Stephen A. Smith Says Kevin Durant Is Unhappy In Phoenix

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.

Read More: Veeze Blasts Stephen A. Smith For Kobe Bryant Hate

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.

Read More: Stephen A Smith Believes Drake & Kendrick Lamar Are Taking Things Too Far

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

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.

Read More: Paul Pierce Victim Of L.A. Home Invasion, $100K In Cash & Valuable Watches Stolen

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.

Read More: Paul Pierce Gives His Two Cents On The Drake & Kendrick Lamar Rap Beef

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Bronny James Makes Huge NBA Draft Decision

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. 

Read More: The Lakers Are Open To Drafting Bronny James

Bronny James To Stay In The NBA Draft

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. 

Read More: Lakers Are Open To Drafting Bronny James To Keep LeBron

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

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.”

Read More: Ice Cube Is Furious With Caitlin Clark’s Agents; Accuses Them Of Working For “NBA Mob”

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.

Read More: Ice Cube Trends As Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Salary Is Exposed

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

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.

Read More: LeBron James Erupts On Darvin Ham As Lakers Beat Nuggets With Caleb Williams Sitting Courtside

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.

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

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Anthony Edwards Says There Is A Major Difference Between He and Michael Jordan

Anthony Edwards has been compared to Michael Jordan all season. The comparisons have only increased through the playoffs when Edwards has been in the national spotlight. The Timberwolves have run through their competition, sweeping the Suns, and are now up 2-0 over the defending Denver Nuggets. Ant sat down with ESPN’s Malika Andrews and was once again asked about being compared to the greatest player of all time. He once again downplayed the praise. He also gave an explanation of how they are different and how he wants to be viewed by fans.

Edwards was questioned about how many fans and onlookers have compared his style of play to that of maybe the greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan, during an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews. Calling to put an end to the comparisons, Edwards stated that although there are some similarities between him and Jordan, he also distinguishes himself in other areas, such as long-range shooting. Overall, he is thankful for the praise but ultimately wants to carve his own path.

Read More: Jamal Murray Throws Heat Pack At Ref During Blowout Loss To The Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards Says One Thing Sets Him Apart From Micahel Jordan

“I want people to be like, ‘This Anthony Edwards kid, he’s got his own style. He’s maybe got a mix of Michael Jordan in him,’” Edwards said. “But I’ve got a trey ball, I can shoot the three. So, I think that makes me a little different than Michael Jordan.” Playing in today’s era, Edwards is a three-point marksman. Jordan’s career scoring average of 30.1 points per game is all the more remarkable, considering that he was predominantly a mid-range shooter and didn’t do much damage from beyond the arc. 

But Jordan today would shoot more threes and probably be pretty good at them, so the comparisons can shift and stick around. Anthony Edwards is just beginning his journey as an NBA star. Putting such lofty expectations on him is kind of unfair, as he is only 22 years old. He wants them to stop, but he isnt running from the comparisons. Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves return to Minnesota tonight for game 3 against the Nuggets. If Ant ends up winning a chip this year those comparisons will be kind of justified.

Read More: Anthony Edwards Wants The Michael Jordan Comparisons To Stop

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Lakers Are Open To Drafting Bronny James To Keep LeBron

The future of LeBron James with the Lakers remains a question mark. The 39-year-old basketball icon holds a player option for next summer, which could potentially see him part ways with the Lakers. The Los Angeles team, however, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure his stay. This even includes the possibility of drafting LeBron’s son, Bronny, in this summer’s NBA Draft. In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, NBA writer Shams Charania confirmed the Lakers’ commitment to retaining LeBron James.

Bronny James decided to leave USC following his freshman season and entered the NBA draft last month. After a lackluster freshman campaign, Bronny has decided to stake his own claim to an NBA career. Bronny’s chances of not being picked in the NBA Draft of 2024 are high. Despite his evident skill, he didn’t have a particularly impressive rookie season. The Lakers might go out on a limb and draft Bronny, according to reports. Bronny is looking like the key to keeping LeBron in LA.

