Latest news with #ESPNNBA
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"You gotta be a role model, and things outside the lines matter" - Perkins on why Edwards can't be considered the face of the league
ESPN NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins came out with a hot take during a recent First Take segment about Anthony Edwards and why he feels that he was crowned the face of the league too soon. According to the former player, "Ant-Man" still has much growing up to do, and his track record off the court doesn't indicate that he's someone worth looking up to. Advertisement "You gotta check the boxes when you're the face of the league," said Perkins. "Yes, we know you gotta have a signature shoe, you're going to be in commercials, you're going to have the highlights, you gotta have the game, but you know what else you gotta have? You gotta be a role model, and things outside the lines matter." Perk has one pointer for Ant Speaking of his track record off the court, "Big Perk" pointed out that Edwards' messy paternity drama is preventing him from having a clean reputation. After all, the Minnesota Timberwolves guard is rumored to be associated with three different women with whom he shares three different children. So far, the three-time All-Star has only acknowledged his daughter Aislynn, whom he shares with his baby mother, Shannon Jackson. Advertisement "Now, if you go down the list of all the faces of the league in the history of the game, you look at Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaq, LeBron, Steph, what do they all have in common? While they were playing in the league they all were family men. They all were married with kids, and if you don't think that plays a role as far as the role model this is facts," said Perkins. Another former NBA player and current analyst, Charles Barkley, backed up Perkins' claim about why it was wrong to crown the 6'3 "guard out of the University of Georgia the face of the league too early. But "Sir Charles" didn't focus on Ant's reputation off the court and instead implied that he has yet to prove anything so far in his young career besides two Western Conference Finals appearances. Related: "I'm hoping this is a wake-up call for Brunson" - Charles Barkley thinks the Knicks play better when Jalen Brunson gets off the ball The face of the league should happen organically In fairness to Wolves guard, he has said multiple times that he doesn't want to be the face of the NBA, even if the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Draymond Green, and Dwyane Wade have encouraged him to just accept the label. But the thing about being the face of the NBA is that the consumers of the basketball product — in this case, analysts and fans — are the ones who crown that guy. Advertisement The Georgia product just happens to be a rising elite superstar with a charming and hilarious personality that many are drawn to, which is why his name is constantly brought up in conversations. Some, like Perkins, believe that it shouldn't be the case, and a few think the opposite. Ultimately, it'll still be Edwards' decision and how he plans to approach the rest of his career. Related: "I didn't get enough shots to say I struggled" - Anthony Edwards pushes back on criticism after 16-point performance in Game 4 loss
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'They're turning into a destination': Shams Charania is talking about the Indiana Pacers?!
Pro athletes often dream of playing in Los Angeles, New York and Miami. How about Indiana? ESPN NBA reporter Shams Charania believes the tide is turning toward the Pacers, who are in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year. Advertisement Charania joined the "Pat McAfee Show" just outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday to discuss all things NBA. The Pacers lead the New York Knicks 2-1 with Game 4 coming Tuesday night. "They're turning into a destination," Charania said. "That's a big statement. Players look at Tyrese Haliburton, look at Pascal Siakam, look at what the front office has done. They've been so good at identifying 'dogs' — identifying players they know want to win and want to compete." Pacers seek a bounce back: Pacers 'have to be a lot better in a lot of areas' Siakam made the NBA All-Star Game this season, and Haliburton earned third-team All-NBA honors. Advertisement Indiana trusts its bench as much as any NBA team, and Charania believes that will appeal to players seeking a fresh start. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania thinks Pacers are a destination team
Indianapolis Star
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
'They're turning into a destination': Shams Charania is talking about the Indiana Pacers?!
Pro athletes often dream of playing in Los Angeles, New York and Miami. How about Indiana? ESPN NBA reporter Shams Charania believes the tide is turning toward the Pacers, who are in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year. Charania joined the "Pat McAfee Show" just outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday to discuss all things NBA. The Pacers lead the New York Knicks 2-1 with Game 4 coming Tuesday night. "They're turning into a destination," Charania said. "That's a big statement. Players look at Tyrese Haliburton, look at Pascal Siakam, look at what the front office has done. They've been so good at identifying 'dogs' — identifying players they know want to win and want to compete." Pacers seek a bounce back: Pacers 'have to be a lot better in a lot of areas' Siakam made the NBA All-Star Game this season, and Haliburton earned third-team All-NBA honors.
Newsweek
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Grizzlies Make NBA History With Franchise's New Head Coach
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Memphis Grizzlies have announced the next head coach of the team, naming interim Tuomas Iisalo as the permanent coach. This comes weeks after the team let go of Taylor Jenkins just before the postseason. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported the news on social media. Iisalo had a 14-year professional career as a player in Finland before beginning a long coaching career. He won the EuroCup and EuroCup coach of the year in 2024 before joining the Grizzlies. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 2, 2025 This article will be updated...
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kevin Durant on Suns' effort after getting blown out by Timberwolves: 'We embarrassed ourselves'
The Phoenix Suns didn't play like a team fighting for its postseason life on Sunday night, losing 116-98 at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Phoenix managed only 17 points in the second quarter and was outscored 66-47 in the second half, an effort that Kevin Durant said was far below the standard at which the Suns should be playing. "We embarrassed the fans and we embarrassed ourselves the way we played," Durant said afterward, via the Associated Press. "I want us to be better.' Durant led the Suns with 26 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Bradley Beal's 18 points. Devin Booker added 17 points, while Bol Bol grabbed 11 boards. Kevin Durant on tonight's loss: "It's tough, man. That's a shitty game. We didn't play up to our standards at all. We embarrassed the fans, we embarrassed ourselves the way we played, and I want us to be better." — Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) March 3, 2025 The loss was Phoenix's fourth in five games and 11th in its past 14 contests. Dropping to 28-33, the Suns are four games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the 10th seed in the Western Conference and a spot in the play-in tournament. Phoenix's schedule doesn't get much easier with upcoming matchups with the Los Angeles Clippers (32-28), Denver Nuggets (39-22), Mavericks (32-29), Memphis Grizzlies (38-22) and Sacramento Kings (31-28). With Durant, Booker and Beal, the Suns were viewed as a championship contender and appeared ready to fulfill those expectations with an 8-1 start to the season. Anthony Edwards dunk attempt — Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) March 3, 2025 Defense has been a major issue, which was demonstrated on Sunday with Anthony Edwards scoring 44 points for the T-Wolves, along with seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Donte DiVincenzo added 24 points, hitting 8-of-13 on 3-pointers. As Durant alluded to, once the other team gets rolling, the Suns appear to get discouraged on defense. "When adversity hits, we start floating a little as a team," he said. "That's tough to deal with it." Reporting for ESPN NBA Countdown on the Suns, Kevin Durant and what's at stake: — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 2, 2025 The Suns' struggles have led to rumblings that Durant will be traded after the season. He was reportedly nearly moved to the Golden State Warriors at the NBA trade deadline, but nixed that deal. With an offseason to process a deal, Durant will likely be more amenable — especially if the Suns undergo an overhaul after a disappointing performance. "Unless there's a significant run here into the playoffs for the Phoenix Suns, league sources believe that there will be real changes in Phoenix coming to the Suns," ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Sunday's "NBA Countdown." "And from a roster standpoint, that likely starts with Kevin Durant." Charania added that the Suns and Durant would likely work together on a trade, with a contract extension from the 14-time All-Star's new team a probable factor in any potential deal.
