Author: lehang

Caitlin Clark recently delivered a performance that has captured the attention of basketball fans everywhere. Not only did she lead her team to victory against Angel Reese’s squad, but she also made a compelling statement on the court. Scoring 31 points, alongside 12 assists and four rebounds, Clark’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Her dominance in the game has led many to wonder how a rookie could achieve such a feat, and it’s not just her impressive stats that make her stand out. The way she handled the game with unparalleled confidence and skill has set her apart as a top contender for Rookie of the Year.

Clark’s accomplishments are particularly remarkable given that she is still in her first season. She is already making waves by setting new records and leaving a lasting impression on WNBA history. It’s almost unbelievable to see someone so early in their career perform at such an elite level. Her stats are impressive, but it’s her overall impact on the game that truly distinguishes her. The fact that basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal was present to witness her performance underscores the significance of what Clark achieved.

Clark’s game against Reese’s team was a standout moment, demonstrating not just her shooting prowess but also her ability to control the pace and flow of the game. The second quarter, in particular, was a showcase of her shooting skills, as she made three consecutive three-pointers with remarkable ease. This wasn’t just a lucky streak; it was a display of calculated precision and unwavering confidence. Every shot was meticulously executed, revealing the kind of talent that separates the best from the rest.

By the end of the game, Clark had made five out of nine three-pointers. Such accuracy is impressive for any player, but even more so for a rookie. Her shooting ability not only added points but also altered the dynamics of the game. The opposing defenders were forced to focus on her, which opened up space for her teammates, leading to more scoring opportunities. This shift in strategy made her team more dynamic and confident, enhancing their overall performance.

Kelsey Mitchell, one of Clark’s teammates, noted how their teamwork has improved significantly, leading to smoother and more cohesive gameplay. A significant factor in this development is Clark’s ability to create space on the court through her strong three-point shooting. What truly sets Clark apart is her confidence. Unlike many rookies who might be hesitant or unsure of their role, Clark plays with a level of authority that is usually seen in seasoned veterans. Her fearless attitude and reliable shooting are quickly making her a crucial part of the team.

The game also highlighted a stark contrast between Clark and Reese. While Clark excelled with 31 points, Reese struggled to find her rhythm, scoring only 10 points. This 21-point difference between the two rookies showcased Clark’s superior performance on that particular night. However, it wasn’t just about the points. Clark also contributed significantly with 12 assists, consistently setting up her teammates for easy shots and demonstrating her exceptional court vision.

Clark’s influence extended beyond her own scoring. Her ability to control the game’s pace and create opportunities for her teammates led to a commanding 98-74 victory for her team. This game was not just a win; it was a defining moment that solidified her status as a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year.

Despite being a rookie, Clark has shown remarkable maturity and skill. Her composure under pressure, even when pushed by an opponent, reflects a level of leadership that is rare for someone new to the league. Her confidence and leadership have not only made her a standout player but also a driving force behind her team’s success.

Comparing Clark’s performance to that of Reese, it is evident that Clark’s impact is profound. Her energy and skill have transformed her team from a struggling side with a 13-27 record last season to serious playoff contenders. Since Clark’s arrival, the team has become more dynamic and competitive. Her connection with teammate Aliyah Boston has also become a major challenge for opposing teams, making their offense both unpredictable and dangerous.

Clark’s transformation of the Fever is not solely due to her individual talent but also to Coach Christy Sides’ effective adjustments to the team’s style. Sides has allowed Clark the freedom to be creative while ensuring the rest of the team plays to her strengths. This balance has been crucial in maximizing Clark’s impact on the game.

Clark’s rise as a leader, despite her rookie status, is remarkable. Her confidence on the court has inspired her teammates, who now believe in their ability to win every game. Clark’s performance has given the Fever a new identity and made them a team to watch this season. While basketball is a team sport, Clark’s presence has undeniably elevated everyone’s performance.

The progress of the Fever under Clark’s influence is a testament to her extraordinary impact. Coach Sides has emphasized the importance of building strong relationships both on and off the court, and this teamwork is evident in their improved and unpredictable offense.

