Kyrie Irving has been making headlines over the last couple of days thanks to his NBA boycott efforts. Last night, Irving hosted a Zoom call with over 200 players, calling for many to take a stand against the league. With all of the protests going on right now, Irving doesn't think it is appropriate for players to be heading back to the court. Instead, Irving believes their energy should be on trying to create social change. The Brooklyn Nets star sees the return of basketball as a distraction from what is truly important and is hoping players realize that.
Today, Austin Rivers issued a lengthy argument against what Irving is preaching. As you can see in the tweet below, Rivers believes players can play basketball while advocating for social change at the same time. Rivers also notes that not every player makes as much as Kyrie and that not playing could hurt them financially.
From there, Rivers also explained the ramifications a boycott could have on the CBA. If games aren't played, the league won't make its TV revenues which will ultimately lead to a massive reduction in the salary cap. Knowing Kyrie's history, we would be the first to speak up against a reduction in salaries, so Rivers most certainly makes a great point.
As of right now, there is definitely a divide amongst the players and only time will tell whether or not it works itself out.
Russell Westbrook Offers Touching Tribute To Son On His Birthday
Russell Westbrook’s son just turned three years old.
With the NBA season on a hiatus, players around the league have been able to spend a lot more time with their families. During the season, players typically don’t get to be around their children as often, so the extra family time has certainly been appreciated by both the players and their respective loved ones.
Today, Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets let his love shine through as he celebrated the third birthday of his son Noah. Westbrook took to Instagram with a sweet caption about his son and even posted some fond memories of the two together on various family outings. Clearly, Westbrook is excited to be home with his son during this joyous moment.
“Noah, I love you more than life itself and everyday It brings me so much joy to see that beautiful smile and to know you are my son,” Westbrook said. “Thank you God for this unbelievable blessing. HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY MANMAN!!!!!!! Daddy loves you forever and ever and ever and ever.”
As for the return of the NBA season, it is still to be determined as to when that will happen. Some seem confident that the league will return this summer, while others think it could be too soon.
Russell Westbrook Tells Hilarious Michael Jordan Story
Russell Westbrook wasn’t too interested in meeting Michael Jordan back in the day.
For many basketball fans growing up, their dream was to meet Michael Jordan as he is easily the greatest basketball player of all time. Getting an autograph or photo with Michael was like the holy grail of basketball. For many kids who were playing the sport and got to attend his camps, this was especially true.
Back when Russell Westbrook was just 10 years old, he was attending one of MJ’s camps and was gearing up for the final day when MJ was supposed to arrive and sign something for all of the kids. While talking to Jimmy Fallon, Westbrook revealed that his parents gave him a basketball to sign although he completely squandered his opportunity. As he explains, he was playing a game of pickup when his coach came over to tell him it was time to get in line to get his ball signed. Instead of listening, Westbrook decided that he was fine with not getting an autograph and continued to play.
When he got home, his parents asked him if he got his ball signed and all he could do was hang his head in embarrassment. Luckily for Westbrook, he eventually did get to meet MJ and even got his own signature sneaker line with Jordan Brand. Needless to say, things ended up working out for the Houston Rockets superstar.
Austin Rivers Divulges NBA’s Proposal For Return To Action
The NBA is currently on hold due to the Coronavirus but it seems like they have a plan.
Austin Rivers has been sitting at home with absolutely nothing to do, just like every other NBA player out there. It's a sad state of affairs for pretty well everyone as we are currently dealing with this Coronavirus crisis. Many players have been taking to Instagram Live as a way to connect with their fans and Rivers is no different. Yesterday, Rivers went on Live where he had a lot to say about the state of the NBA and what their plans are for when the league comes back.
According to reporter Justin Russo, Rivers noted that the NBA plans to have every team stationed in Las Vegas where they are looking at playing in the Thomas and Mack Center which just so happens to have two courts. The league would let every team have two practices before playing out a short slate of regular-season games.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the plan is that the league would make it so that the first two rounds are only best-of-three instead of seven. This would make everything go a lot quicker while also making the games count for a lot more.
These are certainly wild propositions but we are living in much wilder times, so it makes sense.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Names Hardest Player To Guard In NBA
Giannis Antetokounmpo gave his honest insight into one of the league's best players.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been keeping busy during the NBA shutdown by going on IG live whenever he has the chance. Typically, he entertains questions from fans and tries to give them insight into his life and career. Recently, the Greek Freak was asked about the NBA and who he feels is the hardest player to guard. Giannis offered up a surprising answer as he mentioned his arch-nemesis, James Harden.
For those who don't know, Giannis and Harden have been embroiled in a beef over the last few months. Giannis started it all with some light jabs although Harden has come through with his own clap backs. He even said Giannis' game required very little skill. Despite all of this, it seems like Giannis is admitting some admiration towards Harden.
It's important to mention that Giannis looked like it truly hurt his soul to admit that Harden was such a good player. He even lets out a bit of a grunt at the end which basically lets us know he never wanted to have to admit that Harden is so good. Regardless, the Harden and Giannis rivalry will continue to go on and hopefully it provides us with some gems moving forward.
