did was big him up ‘GREATEST STORY TELLER IN THE GAME.’” Whoever’s side you believe, we are just happy this moment exists in basketball lore.

What are your thoughts on Kevin Durant saying Fat Joe lied about the fight at Rucker Park? Who do you believe more and why? Is this one of the greatest basketball moments in the history of the sport? NBA game or not, is this one of the best performances ever? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Kevin Durant and Fat Joe. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the worlds of music and sports.

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Kodak Black Posts IG Video Of James Harden Signing His Jersey

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Kodak Black loves to make a scene at sporting events. The Florida rapper went viral for grinding on a woman at a Florida Panthers hockey game in 2022. He also popped up in the locker room of the Florida Atlantic football team, which led many fans to clown him for acting like he was a player. Kodak kept the outrageous sports behavior going at a recent Phoenix Suns game, as he cornered James Harden and asked him to sign a jersey. Not in the stadium, mind you, but on top of a car in a parking garage.

Kodak Black posted a video of the exchange on his Instagram Stories. He can be seen standing next to Harden as he signs the jersey. The “Tunnel Vision” rapper also made reference a mutual friend of theirs, Drake, by quoting lyrics from Drizzy’s song “The Shoe Fits.” “What that boy say??” Kodak asks Harden. “He say the n***a lost his h*e to James Harden, the Snip.” Harden laughs in acknowledgment, as “The Shoe Fits” tells a story about a woman who ends up striking up a relationship with the Suns superstar.

Read More: Kodak Black Claims He Will “Cremate” Anyone Who Messes With Adin Ross

Kodak Black Rapped Drake Lyrics to Harden

“My new boo hoopin’ tonight and he said he play at the Garden,” Drake raps. “He said if I ain’t watching, then that n***a ain’t startin. She point to the guy that she talkin’ ’bout and it’s James Harden.” Kodak has expressed frustration with Drake in the past, claiming that he was supposed to make a collab album with the 6 God before he made Her Loss (2022) with 21 Savage. Evidently, Kodak is still enough of a fan that he knows the words from Drake’s latest release. So does Harden.

Kodak may have a reputation for being a troubled celebrity, but he has given back in the realm of sports. He organized a charity basketball game in Broward Country in 2022, eventually raising $5K for Lippman Youth Shelter in Oakland Park. Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness subsequently made June 11 “Kodak Black Day.” Hunter Pollack, who organized the game with Kodak, praised his kindness towards the next generation of athletes. “He cares about the community he grew up in, and the entire community is proud of him,” he noted. “It shows he has a good heart, and he wants to make a difference.”

Read More: Kodak Black Reflects On Past Drug Use & Recovery: Watch

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50 Cent Pits Diddy Against The Timberwolves By Gassing Up Anthony Edwards

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Anthony Edwards popped off against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night’s (April 9) NBA basketball game, cinching his first-ever 50-point performance. 50 Cent, a Timberwolves front office partner, was loving it, as the star player gestured a five-0 hand motion to him in the crowd after his lay-up. In fact, they even chopped it up behind the scenes, with Edwards remarking to the G-Unit mogul that he’s “funny as hell” after a hug. Fif was happy to document everything on social media and share in the celebrations, and he couldn’t help but embrace tradition and rope in a little Diddy troll in the process.

“Now puffy not gonna want to watch the game no more,” 50 Cent captioned the clip of him embracing Anthony Edwards, calling to his relentless bashing of the Bad Boy mogul amid his various accusations of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and other crimes. This was a well-established feud before these allegations emerged explosively toward the end of last year. As such, we can’t really say that this is surprising or unprecedented in any way. Yet it doesn’t make 50’s connections to the Diddy scandal any less outrageous or unwarranted, as he’s finding pretty much any excuse to comment on it.

Read More: 50 Cent Says Meek Mill Has More To Worry About Than Sexuality Rumors: “They Think You On Them Tapes”

50 Cent Uses Anthony Edwards Meeting To Further Troll Diddy: Watch

What’s more is that this is also pitting the Queens native against other artists or celebrities who have come forward with a defense of Diddy. For example, he recently attacked Jason Derulo over his comments on the matter. “I believe in that. I believe in innocent before proven guilty,” Derulo had told TMZ during an encounter. “Shut the fvck up ! let me find out you on one of them tapes boy,” 50 Cent captioned an Instagram post about these comments, making his stance on even third parties to this situation very clear.

Ant’s Incredible Performance: See Fif React To 50-Piece

Meanwhile, these attacks have also landed against the likes of Meek Mill and Yung Miami, and showed little mercy when it comes to comically intended trolling. With all this in mind, all we can really hope for is that the dead horse gets beat in creative and new ways rather than just trolling for the sake of trolling. Then again, this is Curtis Jackson we’re talking about. For more news and the latest updates on Diddy, 50 Cent, and Anthony Edwards, stay logged into HNHH.