In conclusion, Caitlin Clark’s performance against Angel Reese has set a new standard for what it means to be a top player in the WNBA. Her impressive stats, combined with her ability to elevate her team, demonstrate why she is not only a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year but also a game-changing player who is shaping the future of women’s basketball. The rivalry between Clark and Reese is just beginning, and every matchup between them promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Clark’s influence on the sport is profound, and she is proving that she is not just a standout rookie but a transformative force in the league. What do you think about Clark’s performance and her impact on the WNBA? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this analysis, be sure to like and subscribe for more updates on women’s basketball. Thanks for watching!

Adriano Panatta believes Novak Djokovic cannot beat again Jannik Sinner following the Italian’s standout performances this season.

Jannik Sinner and Adriano Panatta (via AP/Sportal.iu)

ATP legend Adriano Panatta has revealed that Novak Djokovic cannot beat Jannik Sinner in the future. The last time Djokovic played Sinner was in the semifinals at the Australian Open this year, where the latter won in four sets en route to clinching the title.

Sinner has put in some standout performances this season. He is the only player to have won five titles this year, including a Grand Slam. Before arriving in New York for the US Open, the Italian beat Frances Tiafoe in a straight set to win the Cincinnati Open, his second Masters 1000 title of the year. He is also the only men’s player in ATP to win two Masters 1000 titles this year.

Despite the recent doping saga, Sinner has been focused on his performances at the US Open. He opened his campaign with a four-set win over America Mackenzie McDonald. He continued his brilliant form by beating Alex Michelsen and Christopher O’Connell in straight sets. His first big test was against Tommy Paul and he passed with flying colors, winning 7-6(3), 7-6(5), 6-1.

On the other hand, Djokovic’s best run this season has been his Olympic gold triumph in Paris. The only final he reached on the ATP Tour was at Wimbledon, where he was comprehensively beaten by Carlos Alcaraz. The Serbian most recently crashed out of the US Open in the third round.

Panatta, the first Italian man in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam singles title, belives that the only person capable of beating Sinner currently is Alcaraz. He opined that even Djokovic does not stand a chance against his compatriot.

Sinner seemed to me to be the first Tyson , the best one. He has the mentality of playing and dominating. He says: 'I'll make the match,' he never waits but always pushes. This is the big difference between him and the others, a bit like Alcaraz does when he's in shape. And in fact the Spaniard is the only one who can beat him. I don't think Djokovic could beat him, by now, especially in the best of five sets.

Adriano Panatta said

Panatta: “Sinner like Tyson, not even Djokovic can beat him”
“a bit like Alcaraz does when he’s in form. And in fact the Spaniard is the only one who can beat him. I don’t think Djokovic could beat him, now, especially in the best of five sets.”https://t.co/JyKpPPNKTW

— C Kristjánsdóttir ●🐊 (@CristinaNcl) September 6, 2024

Sinner ended Daniil Medvedev‘s quest for the US Open title in the quarterfinals, beating the Russian 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 to reach the semifinals. He will face British Jack Draper for a place in his second career Grand Slam final.

Jannik Sinner looking forward to a tough match against Jack Draper in the semifinals of the US Open

Jannik Sinner has admitted that he is looking forward to a tough match against Jack Draper in the semifinals of the US Open. The Italian is yet to drop a set in New York and is playing his best tennis of the season.
Jannik Sinner, Jack Draper (Images via X)
Sinner, who knew Draper during his junior days, teamed up with him to play the Canadian Open doubles. They reached the quarterfinals before withdrawing from the doubles competition. Ahead of their meeting at the US Open, Sinner is expecting a tough test from Draper.

It's going to be a tough match. He hasn't lost one set yet. He's playing great. He's serving great. I saw also the match today, he's hitting very, very strong. So it's going to be tough match but I'm looking forward to it and hopefully it's going to be a good match.

Jannik Sinner said (via ATP)

Sinner and Draper have met only once on the ATP Tour, back in 2021 at the Queen’s Club Championships in London. The British star won that contest in straight sets.

Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady had an awkward on-air interview with FOX Sports colleague Joel Klatt today, suggesting he may not be fully prepared for his broadcasting debut tomorrow.

Joel Klatt and Tom Brady (Photo via @sluggahjells Twitter)

Tom Brady will make his long-awaited debut for FOX Sports on Sunday in Cleveland, when the Browns host the Dallas Cowboys in their season opener. Brady is on the network’s top team with Kevin Burkhardt and Erin Andrews.

Klatt interviewed the seven-time Super Bowl Champion and Michigan alumni during the Wolverines’ home game against the Texas Longhorns on Saturday. At the end of the interview, a confused-looking Brady left Klatt hanging by failing to acknowledge his thank you message.

