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Austin Rivers Responds To Stephen Jackson Rant

February 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Austin Rivers has 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.

Bronny James Struggles Despite Stephen Jackson Support

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.

— Austin Rivers (@AustinRivers25) February 7, 2024

Furthermore, despite Jackson’s passionate defense, Bronny has not exactly been living up to expectations at the college level. While his sidelining due to a congenital heart issue must be acknowledged, Bronny has struggled to elevate his game. Bronny is currently averaging 5.9/2.9/2.6 off the bench for a floundering USC squad. His draft projection has gone from late first-round to being omitted from many mock drafts entirely. As much as Jackson may like Bronny, there is not a lot going on game nights to back up the defense.

It’s widely expected that if Bronny James doesn’t become a Laker this summer, LeBron will decline his player option year and follow his son to a new team. Prior to Bronny’s struggles at USC, one potentially floated destination was being drafted by Atlanta. One person who seemed excited by this was Hawks star Trae Young. Last summer, in response to an NBA Central post hypothesizing a LeBron-Bronny partnership on the Hawks, Young tweeted “Talk soon” in response. This immediately set off the rumor mill that the Hawks might push for a LeBron trade.

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50 Cent Already Trash-Talking Lil Wayne Ahead Of NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

February 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

50 Cent has already begun trash-talking Lil Wayne ahead of the pair facing off as assistant coaches at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. “All star game I’m coaching, you know my team is gonna win. @LilTunechi is probably gonna get high and not show up ! LOL,” Fif wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Wayne is yet to respond to the G-Unit boss.

Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe will face off next week during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. The two ESPN personalities will serve as the team coaches while also boasting stacked benches of assistants. Smith will be joined by A’ja Wilson and Wayne while Sharpe has added Fif and Peyton Manning. However, their respective rosters are also equally loaded. Smith boasts the likes of Texans QB CJ Stroud, WNBA star Natasha Cloud, and R&B legend Jennifer Hudson. Meanwhile, Sharpe’s team includes Cowboys powerhouse Micah Parsons, WNBA star Jewell Lloyd, and streamer Kai Cenat.

50 Cent Wants In On Big3 League

Meanwhile, the All-Star Game isn’t the only basketball thing that Fif has found himself involved in. After taking in an NBA game between the Celtics and Rockets last month, Fif is all in on basketball. However, specifically, he wants to bring Ice Cube‘s Big3 league to Shreveport. “I had so much fun at the Boston/Rockets game man,” he wrote in the caption. “I told @icecube I want to bring the big 3 to Shreveport, all roads lead to Shreveport it’s a go!” Fif wrote on social media. The G-Unit mogul recently made the Louisana city his base of operations after operating a major film and television studio there.

Unlike traditional sports leagues, the Big3 doesn’t have home cities. Instead, the league travels from city to city for each game day. However, Shreveport is not an especially a basketball city. It’s primary basketball arena is the home arena of LSU-Shreveport, an NAIA college program. However, it’s possible that Fif would be willing to construct a temporary facility to host the league for a gameday.

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Austin Rivers Net Worth 2024: What Is The Minnesota Timberwolves Star Worth?

February 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Austin Rivers, a professional basketball player known for his dynamic play and strategic presence on the court, has carved out a significant career in the NBA, culminating in a net worth of $23 million by 2024, as reported by Eric Singer. Rivers’ journey from a highly touted high school prospect to a solid contributor in the league showcases his development, resilience, and adaptability. His tenure with various teams has highlighted his skill set, competitive spirit, and ability to enhance team dynamics and contribute meaningful performances.

Early Promise & Professional Development

Rivers entered the professional basketball scene with high expectations. He excelled at the collegiate level. A commitment to growth and improvement marked his transition to the NBA. Further, Rivers navigated the challenges and pressures of professional sports with determination. Over the years, he has refined his game, becoming known for his defensive tenacity, scoring ability, and leadership on and off the court. His journey reflects the evolution of a player who continually seeks to maximize his potential and impact.

Moreover, Austin Rivers has made valuable contributions to every team he’s participated in. He has brought versatility as both a point guard and shooting guard. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and adapt to various playing styles has made him a valuable asset in the league. Rivers’ commitment to his craft and his teams exemplifies his professional ethos and dedication to basketball.

Off-Court Ventures & Interests

Beyond his achievements on the basketball court, Rivers has engaged in various off-court ventures and interests that reflect his multifaceted personality and interests. His involvement in community service, charitable activities, and business investments demonstrates a holistic approach to his career and life. Rivers’ endeavors outside of basketball underscore his understanding of the importance of impact and legacy beyond athletic achievements.