Unfortunately, it remains to be seen how much longer this lockdown will go on for.
James Harden, Russell Westbrook & The Rockets Small-Ball Experiment
Mike D’Antoni is betting on James Harden and Russell Westbrook to provide a dynamic backcourt that can overcome small size.
Mike D’Antoni was at the helm amid the Phoenix Suns’ notable runs during the 2000s. His “seven seconds or less” offensive strategy is both genius and revolutionary. He led the Suns to four 50-win seasons and flirted with the NBA finals during a few of those campaigns. The league has even continued to move towards his philosophies over the last decade – with teams like Golden State further popularizing “small ball.” But in many eyes, D’Antoni is still a punchline. His teams have been criticized for their lack of defense and execution in the playoffs. The two-time coach of the year has never been shy about rolling the dice and with ownership reportedly beginning to sour on his style, it’s now or never. So it’s no wonder with two of the league’s most dynamic guards at his disposal, D’Antoni is finally going all in. Something he wishes he had done while in Phoenix. In an interview with his former point guard Steve Nash, D’Antoni said, “Every voice said you cannot do that, you cannot win. The reason we didn’t win [is] we didn’t go far enough…We would have been Golden State before Golden State.” The statement is a reflection of his tremendous confidence and stubbornness, which in the end will either be praised or lambasted.
In concurrent seasons, the aforementioned James Harden and Russell Westbrook hoisted the MVP trophy. Each had unbelievable years from a statistical standpoint but like D’Antoni both also failed to reach the NBA Finals. Harden is considered by many to be the most lethal offensive weapon since Kobe Bryant, putting up video-game scoring performances routinely and Russell Westbrook notched a triple-double for three consecutive seasons. Despite their individual successes, the two are maybe unfairly mentioned a tier down from players like LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. Coincidently, their resumes lack only one thing – the same thing their coach’s resume lacks – A title. Mike D’Antoni, James Harden and Russell Westbrook – all three have pantheon credentials without the championship cache to go along with it. For the Rockets, going all in on small-ball may be the last chance for this group to cement their NBA legacies.
Harry How/Getty Images
On February 4th, 2020 the Rockets acquired Timberwolves’ Robert Covington and traded center Clint Capela to the Hawks. This was part of a four-team, 12-player deal. Shipping Capela meant that Houston’s plan would be to start 6’5″ P.J. Tucker at the center. Basically meaning, in a bold move, they would play without one. So what’s the plan? The Rockets are daring teams to outmuscle them down low. D’Antoni is betting it all on his MVP backcourt – surrounding them with 3-point shooters and keeping the ball in their hands a vast majority of the time. Riding the paint of Capela and other bigs means opening up more space for Westbrook to create. Now, with room to operate, Brodie has been on a tear – posting 29 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds on 53 percent shooting in the last 10 games. Another thing small-ball allows the Rockets to do is get more out of Westbrook, therefore making sure Harden is rested come the postseason.
On February 7th, when the Rockets went into the Staples Center, James Harden was out at center court for the opening tip and Houston didn’t have anyone over 6’6″ in their starting lineup. All the shooting threats on the court pulled Lakers’ Anthony Davis away from the basket, allowing Westbrook to go berzerk. The guard finished with 41 points. Even though the Lakers bigs, namely, Anthony Davis took advantage of the Rockets size scoring 32 points and grabbing 13 rebounds – it was late-game 3-point shooting that tilted the scale for Houston. After the win D’Antoni told ESPN“Every time you try something different, these guys have got to believe in it,” D’Antoni said. “And this helps a lot, because if you come in here and get spanked and they’re all little, it’s like,`Oh, maybe we can’t do this.’ So they’re fired up to keep trying. It’s just one game, but the confidence is good.”
Almost a month into the experiment, on March 6th, during a nationally televised game the rims weren’t kind to Houston and the outcome reflected that. The Clippers took full advantage of the Rockets’ smaller lineup and forced them off the arc making it tough for Houston to do anything offensively. Los Angeles made the formula to neutralize small-ball clear. Play elite perimeter defense while still remaining solid down low. Great closeouts and recovery. Being able to challenge the 3-point line without being so cavalier that the defense is compromised on the backend. Houston shot 7-for-42 from 3-point range. If the Rockets small-ball experiment is to work then they must hit shots otherwise they will get pounded on the glass.
Tim Warner/Getty Images
Despite his scoring brilliance, Harden is not without critics. During his 30-point scoring streak, last season Kobe Bryant told ESPN, “I’m not a fan of that [Harden’s style] in terms of winning championships, I don’t think that style is ever going to win championships.” He did add that what Harden’s feat was “remarkable.” Now that Harden has Westbrook maybe they will be able to co-exist when the moment comes and share the stage.
Standing pat, the Rockets may certainly bow out in the first round but small-ball at least gives them a chance to make a run. Simply put, the ceiling is higher playing this risky style. James Harden and Russell Westbrook at their best are as good as any tandem in the NBA or maybe any tandem ever. One thing they don’t lack is confidence in the experiment. Harden told media after their big win over the Lakers, “We’re not smaller — obviously height-wise [we are]. But heart. Each individual got big hearts. We can compete with anybody.”
