JJ Redick & Stephen A. Smith Clash Over NBA Fans & Kevin Durant

Stephen A. Smith and JJ Redick once butted again butted heads on First Take as Redick lamented that NBA fans “don’t want to be educated.” “I can do a video on my podcast where I break down the last nine games the Pelicans have used Zion Williamson as the primary ballhandler… 54,000 views on YouTube. But I wanna call out a coach yesterday. Oh, that gets tens of millions of engagements. That’s the ecosystem we live in. So do fans actually want to be educated or not?” Redick ranted.

The argument stemmed from a debate about Kevin Durant voicing his frustrations that he didn’t get credit as a team leader. While Redick believed the lack of credit was warranted, Smith vehemently disagreed, The spearhead of First Take got more and more heated, especially after Redick went after Mad Dog for weighing in. “That is a Hall of Famer, JJ. That is a Hall of Famer for media who has been covering sports for 40+ years that you are sitting across from,” Smith fired back at Redick.

Read More: Kendrick Perkins Would Love To See JJ Redick Coach In The NBA

Austin Rivers Slams JJ Redick For Doc Rivers Criticism

Meanwhile, Austin Rivers joined Patrick Beverley in firing back at Redick for his recent comments about Doc Rivers. Rivers defended his father by taking aim at Redick’s playing history. “In terms of accountability, your best years in the NBA were when you played for him and the Clippers. It’s just very ironic and kinda weird that you have this energy towards him,” Rivers said on ESPN. He was referring to Redick’s 2013-17 stint on the Clippers under Doc.

The current debacle stems from Redick saying Doc had a “lack of accountability” after taking over the Bucks midseason. After their firing their first-year head coach despite a 33-13 record, the Bucks have now gone 3-7 to start Doc’s tenure. Despite this, Doc coached the Eastern Conference All-Star team due to the Bucks record. To his credit, Doc did call this out and said he would be giving his All-Star ring and bonus to the recently fired Adrian Griffin.

Read More: Doc Rivers Explains How He Would Build 2024 Olympic Team

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Austin Rivers Slams JJ Redick For Doc Rivers Criticism

Austin Rivers has joined Patrick Beverley in firing back at JJ Redick for his recent comments about Doc Rivers. Rivers defended his father by taking aim at Redick’s playing history. “In terms of accountability, your best years in the NBA were when you played for him and the Clippers. It’s just very ironic and kinda weird that you have this energy towards him,” Rivers said on ESPN. He was referring to Redick’s 2013-17 stint on the Clippers under Doc.

The current debacle stems from Redick saying Doc had a “lack of accountability” after taking over the Bucks midseason. After their firing their first-year head coach despite a 33-13 record, the Bucks have now gone 3-7 to start Doc’s tenure. Despite this, Doc coached the Eastern Conference All-Star team due to the Bucks record. To his credit, Doc did call this out and said he would be giving his All-Star ring and bonus to the recently fired Adrian Griffin.

Read More: Doc Rivers Explains How He Would Build 2024 Olympic Team

Austin Rivers Feuds With Stephen Jackson

However, JJ Redick is not the only player-turned-pundit that Rivers has feuded with recently. Earlier this month, Rivers responded to Stephen Jackon’s heated reaction to his comments on ESPN about Bronny James. “All smiles…I didn’t even have to fight my own battles with ignorance, yall corrected it for me!! Thank you for not siding with delusion. Have a blessed day,” Rivers wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Jackson had taken offense to Austin Rivers’ rationale behind why LeBron and Bronny shouldn’t play on the same team if Bronny makes the move to the NBA. “Difference is you trash, Bronny not. You can’t compare to him scrub. And your daddy not LeBron. Shut up,” Jackson wrote in the comments on an Instagram post reporting Rivers’ original comments.

However, as mentioned, it was a bizarre reaction given that Rivers had been arguing that Bronny doesn’t need the added obstacle of playing in his father’s shadow. “I don’t want to see Bronny play with [LeBron]… Him getting drafted & playing with his dad, I don’t want that negativity to come his way. He doesn’t deserve it… [He needs to] play somewhere where he can niche out his own identity,” Rivers told NBA Today.

Read More: Doc Rivers Convinced Patrick Beverley To Sign With Sixers

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JJ Redick & Patrick Beverley Trade Shots Over Redick’s Doc Rivers Slander

JJ Redick is someone who is very opinionated as it pertains to the sport of basketball. Overall, he had a solid NBA career and had a wild playoff streak that lasted up until the end of his career. Now, he finds himself as a broadcaster with his very own podcast and a recurring spot on First Take. He has done phenomenal work with both, and there is no doubt that he is a fan favorite out there. However, today, he found himself in a bit of trouble thanks to his thoughts on Doc Rivers.

