Latest news with #Polynice
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Olden Polynice Drops Bombshell on the NBA Summer League: "It's the Biggest Moneymaker Scheme, and It Serves No Purpose"
Olden Polynice (Image via Getty) The NBA Summer League has long been billed as a proving ground for rookies, unsigned free agents, and developmental talent. But not everyone is buying the hype. Former NBA center Olden Polynice recently took a flamethrower to the event, calling it out as nothing more than a 'moneymaker scheme' with 'no real value for the players. ' His harsh words have sparked new debate over what the Summer League actually accomplishes—and who it really benefits. What's the NBA Summer League Supposed to Be? Held during the NBA off-season, the Summer League features exhibition games that showcase newly drafted rookies, G-League prospects, and unsigned hopefuls trying to catch the eye of team executives. For some, it's a stepping stone to a professional career. For others, it's a last chance to make an impression. It's marketed as a first look at the league's next wave of talent—but the competition level and stakes are far lower than the regular season. Fans tune in for glimpses of top draft picks, highlight-reel dunks, and buzzy storylines. But beneath the surface, the stakes are personal: every game could be a make-or-break moment for dozens of players fighting to stay in the league. Olden Polynice Unfiltered: 'It Serves No Purpose' Olden Polynice didn't hold back in his recent critique, stating bluntly: 'It has no real value for the players. It's the biggest moneymaker scheme, and it serves no purpose.' His comments touch on three key concerns: 1. Profit at the Player's Expense LeBron's Endgame! — Jeanie Buss's $10 Billion Gamble & Magic's Power Play Polynice argues that the Summer League is more about generating revenue than developing talent. Between ticket sales, sponsorships, TV deals, and merchandise, NBA teams and the league cash in. Meanwhile, the athletes—many of whom lack guaranteed contracts—risk injury and burnout with little financial security. 2. Questionable Developmental Value He also questions how effective the Summer League is at helping players improve. For most participants, the format doesn't allow for long-term coaching, role definition, or sustained growth. Instead, it prioritizes quick performances and media buzz. 3. Mounting Pressure, Minimal Reward The high-stakes environment can lead to desperation. Young players often push themselves too hard for limited opportunities, which Olden Polynice believes can backfire—derailing careers before they start. Supporters Defend the System Not everyone agrees with Polynice. League insiders, coaches, and even some players argue the Summer League provides crucial exposure and helps teams evaluate young talent. They point to successful examples—players who turned strong showings into roster spots or multi-year deals. But critics like Olden Polynice counter that these success stories are rare exceptions. For most participants, the Summer League ends in heartbreak or obscurity. The increasing focus on fanfare, celebrity appearances, and media hype, they say, only reinforces the idea that spectacle is winning out over substance. A Double-Edged Sword for Players There's no denying that for some, the Summer League can be transformative. A few standout games might lead to an NBA training camp invite, a two-way contract, or an overseas deal. But the reality is stark: the majority of players exit with no guarantees—just the physical toll of competition and brief flashes of exposure. The NBA Summer League isn't just about basketball—it's a cornerstone of the league's year-round content machine: - Merchandise Boom: Rookie jerseys often hit the market during Summer League play, sometimes selling for more than G-League salaries. - Media Buzz: With the regular season months away, the League keeps fans engaged through social media highlights, sideline interviews, and constant coverage. This entertainment factor may be part of the problem. Olden Polynice and others argue that the league has leaned too far into monetizing hype, leaving player development on the back burner. Can the System Be Improved? Olden Polynice's comments have renewed calls for reform. If the NBA wants the Summer League to truly support up-and-coming talent, critics suggest a few changes: - Better compensation and healthcare coverage for players. - Less emphasis on spectacle, more on mentorship and skill-building. - Individualized feedback and support beyond the two-week spotlight. Olden Polynice's sharp critique might rub some the wrong way, but it shines a light on the growing tension between profit and purpose in the NBA Summer League. Is it a launchpad for the stars of tomorrow or just another cog in the league's entertainment engine? Also read: Jaylen Brown's Deep Regret and Lasting Tribute to Kobe Bryant: How the Lakers Legend Shaped a Celtics Star The truth may lie somewhere in between. But as long as voices like Olden Polynice's keep raising hard questions, the conversation—and hopefully the system—will continue to evolve. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