Klatt awkwardly waited for Brady’s response before ending the segment himself:

Not sure if it was nerves or potentially an audio mishap, but that’s not something FOX executives want to see a day before Brady begins his long-awaited debut in the broadcast booth.

Brady and FOX agreed to the massive 10-year deal in May 2022, before he began his final season as a quarterback. Brady retired after the 2022 season and enjoyed a year off before commencing his broadcasting career.

With Tom Brady replacing Greg Olsen as the analyst on the network’s top team, the latter was moved to the second team with Joe Davis. Olsen and Davis will call the Pittsburgh Steelers-Atlanta Falcons game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium tomorrow.

Tom Brady’s Next Chapter Begins Now

Brady walked away as the most decorated player in NFL history, with seven Super Bowl rings, three league MVPs and the proud owner of every major passing category (completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns).

With his playing career long over, Brady now turns towards analyzing the current generation of NFL stars. No player saw more on the field than the Patriots and Buccaneers legend during his 23-year career, so Brady should flourish and be worth every penny at FOX.

Fans on social media have noticed something odd about Caitlin Clark.

Caitlin Clark (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

The Indiana Fever guard is inching closer to that Rookie of the Year award, having gone on a scoring tear to help secure playoff basketball for the Eastern Conference outfit after their worrying start to the season.

Clark, an absolute sharpshooter in college, has hardly missed a step in the pros and is lighting it up from long-range in the WNBA.

It appears she’s doing everything to help herself.

During a recent appearance against the Dallas Wings, Clark was spotted wiping her hands after losing her defender. She hit a three and proceeded to wipe them again as she ran down to the other end of the court.

“Caitlin Clark is constantly wrestling with her defender off the ball, so it’s a great habit to wipe your hands off as you break free to get a clean (non-sweaty) catch,” the @bballbreakdown account noted as the caption to a video of said Clark play.

“She always be wiping her hands on her jersey,” another account observed, showing the same move from a different angle.

Fans Got On Board With Caitlin Clark Pretty Quickly

Fans were all rocking with that Clark quirk after it was pointed out.

“Yeah great spot, I’ve noticed when she’s dribbling the ball up her free hand she just grips her shorts switches hands grips again and you know she is probably gonna shoot, not every time but she does it a helluva lot,” a comment read. “The little things, the 1%, she a smart cookie.”

“maybe everyone else should start doing it,” someone suggested.

“It looks like she knew she was going to be taking that shot and she didn’t want the ball to slip,” another comment read.

It makes sense for one to want their hands dry during a basketball game. Of course, not too dry, as extremely dry hands are not great either.

Clark clearly knows how to find the perfect balance; she has been doing this for a while.

The busy man conquers New York City yet again. Stephen Curry has had a tied-up off-season so far and he doesn’t seem to rest. Starting from the Paris Olympics preparations to conducting his own golfing event, the Bay Area superstar has kept his schedule packed. In that lineup, the 4x NBA Champ recently edged past the legend Michael Jordan with a prestigious honor in Times Square. Importantly, Steph didn’t let honor slide away without taking a light-hearted dig at MJ.

Yesterday, Stephen Curry visited Nasdaq and had the honor of ringing the opening bell alongside his Underrated golf players. The Nasdaq is one of the biggest stock markets in the world, and it’s nothing short of an honor to even get an invitation to enter the building. The Golden State Warriors superstar went up a notch and had the privilege to the ring opening bell. Nasdaq provides the opportunity to showcase one’s company and celebrate the achievement by ringing the bell. Importantly, the event will be live-streamed on Times Square.

Stephen Curry & Co. alongside the CEO of KPMG Paul Knopp and Mariah Stackhouse, LPGA Tour Professional, came together to do the esteemed business. Following the event, the NBA superstar took to his X handle and shared a short video with snippets of the events. This is where he took a dig at the Chicago Bulls legend.

Unreal moment @Nasdaq yesterday ringing the bell with the @UnderratedGolf players. NYC has been a vibe. 🔔 pic.twitter.com/66IsOMdqtr

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) September 7,

Moreover, Stephen Curry is the only NBA player after Michael Jordan to ring the bell at Nasdaq. Addressing it, Steph sarcastically said, “I just found out I’m only the second NBA player to ring the opening bell. The other one was some random guy. I don’t know him. Michael Jordan,” on the video.