Redick said that Rivers is a bag of excuses and is constantly making up reasons why he doesn’t win. Redick played for Rivers on the Clippers, so he is certainly familiar with the head coach. Consequently, some felt like Redick was just venting about his experiences. One person who didn’t appreciate it was Patrick Beverley, who is being coached by Rivers out in Milwaukee. “This Man Doc actually saved your career. Started you when no one else wanted 2. And u retire go on TV and say that,” Beverley said.

Read More: JJ Redick On Zion Williamson: “He’s Still Not In Shape”

JJ Redick Claps Back

Subsequently, Redick saw the tweet from Beverley and decided that it was time for him to respond. “Pat my guy I had a four year offer with player option for the same money to be a starter for a different team,” Redick said. “FOH “saved my career”.” It was a pretty good response, especially when you consider how Redick was a huge reason why the Orlando Magic were so good during the Dwight Howard years. Either way, it is clear that Beverley just wanted to defend his head coach.

Let us know who you believe is in the right here, in the comments section below. Are you riding with JJ Redick, or do you think Pat Bev has the best point? 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 athletes and their upcoming moves.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Stuns JJ Redick With Bad Nikola Jokic Take

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JJ Redick Goes Scorched Earth On Doc Rivers During Passion “First Take” Rant

JJ Redick is one of the most beloved commentators in the entire NBA. Overall, this is because he brings real analysis to the sport. Although he is sometimes too player-friendly, there is no doubt he knows what he is talking about. He has been through it all in the NBA, and he brings that experience to the broadcast booth. However, his best work is actually done over on First Take. While Stephen A. Smith simply spews hot takes, Redick is right there where he brings just a little bit of rationality to the discourse.

On today’s episode of First Take, Redick was actually quite fired up. Typically, he isn’t overly critical of anyone. Although today, he had a real bone to pick. His issue was actually with his former coach, Doc Rivers. Rivers has been making excuses for why the Milwaukee Bucks are losing, and JJ hasn’t been buying them. He made sure to call out the coach, noting that his entire career has been filled with excuses. It was very direct, and it was perhaps the most scathing critique we have heard about Doc Rivers in quite some time.

Read More: JJ Redick On Zion Williamson: “He’s Still Not In Shape”

JJ Redick Speaks His Mind

Even Stephen A. Smith was taken aback by what JJ Redick was saying. However, Smith was quick to say that given Redick’s history with the man, the comments had validity. Smith was also critical of Rivers and his handling of his new role. He even went so far as to say that soon, Rivers may not even have a job in the league. Needless to say, Rivers stock might be approaching a low point, despite him constantly getting jobs.

Let us know what you think of Redick and his take, in the comments section down below. Do you think he was correct with this latest reaction? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite athletes and their next moves.

Read More: JJ Redick Apologizes To Stephen A. Smith

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JJ Redick On Zion Williamson: “He’s Still Not In Shape”

After a 133-89 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA’s In-Season Tournament, everyone’s got something to say about Zion Williamson. Moreover, many folks within the basketball world, whether it’s fans, commentators, analysts, or fellow players, criticized his 13-point, 3-rebound performance. While these are never easy critiques to handle as a professional athlete, many of them come from a place of love, admiration, and hope. Everyone knows how good Zion is, especially former teammates like JJ Redick, who expressed his thoughts on the matter on Friday’s (December 8) edition of NBA Today. During his remarks, he expressed belief in the fact that the young North Carolina forward has always faced these issues, but expressed even more hope that he can overcome them.

“I was disappointed, and overall, I’ve been disappointed in Zion this season,” JJ Redick remarked. “We can certainly point to counting stats and say he’s having a fine season, but you can be in the building, you can watch on TV, you can be courtside and you can see he’s not in shape. He still isn’t in shape despite everything that he [went] through.

Read More: Zion Williamson Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

JJ Redick Speaks On Zion Williamson: Watch

“Despite numerous conversations with legends of the game about being in shape,” JJ Redick continued. “[We call him] out on national television once or twice a year for this thing, this very thing. Earlier this season, he had a press conference where he was trying to buy into what the team wanted, and the reality is, Zion Williamson has not bought into his own career yet. And that is disappointing because as someone who’s a fan of his, a former teammate, a fellow Duke guy, I know— we all know— how great he can be.

“We’ve seen those flashes of greatness,” he concluded. “But to do that for an extended period of time, to reach his full potential— and really, RJ, that’s all we can ask for as players, whatever your potential is, to reach that— he’s never gonna get there if he doesn’t buy in to his own career.” For more news and the latest updates on Zion Williamson and JJ Redick, stay up to date on HNHH.