10-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former NBA player recalls a fight between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal
Former NBA player recalls a fight between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant made up one of the greatest and most successful superstar duos in NBA history. In eight seasons together, they led the Los Angeles Lakers to three straight NBA championships and resurrected their mystique after a rough rebuilding process during the 1990s. They represented a blend of O'Neal's brute force and power and Bryant's creativity, athleticism, sublime scoring skills and incredible clutch ability. Perhaps no other duo in basketball history was as talented as this one. But of course, the two butted heads at times. Olden Polynice, a former NBA big man, was present when the Hall of Famers actually went at it during a practice session, and he recalled what happened during an episode of former Lakers star Byron Scott's "Fast Break" podcast. 'So, we're at Southwest College, right, playing,' Polynice said. 'I'm trying to get — I'm a Laker fan. I wanna be on the Lakers. I gotta be around the Lakers. So, I'm working — we working out. I'm guarding Shaq, blah, blah, blah. Basket, 'Yeah, this is my team, [expletive].' Basket down there, 'Yeah, naw, naw, this is my team.' 'It's going back and forth between the two of 'em. Okay, no problem. I mean, that's us. We're ballers. Mitch Kupchak's sitting over there chilling with Laker brass, and all of a sudden, there's a dead ball. 'They just going back and forth, but I'm thinking it's still part of the crap that we do. 'Nah, [expletive], I'll kick your [expletive].' I'm like, 'Oh [expletive], okay. Are they about to fight?'' In Jeff Pearlman's book "Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty," a fight between O'Neal and Bryant from just prior to the 1999 season was recounted. It appears that was the fight Polynice was referring to. During his podcast appearance, Polynice said that O'Neal attempted to throw a punch at Bryant, but he grabbed Bryant and prevented the punch from landing. O'Neal then chased the guard, and Polynice grabbed the big man to try to diffuse the situation. In retrospect, given the problems the two superstars had at times, and given that both were alpha males who were perhaps better suited to leading their own individual teams, it's amazing that their partnership lasted as long as it did and was as fruitful as it was. Lakers fans will never forget the sweet memories the two provided during those turbulent but exciting days back in the early days of the 21st century.
USA Today
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Former NBA player: LeBron should retire, won't win another NBA title
Former NBA player: LeBron should retire, won't win another NBA title LeBron James has a big decision to make over the next few weeks. He has a player option for next season, and he can either play on it or decline it. If he is to decline that option, he's expected to sign a slightly longer new contract in order to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers. But there are those, including quite a few Lakers fans, who want him to either leave the Lakers or simply retire this summer. A sizable chunk of the Lakers' fan base feels James has run his course with the franchise and that it is time for the organization to say goodbye to him and Klutch Sports. Former NBA player Olden Polynice went on the "Fast Break" podcast, which is hosted by former Laker Byron Scott, and said it's time for James to call it quits. "The longevity aspect, I think it's getting a little bit too much now," Polynice said. "Because I'm like, dude, what else you want to do? It's time for you to start thinking about retiring." With Luka Doncic now by his side, James could have a very real chance at winning his fifth NBA championship next season, as long as management upgrades at the center position and adds guard and wing depth. But Polynice feels that no matter what, the 40-year-old will be stuck at four rings. "He ain't getting no fifth ring unless he buys one," Polynice stated. "… It ain't happening." James is still playing at a high level, even if there has been a bit of slippage lately. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds a game while shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from 3-point range this season, and he was named to the All-NBA Second Team. If he returns next season, he will play in his 23rd NBA season, which will set a new record.