Legacy & Future Endeavors

With a net worth of $23 million in 2024, Austin Rivers’ career in the NBA is a testament to his hard work, talent, and perseverance. As he looks to the future, his ongoing contributions to the sport and off-court pursuits will continue to define his legacy. Rivers stands as a model of professional development and personal growth, inspiring future generations of athletes with his journey and achievements.

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Machine Gun Kelly And Shaq ‘DJ Diesel’ O’Neal Will Help Tip-Off NBA All-Star Weekend By Performing

February 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Basketball fans are in for a treat, as Machine Gun Kelly and Shaquille O’Neal (also known for his musical side as DJ Diesel) will be helping to kick off the NBA All-Star Weekend 2024 with some performances. They will take the stage on Thursday, February 15 at The Indiana Convention Center as part of the celebrations. As someone who got to see Shaq do a DJ set a few years ago, the crowd is really in for a wild time.

Those who are interested in getting tickets and have an American Express will be able to participate in the presale, which is currently open and will close tomorrow, February 8 at 12:59 p.m. ET. Only a maximum of four free tickets can be reserved, but Ticketmaster appears to be limiting the quantity and access — so it’s unclear if they’ve sold out of the presale at the moment.

If you did manage to secure tickets to the NBA on TNT American Express Road Show event, AmEx cardholders will receive access to a priority lane for faster entry into the venue. As part of the Road Show experience, there will also be photo opportunities and fan competitions with Shaq, Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith, according to a press release.

For those at home, it will start playing at 7 p.m. on TNT.

Meanwhile, the NBA also announced the rosters for the All-Star Celebrity Game today, and it includes 50 Cent and Lil Wayne as coaches, as well as Anuel AA, Walker Hayes, SiR, Jennifer Hudson, and AJ McLean playing.

The 2024 #RufflesCelebGame rosters!

Friday, 2/16 at 7:00pm/et on ESPN pic.twitter.com/ocm3KYxI3H

— NBA (@NBA) February 7, 2024

More information about the NBA on TNT American Express Road Show featuring MGK and O’Neal can be found here.

Stephen A. Smith And Lil Wayne To Coach Against Shannon Sharpe And 50 Cent In NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

February 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe will face off next week during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. The two ESPN personalities will serve as the team coaches while also boasting stacked benches of assistants. Smith will be joined by A’ja Wilson and Lil Wayne while Sharpe has added 50 Cent and Peyton Manning. However, their respective rosters are also equally loaded. Smith boasts the likes of Texans QB CJ Stroud, WNBA star Natasha Cloud, and R&B legend Jennifer Hudson. Meanwhile, Sharpe’s team includes Cowboys powerhouse Micah Parsons, WNBA star Jewell Lloyd, and streamer Kai Cenat.

The game will take place on a unique glass-covered LED court that is being installed especially for All-Star weekend. As well as the staples such as the Dunk Contest, there will also be a special three-point shooting challenge between Steph Curry and the WNBA’s Sabrina Ionescu. Who are you backing – Team Shannon or Team Stephen? Let us know in the comments.

Trae Young Snubbed For All-Star Game

However, one person who will not be attending the All-Star Game is the Hawks’ Trae Young. Trae Young is perhaps the most notable absence from this year’s NB All-Star Game. Despite finishing third in Eastern backcourt voting, Young was not named as one of the conference’s reserves. Young is averaging 27.3 points (8th) and 10.9 assists (2nd) this season. Perhaps it is because the Hawks are 22-28 in one of the league’s weaker divisions, but the snub has rung out across the league.

Fans in particular are irate over Young’s absence. “Also, definitely put me on team “Trae Young should be an all-star.” Not sure what happened there, but think his case is pretty clear in the East. Bizarre that we just take 27 points and 11 assists for granted,” wrote Sam Vecenie, senior NBA writer at The Athletic. Furthermore, many people pointed out that Young’s numbers are better than last year when he missed out on the All-Star Game. Most fans are taking Young over All-Star reserve Paolo Banchero (23/7/5). Do you think Young got robbed? Let us know in the comments.

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Brock Purdy Responds To Viral Lee Harvey Oswald Meme

February 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Brock Purdy has addressed the meme circulating on social media that he looks like JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald. When he asked about the comparison, Purdy was not thrilled by it, dismissing it politely during a media session ahead of the Super Bowl before moving on. The meme had gone viral throughout the week after someone announced that they had “finally figured out” who Brock Purdy reminded them of. While there is some similarity, it’s fairly fleeting. Furthermore, it’s not as apparent as, say, Ted Cruz’s resemblance to the Zodiac Killer.

