Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers has responded to Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, who says the return of the NBA would negatively affect the Black Lives Matter movement. Rivers says he doesn't see the correlation.
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"Us coming back would put money in all of our (NBA players) pockets," Rivers continued. "With this money, you could help out even more people and continue to give more importantly your time and energy towards the BLM movement. Which I'm 100% on board with. Because change needs to happen and injustice has been going on too long."
"I love Kyrie's passion towards helping this movement," Rivers continued. "It's admirable and inspiring. I'm with it ... but not at the cost of the whole NBA and players' careers. We can do both. We can play and we can help change the way black lives are lived. I think we have [to]! But canceling and boycotting [a] return doesn't do that in my opinion. Guys want to play and provide and help change!!!!"
Reports have surfaced that Irving is against the NBA resuming. He told The Athletic, "“I’m not with the systematic racism and the bullshit. Something smells a little fishy.”
Former NBA player Stephen Jackson has also expressed his disapproval of the league returning in July.
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Austin Rivers Argues Against Kyrie Irving’s NBA Reboot Boycott
Austin Rivers had a plethora of points refuting Kyrie Irving's hypothesis.
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.
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.
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“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.
James Harden Posts Cryptic Tweet After Giannis Antetokounmpo Diss
James Harden hasn't been a big fan of Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent trash talk.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden were in competition for the MVP trophy last season. in the end, Giannis came away with the award, much to the dismay of Harden. Ever since the NBA Awards were handed out, the Greek Freak and Harden have had a bit of a rivalry brewing. Giannis has taken multiple shots at Harden and now, the latter is finally clapping back. During a recent interview with ESPN, Harden had a lot to say about Giannis and his talents.
"I average more assists him than [Walker], I think. I don't see what the joke is," Harden said. "I wish I could be 7-feet, run and just dunk. That takes no skill at all. I gotta actually learn how to play basketball and how to have skill. I'll take that any day."
Following the release of the interview, Harden took to social media to share a cryptic message that many believe is yet another shot at Giannis.
"My house your house," Harden wrote. Clearly, he's trying to say that if you talk trash, you're going to get it thrown right back in your face. Fans are enjoying this recent spat as it's bringing an old school mentality back to the league. For now, the only way this beef could be settled is if the Rockets and Bucks make it to the NBA finals.
Whose side are you on in this beef? Let us know in the comments, below.
James Harden Returns Fire At Giannis Antetokounmpo: Watch
James Harden says it takes "no skill" to be a 7-footer who just runs and dunks following question about Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Houston Rockets superstar James Harden has returned fire at reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in response to criticisms about Harden's style of play.
During an interview with ESPN's Rachel Nichols, Harden was asked about the "ball hog" joke Giannis made when selecting Kemba Walker over Harden for his All Star team, and he responded by saying it takes "no skill" to just run and dunk at 7-feet tall.
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Harden didn't specifically mention the Greek Freak in his response to Nichols' question, but it's clear who he was taking a shot at. Says Harden:
"I average more assists him than [Walker], I think. I don't see what the joke is." He added, "I wish I could be 7-feet, run and just dunk. That takes no skill at all. I gotta actually learn how to play basketball and how to have skill. I'll take that any day."
The two All Stars have been at odds ever since Giannis beat out Harden for the MVP award a season ago and Giannis has been the instigator throughout this season. In addition to his remarks about Harden's tendencies on offense, the Greek Freak also made jokes about The Beard's perceived lack of defensive prowess.
Check out Harden's comments in the video clip embedded below.
Similar to last year, Harden is once again pacing the NBA in scoring, averaging 35.2 points per game to go along with 6.4 rebounds and 7.3 assists (which is more than Kemba's 5 assists per game).
Giannis, meanwhile, has only improved upon his MVP season, posting career-highs in points (29.7) and rebounds (13.7) with 5.8 assists per game to boot. As a result of his stellar play, the Milwaukee Bucks boast an NBA-best 50-8 record.