Read More: Chris Brown Tells Zion Williamson To Be “The Best Man You Can Be”

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JJ Redick Gets Brutally Honest About Zion Williamson

JJ Redick is someone who does not mess around when it comes to his NBA analysis. Overall, Reddick is someone who has an incredible eye for the game of basketball. Moreover, he has become a rising star over at ESPN. Although some people feel as though he can be an elitist, there are others who love his raw commentary that is based on statistics and reality. It is a breath of fresh air given what we have gotten from the likes of First Take at times. He is the anti-Skip Bayless if you will.

Today on First Take, Brian Windhorst, Stephen A. Smith, and JJ Redick discussed what has been happening with Zion Williamson. While he does have a lot going on off the court, it is on the court where there has been little to no action. This is because Zion is constantly injured. Additionally, the Pelicans are even thinking of trading him. As Redick explained, however, trading Zion could be premature. Although, he did get brutally honest about Williamson and his commitment to playing basketball.

Read More: New Orleans Pelicans Confirm They Would Consider Trading Zion Williamson

JJ Redick Gets Real

While Redick firmly believes in Zion as a talent, he also knows that the Pelicans’ big man is never in great shape. Once he starts taking his body and heath seriously, only then will NOLA actually become a real contender. “The Pelicans will never reach their full potential with [Zion] on the roster until the preparation, the training, the diet, the sleep [all click, which are] required to go play basketball,” JJ Redick said. It was a harsh assessment, albeit one that Zion probably needs to hear at this point.

JJ Redick has been critical of Zion Williamson in the past. However, this is probably the harshest he has been. Throughout the past four seasons, Zion has been unable to deliver, and the fanbase in New Orleans is getting tired. Hopefully, he can turn things around, next season. Let us know your thoughts on JJ’s criticisms, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from the sports world.

Read More: Cam’Ron Coins Hilarious New Phrase After Zion Williamson Drama

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New Orleans Pelicans Are Contenders With Healthy Zion Williamson, Claims JJ Redick

We love the smell of trade rumors in the morning. This week, the major rumor has concerned the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans currently hold the 14th pick in the draft. However, the rumor mill has them pushing to move as high as #2 in a bid to draft Scoot Henderson. These rumors blew up earlier today when Brian Windhorst suggested that teams are waiting to see if the Pelicans would be willing to make Zion Williamson available as part of a potential trade.

“I think it’s fair to say, based on my conversations, there’s an eye being kept towards whether the Pelicans would make Zion Williamson available ahead of trying to get into that top end of the draft,” Windhorst said. Williamson is an elite player when he’s on the floor. However, he has missed 214 games since he was drafted. That’s equivalent to 65.2% of all Pelicans games since his rookie season. Furthermore, the increasingly scandalous reports surrounding his personal life are likely to make a number of execs question whether he’s the sort of influence they want on the team. But there’s one person who is strongly opposed to these rumors.

JJ Reddick Wants Zion To Stay In New Orleans

Speaking on First Take, JJ Redick laid out why the Pelicans shouldn’t trade Zion. “[The Pelicans] are not that far away with a healthy Zion. He’s that good. … I think he’s a generational talent when he’s on the basketball court. … If he’s in shape, I’m not moving him.” The 2022-23 campaign marked the Pelicans’ first winning season since 2018. However, most of the 42-40 record was done without Zion on the floor. Williamson played in just 29 games before succumbing to injury. However, before his injury, the Pelicans were second in the Western Conference. The issue is, will Williamson ever be able to stay healthy? In his four seasons in the league, he has only played more than 30 games in one of them. As previously mentioned, he has missed 65% of the team’s games since he was drafted.

However, could that be a blessing in disguise? The Portland Trail Blazers hold the third overall pick and have made it very clear that they are willing to trade if it means building a title contender for Damian Lillard next season. Zion Williamson would likely be a great piece to add to that team. However, would they be willing to pull the trigger given his injury history? That is to say, Zion’s injury history could be the thing that keeps him in New Orleans and thus keeps the Pelicans a contender. But what do you think? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Stephen A. Smith Stuns JJ Redick With Bad Nikola Jokic Take

Stephen A. Smith is the biggest name at ESPN right now. Although not everyone is fond of his broadcasting style, there is no doubt he is a force to be reckoned with. Overall, he is making a hefty salary over there, and his bosses love him. After all, he is the reason why the viewership hasn’t dropped off of a cliff over there. His show First Take is a massive success, and with the NBA Finals going down right now, the network is having a good time.