However, given the expanded media access that comes with the Super Bowl every year, weird questions are now par for the course. Last year, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni which players he wouldn’t let his daughter date. Sirianni’s answer was that his daughter was four years old. While weird questions are now seen as part of the run-up, it never fails to annoy people. To many fans, and journalists, it points to too lax of a credentialing policy and people trying too hard to go viral as the “weird question asker”.

Cam Newton Defends His Brock Purdy Take

Meanwhile, Cam Newton recently defended his argument that Purdy is far from the best player on the Niners. “I never said that Brock Purdy was trash, I said he was a game manager. That isn’t hate, that’s just facts. But to earn the game-changer label, you need to be the best player on the offensive side of the ball. And Purdy isn’t that. He is maybe the tenth-best player on that Niners team,” Newton argued. As for his best offensive player for the Niners? It was “obviously” Christian McCaffery.

However, fans were split on whether they agreed with Newton. “Why are we acting like Cam is wrong? Purdy does his job at a high-level & makes a ton of great plays. He’s in a system that allows him to do that. He’s a solid game manager who has been able to keep this team moving,” one fan argued. “The @49ers would not be in the situation they are now since he started without Brock Purdy and people just don’t want to give him the due because of where he was drafted,” another countered. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

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Lakers To Wear “Black Mamba” Uniforms For Kobe Bryant Statue Unveiling

February 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Lakers have announced that they will wear their “Black Mamba” uniform variant for their February 8 game against Denver as part of a special night honoring the late Kobe Bryant. The team is due to unveil a statue of the career Laker outside Crypto.com Arena before they face the reigning NBA champions. That game will then be played with the team wearing the special uniforms that Bryant himself designed. It will be the first time that the team has worn the uniform variant since doing so during the 2020 season following Kobe’s death.

The Black Mamba variant is a black and gold uniform featuring a subtle snakeskin pattern. Kobe helped design the variant in 2017, drawing inspiration from his 1996/97 rookie uniform. “LA 24” is stitched onto the belt, and the shorts include Kobe’s numbers – 8 and 24. The team first wore the variant in 2018.

Footage Of Kobe Bryant Taking Brandy To His Prom Emerges On Twitter

Meanwhile, An X account that shares archival footage recently shared a video of a news report about Kobe Bryant taking Brandy to his high school prom. The event happened in 1996, just months before Bryant would be drafted into the NBA. However, at the time, many of his classmates weren’t overly thrilled with the amount of attention Kobe was receiving. “It’s not Kobe Bryant’s prom, it’s Lower Merion’s prom,” one attendee noted. “Yes, this is Kobe Bryant’s prom. But it’s also everyone’s prom. This is not the Kobe Bryant prom. It’s the prom of the class of 1996,” added another.

Kobe, who was dating Brandy at the time, would arrive three hours after the prom began and was flanked by security. Despite this, a reporter was still able to ask Brandy how she felt about Kobe. As a result, the singer called the future NBA Hall of Famer “very cute”. However, the pair would quickly break up, with Brandy going on to date her “first love”, Boyz II Men lead singer Wayne Morris.

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Austin Rivers Explains Why Bronny James Shouldn’t Play With LeBron, Stephen Jackson Responds By Calling Rivers A “Scrub”

February 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Stephen Jackson took 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’ comments on ESPN. It’s 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.

Where Will Bronny James End Up?

“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.”

– Austin Riverspic.twitter.com/GwBK2C4GOl

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 5, 2024

It;s widely expected that if Bronny James doesn’t become a Laker this summer, LeBron will decline his player option year and follow his son to a new team. Prior to Bronny’s struggles at USC, one potentially floated destination was being drafted by Atlanta. One person who seemed excited by this was Hawks star Trae Young. Last summer, in response to an NBA Central post hypothesizing a LeBron-Bronny partnership on the Hawks, Young tweeted “Talk soon” in response. This immediately set off the rumor mill that the Hawks might push for a LeBron trade.

However, for the time being, LeBron is seeing out the year in LA. “LeBron won’t be traded, and we aren’t asking to be,” Rich Paul said in response to growing speculation that LeBron might be leaving the Lakers midseason. Of course, LeBron hasn’t helped quiet the rumors. Following a Lakers loss last week, LeBron posted an hourglass emoji to social media.