Read More: Bronny James Jr. Trends As NBA Proposes New Draft Age

Bronny James Likely To Be Picked Up By Lakers Says Shams

“LeBron James still, from everything I hear, wants to play up to two more NBA seasons,” Charania said. “…The Lakers want to bring him back, and the Lakers want to be in a position where if it is drafting Bronny in the second round, they do have interest in bringing Bronny James in as a draft pick.” He also backed up the reported story that the Lakers are “very open” to making LeBrons dream of playing with Bronny a reality. Brony James will more than likely become a Lakeer one way or another.

If Bronny goes undrafted, then he could sign with the lkwers as an unrestricted free agent. Bronny is set to participate in the NBA draft combine. Hopefully, he will be able to show scouts that his freshman season was a fluke. His game might be ready for the NBA level, and we will see it soon. Overall, the Lakers are probably prepared to do whatever it takes to keep LeBron in purple and Gold. Bronny might be sharing the court with his dad next season. Well, at least he will be in the same franchise. Bronny likely will be placed in the G-League if he gets drafted.

Read More: Bronny James’ Draft Outlook Gets Sobering Update From ESPN

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Luka Doncic Post-Game Press Conference Interrupted By Hilarious NSFW Moment

Luka Dončić balled out on Thursday night, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Luka had a near triple-double, scoring 27 points in the win and looking once again like the offensive force he has been all year. As the Dallas Mavericks star was responding to a question from the media about his team’s NBA playoff victory on Thursday, the press conference was interrupted by sex noises. The moment was awkward and caught everybody in the postgame presser off guard especially Luka. Luka’s eyes got big in disbelief, and the superstar couldn’t help but laugh.

When the sounds stopped, Luka composed himself and joked, “I hope that’s not live.” Who was creating the groaning noises and where they were originating from is unknown. Whether it was live or an unfortunate video mishap is also yet to be confirmed. It’s a hilarious moment that capped off a great night for the Dallas Mavericks. Social media was thoroughly entertained by the moment and Luka’s response. It also caused speculation on what was going on in OKC after the game.

Read More: Boosie Badazz Reveals Why Luka Doncic Signed His Jersey & How He Convinced Him

Luka Doncic’s Press Conference Interrupted by Sex Noises

When the Mavericks’ All-NBA guard was explaining the energy of his squad, he suddenly stopped talking and opened his eyes wide. For a few seconds, it sounded like the high-pitched moaning of a woman, and then it ceased. All Dončić could dois hang his head and cover his face with his hand while laughing. “Ok, um, moving on,” a reporter said while others in the press conference laughed. “I hope that’s not live,” Dončić said. fans have theorized a reporters bluetooth headphones died leading tothe noises being brodcast throughout the room. Whatever the case, it was hilarious and unexpected.

Luka and the Dallas Mavericks evened up the series with the Thunder 1-1. P.J. Washington lit the Thunder up hitting 7 threes pouring in 29 points to lead the Mavs in scoring. Kyrie was etremly unselfidh all night empowering his teammates. The Thunder played well but Dallas made more plays down the stretch. MVP runner up Shai Gigeous Alexander had a great game in the loss. The young Thunder will look to take back their series lead in Dallas. Hopefully for hoops fans, this series is nice and long becasue it is very entertaining.

Read More: NBA Announces MVP Finalists: Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, And Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

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Shaq Responds To Shannon Sharp With Explosive Diss Track

The Shaq and Shannon Sharpe beef is hitting another level. It all started over Shaq’s awkward interview with Nikola Jokic. He told Jokic he believed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserved to be named NBA MVP instead of the Denver Big. Jokic didn’t think too much about the comment, but it was a very awkward and unnecessary moment. Shannon Sharp responded to Shaq’s comments on his Nightcap podcast, insinuating that he is jealous of the now-three-time MVP Jokic. Sharp said Shaq’s lack of drive and discipline is what is keeping him out of the GOAT conversation. Sharpe said on his podcast that the big man underachived. He said, “Shaq should have five MVPs.” Shaq did not take kindly to the slights.