Three years ago, Michael Jordan represented Sportradar, one of his investments, alongside Todd Boehly entered the building to ring the bell.

Stephen Curry and his march toward New York

Apart from his exploits at the Madison Square Garden, taking on the New York Knicks, Steph has fresh business at the Big Apple. Every NBA fan is aware of the superstar’s admiration for golf. The 4x NBA Champ not only plays it but also makes it accessible for the younger generation.

The Underrated Gold Tour initiative brings together young golfers from various parts of the country. This season, the program even went global after conducting a round in the UK. Moreover, the top 24 boys and girls from the tour will get to play in the Curry Cup. While the Curry Cup took place in San Francisco for the last two years, the superstar decided to take it to New York City this year.

Speaking of it, Steph said, “Having the Curry Cup here on the East Coast, a brand new market for us. Obviously, a lot of great energy around the tour. A lot of great talent. We have a lot of great support from our partners, who believe in our vision and our leadership. Being in a space service these kids at a very high level.”

While Stephen Curry has already planted his flag in NYC, will the Warriors do the same in the upcoming season? Let us know in the comments.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.

Jack Draper was pushed to his limits during his US Open defeat.

Jack Draper was consoled by his coach and physiotherapist after losing a gruelling semi-final to Jannik Sinner. The world No. 1 came through 7-5 7-6(3) 6-2 to reach the US Open final.

It was a massive physical test that saw both men struggle in the second set.

Jack Draper shared a moment with his team after his semi-final loss (Image: Sky Sports)

Draper threw up on the court moments before Sinner fell on his wrist and winced in pain. They were then seen by the doctor and physio respectively.
Draper’s first Grand Slam semi-final was an eventful one. The British No. 1 managed to stay with the top seed for more than two hours before falling away in the third. Mid-way through a dramatic, 87-minute second set, he vomited on court and cleaned it up himself.

But he left with nothing to show for his efforts in the score as Sinner came through in straight sets. Draper received a standing ovation as he departed Arthur Ashe Stadium, with his opponent also applauding him. But everything appeared to hit him as he had a moment to reflect in the locker room.

Behind the scenes, cameras showed the 22-year-old lying on a mat while his coach, James Trotman, and his physio, Will Herbert surrounded him. When Draper sat up, ‘Trots’ bent down to console him.

Jack Draper hopped on an exercise bike to cool down after the gruelling battle (Image: Sky Sports)

While watching the private moment, Tim Henman told Sky Sports: “Yeah it’s physical exhaustion and as we’ve all been saying, Jack gave it everything and Sinner just played the better tennis.

“If we’re going to discuss the sort of detail of the match, it was really about Sinner playing better tennis at the most important times. There was a few ebbs and flows in the first set – Jack lost his serve, Sinner then sort of dumped his serve, making four unforced errors.

“But at the end of the first set, end of the second set, it’s a lot of drama, obviously a lot of going on, but that was when when Sinner really showed his class with his ball-striking on both wings, making the rallies physical. And it was too much for Jack but Jack will learn so much about this and to be in a Grand Slam semi-final for the first time is a huge stepping stone.”

Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner shared a warm embrace at the net (Image: Getty)

Draper then moved onto an exercise bike to cool down while his coaching team went on their phones. And Sinner’s girlfriend – WTA No. 15 Anna Kalinskaya – popped in for a chat while waiting for her partner to join them in the gym.

The world No. 1 had paid tribute to the top-ranked Brit after Draper left the court. Addressing the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, he said: “First of all, me and Jack, we know each other very well. We are good friends off the court. It was a very physical match as we see. I just tried to stay there mentally.

“He is so tough to beat. It’s a very special occasion, thanks everyone to come out. The support has been amazing and just happy to be in the final here.”

When Sheryl Swoopes repeatedly criticized or ignored Caitlin Clark, she was tagged as a hater. And the two analysts who were at the forefront were Stephen A. Smith and Nancy Lieberman. While Smith and Lieberman kept on singing praises for Clark, Swoopes was at the receiving end of their fury. The Hall of Famer on receiving so much criticism didn’t back away and instead took to X to reveal her side of the story. She went as far ahead as posting Smith’s number online and expressing that the latter was calling to threaten her. And now after the drama has come to a standstill, the 4x WNBA Champion praised Clark to prove that she isn’t a hater.