[via]

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Kyrie Irving Seemingly Blames Eric Adams For Nets Exit Amid Return To Brooklyn

February 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kyrie Irving took shots at New York Mayor Eric Adams amid his first game back in Brooklyn. “Thank Eric Adams for that,” Irving told a fan after the asked why Irving “didn’t play like this for the Nets”. Irving’s comment is a direct shot at New York’s strict vaccine mandate during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Irving was essentially suspended by the Nets as he was unable to train with the team or play home games due to his unvaccinated status. The rules were later amended almost in service of allowing Irving to play. However, Irving’s Nets tenure would suffer through many more speed bumps before his trade to Dallas.

Furthermore, Irving addressed his return to Brooklyn at the post-game press conference. “I just think it was time to get my own peace of mind and go somewhere where I was able to thrive, and be in a situation where I didn’t have to worry about kind of behind-the-back talk or the media talk or not knowing how to handle real-life circumstances that has nothing to do with the game of basketball. It has everything to do with how you handle someone as a person. While I was here, I learned a lot of lessons. I’ve made my peace again, like I said, and I just want to move forward,” Irving said. He scored 36 in the Mavs’ 119-107 win.

Rabbis Feud With Kyrie Irving Over Alleged Sign Removal

Nets fan: “Kyrie why don’t play like this when you were on the Nets? Why Kai?”

Irving: “Thank Mayor [Eric] Adams for that, bro.”

(Via @Courtsidenets / h/t @ClutchPoints )

pic.twitter.com/DgSJJbVlrI

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 7, 2024

However, Irving has not been wholly able to stay out of trouble in Dallas. Earlier this season, Irving found himself the target of the ire of a group of rabbis. In January, a group of Utah Jazz-supporting rabbis has claimed they were asked to put away signs reading “I’m a Jew and I’m proud” during a game against the Mavericks. Furthermore, they claim that the request was due to complaints from Kyrie Irving. Rabbi Avremi Zippel and three of his colleagues sat at the Delta Center with their signs with the intent of attracting Irving’s attention due to his anti-Semitic comments in 2022. According to Zippel, Irving acknowledged the signs in the first quarter. The Mavs veteran reportedly told Zippel and his friends, “Nice, I’m a Jew, too. Don’t gotta bring something like that to the game.”

Soon after the interaction, Zippel claims security approached his group and told them to remove the signs. The official cited a rule about holding signs in courtside seats. However, Zippel also claims that another staffer later informed him that the removal was due to Irving filing a complaint with security. While Zippel said he had previously checked the rules about signs, the team issued a statement after the game. “No matter where someone is in the arena, if a sign becomes distracting or sparks an interaction with a player, we will ask them to remove it. There was a group sitting courtside whose signs sparked an interaction with a player that created a distraction and interfered with play of game,” the Jazz said. Irving’s representation denied that Irving complained to security. Furthermore the Jazz disputed the account of what they called a “part-time employee”.

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North West’s Basketball Skills Have Fans Revisiting Kanye’s Chris Paul Claims

February 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

A recent TikTok by North West showing off some impressive dribbling ability has been met with a wave of hilarious reactions from fans. While many people were impressed by West’s ball handling, more than a few commenters couldn’t help but crack some jokes. “CP3 a good trainer yea,” one fan wrote. The short comment refers to claims that Kanye West made in 2022 that Kim Kardashian had cheated on him with Chris Paul. No proof that the rumor was true ever emerged, but it is one that has stuck with fans.

Another avenue of comments surrounded North’s apparent readiness to join the NBA. Many fans commented that she had better off-hand control than the Celtics’ Jaylen Brown. Meanwhile, several others said that North could start for the Pistons already. However, of course, there were a few haters on hand to dismiss North’s ability. The full video of North’s impressive skills can be found below. What do you think of her game? Let us know in the comments.

North West: Future Hooper?

A love of basketball has quickly become apparent for the eldest daughter of Kim and Kanye. Kim and North attended several Lakers games during their playoff run in 2023. This included speculation that Kim was dating a Laker thanks to her curve-hugging “I Love Nerds” top. The pair were once again in attendance as the Lakers eliminated the Warriors from the playoffs. Furthermore, Kim and her daughter have been spotted supporting Tristan Thompson, the former boyfriend of Kim’s sister Khloé. Thompson had been a playoff roster addition for the Lakers.

While North has already gained a substantial following on social media, it’s clear that basketball is something she clearly enjoys. Maybe the Kar-Jen clan is about to add another athlete to join the likes of Thompson and Olympic medalist Caitlyn Jenner. However, at just 10 years old, it would be almost a decade until North even considered playing college ball, let alone thinking about going pro.