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Bronny James Compared To This NBA Veteran Amid Draft Declaration Criticism

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Bronny James shocked the world last week when he decided to declare for the NBA Draft. Overall, his decision was one that surprised a whole lot of people. After all, he only averaged 4.8 points per game in his first season at USC, which is not exactly NBA material. However, a lot of this had to do with his cardiac arrest he suffered prior to the start of the season. He needed to play catch up and it is clear his confidence wasn’t there. Regardless, the odds do not seem particularly stacked in favor of him being drafted.

For instance, an anonymous executive recently came out and said that Bronny has no chance of getting drafted. He said that Bronny was not an NBA caliber prospect and that there were three rounds of players who could be taken above him. These were pretty harsh words, although not everyone seems to agree. In a new report from Bleacher Report, Jonathan Wasserman gave his view of Bronny and what he thinks the kid could potentially accomplish.

Read More: LeBron & Bronny James Share Bowman Trading Card

Bronny James Is Hopeful

Bronny James
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 14: Bronny James #6 of the USC Trojans looks on in the second half of a quarterfinal game against the Arizona Wildcats during the Pac-12 Conference basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats defeated the Trojans 70-49. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

Wasserman believes that Bronny could actually become a solid three and D player in the league. In fact, Bronny was compared specifically to Quentin Grimes. While some may find this to be an underwhelming comp, Grimes is in the NBA and has proven to be an impactful player. Ultimately, it beats not being in the league whatsoever.

Let us know what you think of this comparison for Bronny James, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that this is a fair comparison for the young college star? Can Bronny make it to the NBA this season? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world. We will always keep you informed on all of your favorite teams and players.

Read More: Bronny James Declares For NBA Draft

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Bronny James Torn Apart By Anonymous NBA GM & Scout After Entering Draft: “He Should Go Back To School”

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Bronny James has had all eyes on him ever since he announced he would be heading to USC and even during high school. However, the support for LeBron’s oldest son seems to be dwindling by the second, especially since he announced he would be entering the NBA Draft. It was a pretty shocking report considering how much he struggled offensively (4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists). But he does have some strong defensive prowess, so perhaps that was enough for him to test his luck. He is able to stay in school if things do not play out and that seems to be the trajectory he is on right now. According to TMZ Sports and The Ringer, teams might want to skip on Bronny James in the upcoming draft.

“Bronny is nowhere near ready. He should go back to school to develop at his own pace or he risks getting lost in the shuffle, whether or not he’s playing with his dad.” Those were the words on anonymous NBA general manager to The Ringer this morning. Kevin O’Connor interviewed one GM, a front office executive, and a scout from separate organizations to get a larger gauge on Bronny and if skills could translate to the big leagues.

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This NBA GM Kept It A Buck On Bronny James’ Draft Stock

There is some optimism for him, as he is built and in great physical condition even with his scary heart issue before the season began. But the shooting percentages are a major concern. “Bronny is an undersized non-shooting guard. The shot looks good but doesn’t go in. Those guys scare me the most,” the scout said. “It’s either lack of touch or mental, and either way those take years to correct.” At the moment, Bronny is not on the 2024 Draft board and is projected to be a second round look in 2025.

What are your thoughts on this anonymous NBA GM saying Bronny is not ready for the NBA? Do you see him being successful at the pro level if he does enter the draft, why or why not? What do you think LeBron’s son should do? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Bronny James. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the world of sports.

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Ja Morant Did Act In Self-Defense During Pickup Game Gone Wrong, Says Judge Chumney

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Over the last year and change, Ja Morant’s NBA career has taken a turn for the worse. Of course, those issues have not just been on the court. Most know the Memphis Grizzlies star was suspended for 25 games after instances of waving guns on social media. However, he has also been dealing with lawsuit sent in by 17-year-old Joshua Holloway for assault, after a pickup game turned into a brawl. In late December 2023, Judge Carol Chumney said that a decision would not be made until 2024.

But according to Bleacher Report, we now have a massive update on it. Judge Chumney has come to the conclusion that Ja Morant did act in self-defense after Holloway threw the ball at him. The Tennessee judge said that Ja “enjoys a presumption of civil immunity” under the state’s self-defense immunity statute. Furthermore, the burden of proof now falls into the hands of Holloway’s legal team to try and change the ruling.

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Ja Morant’s Name Is Partially Cleared After This Judge Ruling

While he is not totally in the clear, he has to be feeling better. Ja was adamant that he only threw the punch first “to protect [himself]” after Holloway got in his face. Hopefully, all of these situations have helped Ja recover mentally so he can stay focused on hooping. Finally, there will be a trial later on instead of later this month.

What are your thoughts on the judge saying Ja Morant was using self-defense in the altercation with the teenager? Do you think he will wind up not being charged with any crimes, why or why not? Does this change your opinion on the Memphis Grizzlies star? Will he still have a successful NBA career? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Ja Morant and this court case. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the world of sports.

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