“Instead, he brought Nancy Lieberman on the show. And the one thing that I’ll say about that conversation is and you and I had this conversation she lied, she flat out lied coz she never called me. Long story short what she did was went to twitter which is what everybody does. And posted something basically saying ‘my dear friend’ let me also say this you’re not my dear friend,” Swoopes revealed.

The altercation started when Lieberman probably exposed Swoopes on the Stephen A. Smith show. As per Lieberman, after Swoopes had been critical of Clark’s all-time NCAA scoring record earlier this year, she had called the broadcaster and asked her to get her facts right. As per Lieberman, “You do have to get the statistics right—II mean, facts matter.” She went as far as enunciating on the show, “My life’s going to be good or great with or without Sheryl Swoopes in my life—I’d rather have her in it.” This enraged Swoopes, who took to X to share her side of the story.

Plus Lieberman also took to X, to share Clark’s NCAA stats in February asking Swoopes “My dear friend @sherylswoopes22 why can’t they shine as you did in your rookie year in the @WNBA @CaitlinClark22 @IowaWBB @angelreese @LSUwbkb Special is Special go do your thing ladies!” This has apparently hurt Swoopes who clarified that Lieberman isn’t a ‘dear friend.’

“Why can’t Caitlin shine? like the rest of us do, like you do, like I do. I think she’s gonna be great. Let me introduce you to Caitlin Clark. So she goes on to put her stats which cool. Great. But you didn’t call me. I saw all that and I messaged you and I said ‘Nancy like wassup? If you got something to say call me.’ She didn’t call me it was via text exchange. Long story short she said well we’re gonna agree to disagree. And I said and that’s perfectly fine. That’s your opinion. You have yours I have mine. But I am not entitled to have mine. But anyway,” Swoopes stated via The Queens of the Court podcast.

USA Today via Reuters

As per Swoopes, she had understood what Lieberman and Smith were doing. She blamed Lieberman for spreading lies since, as per her, the 66-year-old hadn’t called Swoopes. Instead, she was trying to target her. “And ditto…my life is good without you too (and him). You wanna go there?” Swoopes gave a thunderous reply. And with her admission on Friday now, Swoopes has divulged that instead of a call, she had received text messages that concluded with both parties agreeing to respect the opinions of the other side.

It looks like the respect was amiss in the conversation. To probably share her point of view, Swoopes has backed the Fever rookie Caitlin Clark now. She previously even went ahead to reveal the texts she exchanged with Clark after calling her out, most probably in an attempt to justify that she isn’t a hater.

Sheryl Swoopes reveals apology texts exchanged with Caitlin Clark

When Clark had broken Kelsey Plum’s record of all-time leading women’s NCAA D1 scorer, Swoopes had mistakenly opined that Clark had done it in 5 years, including the extra year of COVID eligibility, while Plum did in 4. Clark had taken only four years for her feat, and hence it earned Swoopes a lot of backlash. Following that, Swoopes is said to have apologized to Clark. When Lieberman and Smith targeted her, the 53-year-old revealed the conversation she had with Clark in February.

As per the texts, Swoopes apologized to Clark for making a mistake, which the latter accepted with open arms. “I have nothing but respect for you and your game,” Swoopes expressed in the text message. Meanwhile, Clark also thanked Swoopes for being a legend and moving the game forward apart from inspiring girls. The conversation concluded with sweet words from Swoopes for Clark.

And now, with the recent backing, Swoopes has once again made it clear that she is in no way meaning to harm Clark. Instead, she respects the Fever rookie for her records and expects a certain kind of acceptance from her fans and the analysts for her opinions.

Despite guiding the men’s basketball team to a fifth straight gold medal at the Olympics, coach Steve Kerr came under fire for his treatment of Jayson Tatum. From a Celtics legend to rapper Vinne Staples to Tatum’s mother, all chimed in on the NBA Champion’s reduced play time in Paris. The decision was baffling because of how effective he had been in Boston’s run to the championship only a month before the Games.

Even though the Paris Olympics are long over, the Tatum Snub is still a lingering topic of discussion. The small forward only featured for a total of 71 minutes in Paris, the second-fewest number in the team. While Kerr did rotate his team at various stages, Tatum usually missed out. Though Tatum himself was graceful for the most part about the situation, many in the NBA community weren’t happy. Former Celtics guard Evan Turner was the latest to hit out Kerr.