The bottom line, if Houston is nailing from deep the system is un-guardable and the best-case scenario is a title. If they go cold early in a series it might be another first-round exit and one less chance for D’Antoni, Westbrook, and Harden to capture that elusive career solidifier.
PJ Tucker To Open Up His Own Sneaker Store In Houston: Report
Coming to Houston this Fall.
It appears PJ Tucker is looking to turn his passion for sneakers into his next business venture. On Saturday night, the Houston Rockets forward decided to join an IG Live session with Nate Robinson and announce that he’s planning on opening up his own sneaker store in Houston later this year.
“I’m actually, which I can confirm now, opening my store,” Tucker reportedly said. “We’re looking at grand opening in October. We’ve got a lot of dope collabs coming. We’re going to have some fun with it, and I’m excited about that.”
Pascal Le Segretain/ Getty Images
Tucker is looking to bring new perspective to the city of Houston where he has felt most at home in the NBA. Although the shop’s physical location hasn’t been revealed, a dormant @TheBetterGeneration Instagram account has already been created, hinting at the stores name.
“The shoe culture in Houston is cool,” he said. “There’s a lot of sneakerheads and a lot of people that love shoes here — a lot more than I thought. … I just think there should be more activity.”
Not much else is known about the shop at this time as its still in the early stages, but we’ll keep you posted once more info gets unveiled.
Meek Mill Hangs With Son & James Harden For #NationalSonsDay
Meek Mill celebrated National Sons Day by taking his son Rihmeek to go hang out with Houston Rockets star player James Harden.
Many people across America took to social media to celebrate National Sons Day yesterday (March 4), and Meek Mill followed suit as well by hanging heavy with his son Rihmeek Williams and Houston Rockets star player James Harden.
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
Meek and Harden have been good friends for some time now, seen above together back in 2018 at a Halloween party thrown by LaLa Anthony and Lenny S in New York City. “Papi,” the name Meek affectionately refers to Rihmeek by, seemed to be enjoying his time with pops and Uncle James based off the big smile and peace sign he’s throwing up in a pic they took together. Both fellas are looking pretty sharp too, with Rihmeek donning a clean red puffer jacket by Burberry Kids and Harden, as expected, donning an adidas sweatsuit given his role as a brand ambassador for the Three Stripes. “Papi x Jh vibes,” Meek wrote as a caption to the pic on IG, and followed up with a fitting #nationalsonsday hashtag to bring the moment together. Shoutout to Meek though for this because, well, did any of you even know yesterday was National Sons Day?
Take a look at Meek Mill’s photo of his son with James Harden below, and we hope all the fathers out there enjoyed the occasion.
Charles Barkley Dismisses Rockets As Some "Leprechauns"
Charles Barkley doesn't seem to be a big fan of the small ball rockets.
Charles Barkley has been a harsh critic over the years and as a former player, he certainly has the right to go as hard as he does. Barkley has a wide variety of targets throughout the NBA including the Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets. Barkley has made sure to keep his foot on the neck of James Harden and Russell Westbrook, much to their dismay. Without a real center or big man, Barkley has even more reason to be critical of the Rockets and on Thursday morning, he let his true feelings known.
During a radio hit on ESPN's The Dan LeBetard Show with Stugotz, Barkley was brutally honest about the Rockets and their new era of small ball basketball. As you're going to hear, Barkley had some strong words about all of it.
"I don't think you're going to win with putting a little bunch of leprechauns out there," Barkley said. While Barkley doesn't care for the Rockets size, there is no denying the team is playing well right now. They are fighting for fourth in the Western Conference and have a real shot at doing some damage in the postseason.
If they were to go to the NBA Finals, Barkley would certainly have some explaining to do.
James Harden Gets NSFW While Talking About His Defense
James Harden is talking that talk.
Over the past few seasons, James Harden has cemented himself as one of the best scorers in the league. In some people’s eyes, he has the potential to be one of the greatest scorers of all-time. While that would certainly be a lofty goal, there is no denying that Harden has the potential, as long as he can start posting some more consistently great shooting percentages.
One area of Harden’s game that some feel is lacking, is his defense. In a report from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Harden completely refuted this idea and even challenged some of his opponents to come and try him out on the court. Clearly, Harden isn’t going to allow himself to be punked by anybody.
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
“Come try it and the s**t won’t work,” Harden said. “I’m a competitor. I’m a beast. Whatever teams’ schemes are, we switch everything, and they’ve got to find a way to attack us. It’s not going to be perfect. Some guys are going to score on me. That’s a part of the game, but more times than not, we’re going to get a stop and they’ll shy away from it.”
Harden and the Houston Rockets have yet to make an NBA Finals appearance since his tenure there although they are looking to make it a reality this season. The Rockets are getting hot and have the potential to make a splash in the postseason. If Harden can sure up his defense, there is no denying they have a chance.