Last night, the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat played Game 3 of the NBA Finals. In the end, it was Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets who came away with the victory. Furthermore, Jokic had a historic night as he had over 30 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists. Overall, it was just a truly fantastic performance from the big man. However, it inspired an uninformed hot take from Stephen A. “Jokic isn’t known for having some kind of dominant post game now. That’s not his game,” Smith said confidently.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Calls Zion Williamson A “Man Child”

Stephen A. Tried It

This commentary left JJ Redick and Jay Williams in awe. Simply put, they could not believe that Smith would put such an ignorant statement into the world. However, he did just that, and Redick was forced to correct him. “We’ve got 10 years of tracking data. You know what the No. 1 most efficient halfcourt play is? … A Nikola Jokic post up. Boom,” Redick said. Of course, he got a lot of praise from Jay Williams, who backed him up on those stats. At the end of the day, it has been hard for Jokic to get any kind of credit for his heroics.

Now, the Nuggets have a 2-1 series lead and seem to be in the driver’s seat. They are favored to win this series, and Game 4 should be very interesting. Let us know who you think will come out victorious, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Shares Advice For Cardi B Regarding “Boredom”

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JJ Reddick Reveals Chris Paul’s Best Championship Chances

Chris Paul is one of the greatest players to ever grace the NBA. Drafted out of Wake Forst in 2005, Paul is a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBAer, seven-time NBA All-Defensive First Team player, five-time NBA assists leader, and six-time NBA steals leader. He has gone from prospect to star to veteran leader. However, injuries derailed his 2022-23 season, his third with the Suns. The only things missing from Paul’s resume are an MVP and an NBA title.

On June 7, it was reported that Paul had met with Suns’ leadership about his future with the team. As part of those conversations, Paul was informed that he could be waived before June 28th. Paul is owed $30.8 million if he is on the roster on June 28th. He is only owed $15.8 million if the Suns cut or trade him. While it is not a done deal, many experts expect the Suns to move on from Paul.

JJ Reddick Weighs In On Chris Paul’s Next Move

Speaking on First Take, JJ Reddick shared his thoughts on where he thinks Paul should go, if Paul wants to retire with a ring. “The two best places I think for him to win a championship is Phoenix … and the Los Angeles Lakers,” Reddick said during a two-minute monologue. Both options are valid and intriguing choices. The championship window for the Suns is closing fast and this offseason could very well shut it completely. They are $79 million over the salary cap and have a lot of bloated contracts, like Paul’s on the books. The Suns went all-in to win 2023 and came up well short. While Reddick’s logic makes sense, there are a lot of balls in the desert area.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have shown what they can do at full strength, running all the way to the Western Conference Finals. There are championship aspirations, sure. However, the ability to get past teams like the Nuggets remains to be seen. Paul is 38 and doesn’t have that many years left most likely. Is he, and his contract, something the Lakers want to take on? Furthermore, where do you think Chris Paul will go? Let us know in the comments below.

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JJ Redick Praises The Heat And Offers Nuggets Hot Take

JJ Redick has been one of the most beloved analysts on TV as of late. Overall, the former NBA star has proven to be someone who can sift through all of the BS that tends to populate shows like First Take. Most of the time, he is spot-on with his takes. Although he wasn’t a superstar in the league, he still has a great eye for the game. So much so that some believe he needs to become a head coach. That said, the NBA Finals are on right now, and you can be sure that Redick is part of the coverage.

Last night, the Miami Heat were able to steal a game against the Denver Nuggets. This came as quite a bit of a surprise. Despite being up by as much as 15 points in the second quarter, the Heat were able to crawl back. They were great to start the third and fourth quarters, and it helped propel them to a win. Now, the Heat have the home-court advantage, and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. While on First Take this morning, Redick explained how the Heat were able to win.

Read More: JJ Redick Predicts Ja Morant Suspension Length

JJ Redick Loves The Heat

“The word that comes to mind for me is resiliency [for the Miami Heat],” Redick explained. “Heat culture, it is a very real thing. There is a mental toughness and a mental fortitude with this team.” He also went on to note that the Denver Nuggets should still win it all. Moreover, he went on to note that the Nuggets will be good in the west for years to come.

Redick Talks Denver

“Regardless of what happens in this series, we are entering a phase where the Denver Nuggets will be the favorites in the Western Conference going forward for the foreseeable future,” Redick said. “There’s a long runway in Denver for this team to contend for titles.” Overall, Redick certainly has a point. The Nuggets look amazing, and we cannot wait to see them play for years to come. That said, let us know who you think will win the NBA Finals, in the comments section below.

Read More: JJ Redick Apologizes To Stephen A. Smith

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