Evan Turner didn’t mince words on the Club 520 podcast, on Thursday, letting his frustration out in the open. “I felt like he was targeted, bro. There’s something deeper going on. I felt like it was something deeper than just rotations,” Turner said, hinting at some possible bias or hidden agenda behind Tatum’s limited playing time. “How you gonna tell me I can’t hoop and then give me 11 minutes?” Turner like many others was baffled by what he sees as disrespect to a player of Tatum’s caliber.

Turner didn’t stop there though, going so far as to suggest that Kerr’s future with Team USA was shaky even before the gold was secured. “Steve uh… he quit before they fired him. They said it was his last Olympics,” Turner said. Back in November last year, Kerr had told Athletic that he wouldn’t return as Team USA’s coach beyond the Olympics. And despite securing a gold medal, it looks like he will be stepping down from his role according to multiple reports.

In Paris, when Kerr faced questions over his exclusion of Tatum, the Warriors HC said the decision was based on what was in front of him. “It’s not what I’m not seeing from Jayson. It’s what I’ve seen from the other guys,” he said. Kerr further described it as “just a math problem more than anything.”

Accommodating Tatum in the lineup would have been a difficult task for any coach, given the star-studded names, who had performed well during the NBA season. But Tatum’s own performances merited at least more than the 71 minutes he got to play in the USA’s run to Olympic gold. His playing time didn’t even cross the Top 50 mark when compared to all the players who participated in the tournament.

Tatum averaged 26.9 points, seventh highest in the league while averaging  8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists as the Celtics ended their 16-season championship drought. On the other hand, in Paris, he could only muster an average of 5.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. When asked about the situation after the Olympics, Tatum told the Boston Globe, “You feel like you deserve to play and the competitor in you wants to play. And (Steve Kerr) is the coach for a reason. He makes those decisions.” Yet when rapper Vince Staples tweeted, “WE WILL AVENGE JAYSON TATUM” on August 11, Tatum shared the tweet on his Instagram, suggesting he wasn’t happy about how things went down.

Tatum was benched for two of the USA’s six games and didn’t start the team’s campaign opener against Serbia. He also missed out on the semifinal against the same opponent. Overall the player only averaged 17.7 minutes. This didn’t sit well with Celtics legend Bob Cousy, who told the Boston Globe that Tatum being benched was more than “just a snub.” He added, “This is an embarrassment for that poor kid all over the [expletive] world. The Olympics have gotten that big. Everyone’s going to think that there’s something wrong this this kid.”

Former college head coach and basketball sportscaster, Dick Vitale wasn’t happy either with how Tatum, a four-time All-NBA selection was treated. He tweeted, “Someone pls let me know is @jaytatum0 injured as he hasn’t received the PT ( playing time ) u would expect an All NBAplayer to get.” Tatum’s mother Brandy Cole, responded to the tweet and wrote, “No he not. But if you find out what’s going on please let me know – unacceptable and makes NO SENSE.”

The Celtics star’s experience in Paris did leave a bitter taste in his mouth about international basketball, but he left the door open for a return to the team at LA 2028.

Meanwhile, it’s not just Kerr feeling the heat. “Grant Hill on his way out, too,” one of the hosts added, pointing out that the managing director of the USA men’s basketball team isn’t out of the woods as well. Both men have been criticized for their decisions throughout the tournament, and while it’s easy to sit back and judge, the pressure on them was enormous. Running a team packed with such star power and talent was never going to be easy and as human as they are, Kerr and Hill are caught in the crossfire.

While Tatum’s snub caught many by surprise, the decision not to include his teammate and NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, Damien Lillard, and Kyrie Irving in the Olympics squad at all, was also surprising.

“He’s outta pocket,” DJ Wells said about Grant Hill

 

Even though Grant Hill helped Team USA snag the gold, he’s catching heat for some of his choices with the squad in the Paris Olympics 2024. Evan Turner called out a major issue: the decision to include Tyrese Haliburton while leaving out Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard of the Bucks.

“Yeah, the fact like for instance they did not have like Dame on team USA, shoutout to Haliburton but like they did not have Kyrie, come on my G like two little cold dudes,” Turner said. This criticism highlights how puzzling it was to leave out two top-tier players despite their undeniable skills.