Shaq responded with a lengthy Instagram comment where he fired serious shots at Shannon Sharp. he refuted his defense of SGA as him being jealous of Joker. He then went on to disparage Shannon Sharpe’s accomplishments, saying he isn’t even top-10 in his position as an NFL tight end. Now, the TNT analyst has upped the ante. He has released a diss track aimed right at Shannon Sharpe, and social media cannot believe it.

Read More: Toosi Explains Himself After Revealing Shaq DMed His Girl

Shaq Disses Shannon Sharpe In New Track

Shaq has joined the rap beef trend. His diss against Shannon Sharpe is short but effective, as the big man delivers some hefty blows to his foe. Shaq has always been a talented rapper, so it’s no surprise that, with everything going on in the world of rap, he felt inclined to make a diss record. It starts off with a former NBA player gassing up the Big Diesel to Shannon and Ochocinco. He raps that Shannon Sharpe is way beneath the NBA Hall of Famer. The song cuts off in the middle of his explosive verse, so hopefully, there is a part two on the way.

Shannon Sharpe will certainly respond at any minute. Don’t expect the NFL Hall of Famer to hop in the booth, though. This sports personality beef all started due to an awkward situation Shaq created. He had to have known his comments to Nikola Jokic would cause some controversy. Overall, the diss track has made this ordeal that much more fun.

Read More: Shaq Blasts Shannon Sharpe Over Response To His MVP Comments

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Toosi Explains Himself After Revealing Shaq DMed His Girl

Shaquille O’Neal caused a stir on social media when he flaunted his considerably younger girlfriend. Rapper Toosii harbors some animosity for the NBA star. Recent photos of Shaq and his 21-year-old girlfriend enjoying a ton of fun in Spain may have set Toosii off and reminded him of a run-in with the NBA Hall of Famer. He accused Shaq of making advances against his girlfriend Samaria Davis around eighteen months prior, sending her a direct message asking, “Can I have that baby?” he has now clarified the situation.

Toosii had already uploaded evidence of the interaction, which he obviously thought was inappropriate and disrespectful to him. A few months after Toosii and Samaria’s baby Ezrah was born, in November 2022, the DM was sent. He did not feel Shaq’s response to a photo of the mother and child. Now he is backtracking, saying he misunderstood the DM and took it out of context. He is still confused by the situation, judging from his response.

Read More: Shaq Blasts Shannon Sharpe Over Response To His MVP Comments

Toosi Goes Into Detail About Shaq Dming His Girl

Now Toosi says he posted the DM because he thought Shaq was talking about his child. He implied it was Shaq trying to holler at his girl but now says that was never the case. He clarified that he posted it because he thought it was weird that Shahq mentioned his child. Toosi sasy men are going to DM your girl, so he isn’t tripping over Shaq trying to get with her. He then weirdly says he doesn’t want Shaq to get with her because he is a giant man, and his girl is very tiny. He may have got some pushback and tried to save face. His entire clarification is pretty confusing, as he clearly thought Shaq was after his woman. 

Shaq’s previous relationships have been on the news this week. His ex-girlfriend, Moneice Slaughter, detailed the big man’s cheating habits, revealing he cheated on her with Rocsi Diaz and Hoopz. His ex-wife Shaunie Henderson revealed in her book that she doesn’t know if she truly loved her ex-husband, who also allegedly cheated on her multiple times. Overall, Shaq is a ladies’ man, and it wouldn’t be surprising if his DM to Toosi’s girl was him breaking the ice. 

Read More: Toosii Puts Shaq On Blast For Wild DM To His Baby Mama

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