DJ Wells also chimed in, saying, “Hey when he[Grant Hill] said we might consider Jaylen Brown for 2028, I said oh, he is outta pocket,”. Given Jaylen Brown’s stellar season as an NBA champ and Finals MVP, his exclusion raised questions. With a place on the LA2028 team on offer, it will be interesting to see if Brown joins his Celtics teammate Tatum at the Games in four years time.

So, it seems the Steve Kerr-Jayson Tatum saga has refused to die down despite the Paris Olympics in the rearview and a gold medal secured. The person slated to succeed Kerr as the next USA men’s basketball HC will have a lot to do in order to keep everyone happy.

Imagine holding a rare NBA feat and still being referred to as the WOAT. It’s nothing but a title given to the worst player ever to take the hardwood in the league. It could be anyone, but it definitely can’t be Rudy Gobert. The 7 ‘1 Frenchman, who had a tough last few months, received another brutal troll from his off-court rival, Shaquille O’Neal. While media veterans chimed in to offer a solution to the big man to save himself from disruptors, history suggests otherwise.

Almost every NBA devotee knows the frequent crossfire between Shaq and Gobert for a long time. Following the 2024 postseason criticisms, the LA Lakers legend carried it to the Paris Olympics. Reacting to one of Gobert’s misjudgments near the rim, the Big Aristotle shared an image of the French man morphed as a ‘Walmart cashier’ to troll him.

While the meme made rounds on the internet for a few days, Shaq has come up with another troll. In a recent video released by Complex alongside his son, Myles O’Neal, the big man made a controversial opinion. Responding to his son’s query, the legend named him the WOAT. 

Rudy Gobert, who remained tightlipped for the most part, decided to hit back with a strong descent via X handle. He criticized Shaq for trolling to “stay relevant”. In the wake of the brewing controversy, media veteran Zach Lowe offered a one-stop solution to end the trolling. Speaking on the latest episode of ESPN’s NBA Today, Lowe said, “At this point, I think,  it’s going to take winning a Championship.” He also added, “He’s a very good player. The hate is sort of strange to me. Rudy must be used to it by now because it seems to be pretty universal around the NBA.” 

While an NBA ring is something that is missing in Gobert’s cabinet, will winning it end the trauma? Especially for a man who has already accomplished big with 4 DPOY awards. Let’s find out.

Will a championship ring silence Shaq from trolling Rudy Gobert?

Before heading into the ring’s affair, there is something that is often overlooked. In his 11-season-long NBA career, Rudy Gobert has won 4x DPOY awards, which is of course a rare feat. So far in the history of the league, only three players have won it four times: Ben Wallace, Dikembe Mutombo, and Gobert. Moreover, on a statistical lens, the Frenchman achieved the feat with better figures. Nevertheless, the point here is that despite holding an NBA record for his backcourt prowess, it didn’t stop the trollers from hating on the big man.

Especially, Shaquille O’Neal, who has already secured his legacy as one of the most dominant big men, never failed to trash centers. It didn’t start with Gobert, but Shaq has shown his tricks to Al Horford, JaVale McGee, and Dwight Howard. Notably, Howard stands at the second spot with 3x DPOY awards and a championship ring. So, it’s evident that winning a ring certainly won’t stop the disruptors from trolling the star.

If it was only about the accomplishments, Shaq and the other trollers could’ve stopped attacking the moment Gobert won his first DPOY. At the same time, if one award isn’t enough, they could’ve stopped after the second and third time. However, it never was the case even after winning the fourth award. Even if the big man goes on to win the championship ring in the upcoming season, the troll gang might come up with reasons to disregard it.

A few days back, Shaq still kept his receipts for Howard. The big man took to his IG stories and shared a video of Howard losing the ball in a pickup game. Interestingly, 8x All-Star 3x DPOY, and a ring didn’t stop him from trolling even after he joined CBA. It’s just an instance proving that Gobert’s championship won’t make a difference.

Tough days ahead of Rudy Gobert

As we discuss the championship, the Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t far from the conversation. The sudden rise of Anthony Edwards has paid dividends for the side, as he led the team to a deeper postseason run after 20 years. In the last season, the team fell short in the Conference Finals. And, heading into the 2024-25 season, Ant-Man & Co. still has the potential to come on top as the favorites.

However, this would mean only one thing. If at all, the Wolves manage to win the ring in the upcoming season, the critics will plunge forward to take Rudy Gobert off the conversation. The credits for the victory will undoubtedly go to the Michael Jordan-look alike or Karl-Anthony Towns or maybe even to the Sixth Man of the Year winner, Naz Reid, but not Gobert.

So Zach Lowe’s idea to stop the constant troll aimed at Gobert has flunked at face value. What do you think will save the French man from the adversity? Let us know in the comments.

You can hate or love Caitlin Clark, but you certainly cannot deny her presence and impact. We all know that the Fever rookie has been at the receiving end of heavy mixed reactions from the media and fans of the sport. But we also have to agree that the kind of surge in the popularity of WNBA has been, to an extent, thanks to Clark. As such, it was only natural that the 22-year-old often gets compared to LeBron James. However, a recent comparison of their rookie impact by a certain ex-Warriors star is definitely going to cause havoc.

Gilbert Arenas put himself smack in the spotlight with quite the controversial take. Then again, the man is no stranger to those! This time, ‘Agent Zero’ was sharing his opinion on just how impactful rookie Clark has been (and continues to be) over a rookie Bron.

“When you talk about just her as a unit, we have to say yes. Here’s why,” Arenas said by way of a preamble. “When you think about anybody else, LeBron and all of them, we’re coming to see him, but he didn’t turn no crowds. Everyone came; remember, she’s most hated too.”

Both James and Clark came into their respective leagues with insane hype and expectations. As such, a surge in viewership and attendance is guaranteed. However, taking into account the context – the WNBA is still on its way to popularity while the NBA was already a globally acknowledged league – it can be argued that CC’s impact could very well be greater.

More to the point of Gil, Cleveland saw a major rise in their home game attendance from the previous season. In fact, the Cavs averaged around 11,497 fans per game in the 2002-03 season. But with LeBron’s arrival in 2003, the games drew close to 18,287 fans per home game in his rookie season. There’s no doubt that arenas during away games also capitalized on the excitement surrounding LeBron James, seeing an increase in their attendance, as well.

And Caitlin? The change was stunningly insane! According to an August report by Sportico, Indiana saw the craziest spike ever. Their average regular season home attendance in 2003 was 4000 and in 2024, the number stands at a mind-blowing 16,797. As for Indiana’s regular and away games in 2024, it was reported that a total of 536,262 (34 games) visitors attended.

Numbers certainly don’t lie. And considering the circumstances of both the leagues, we supposed it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Caitlin Clark might indeed have an upper hand over LeBron James in their rookie seasons. Then again, as Gil pointed out, we might not really understand the true impact because they “didn’t have social media and no one pumped it up.” 

On a different note, though, another aspect that Arenas pointed out is the crazy media hate for the WNBA All-Star.

Similar to LeBron James, Caitlin Clark was a target of media criticism, but an Angel Reese interruption turned the narrative in her favor

So how did she end up receiving so much hate? According to Gil, it all started even before she entered the WNBA. Don’t let the sweet, smiling face fool you into mistaking that CC is just the girl next door. Oh no! She could very well be the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’ of the WNBA. And this, the Iowa alum’s confidence and bold on-court demeanor, effectively put a target on her back.

USA Today via Reuters

“We’re talking about a girl who is torturing everybody. She just tortured South Carolina by herself. She was hated! She wasn’t loved like that,” Arenas explained. He further pointed out that LSU’s Angel Reese’s entry turned things around. “What happened is, Reese came in and she did this [you-can’t-see-me] to the person who did it to everybody.”

Clark, who was hated up to that point, suddenly turned into a victim. “She became the nice, white girl that come in there and shoot shots.” Of course, both the athletes downplayed the controversy, with Reese making her stand and Clark opining that she had no qualms about the gesture. And that trash talk was simply part of the game.

Unsurprisingly, the former 3x All-Star had an explanation for that, too. “They both piggyback each other … what that collision did was it gave Caitlin Clark a chance to basically rephase herself. She was like a Dillon Brooks type that just scored on everybody. And once she got hit with her own medicine, you never seen her do this [you-can’t-see-me] again. She became the Steph Curry.”

Needless to say, the overnight change naturally invited even more criticism her way. But the fact of the matter is there’s no pleasing everyone, especially in a competitive field like this.

Well, what do you think? Do you agree with Gil that Clark does have an upper hand over LeBron in their respective rookie seasons? And what is your take on the media criticism surrounding these leading ladies? Let us know in the comments.