In a stunning and unexpected endorsement, basketball legend Michael Jordan has caused a social media uproar by praising collegiate basketball star Caitlin Clark. Jordan, often regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, hailed Clark as a rare talent with the most diverse skills in the game today. His high praise included a bold statement that Clark is better than all the players on the U.S. Olympic team roster for the 2024 Olympics.

 

 

Jordan’s High Praise

Michael Jordan’s comments came during an interview where he was asked about the current landscape of basketball talent. Jordan singled out Caitlin Clark, emphasizing her exceptional skills, versatility, and game-changing abilities. “Caitlin Clark is a rare type of player. Her skill set is unmatched, and she brings something unique to the court every time she plays,” Jordan said. “In my opinion, she’s better than all the players on the current U.S. Olympic team roster for 2024.”

Social Media Reaction

The reaction on social media was immediate and intense. Fans, athletes, and sports analysts took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to express their shock, admiration, and curiosity. Many praised Jordan for recognizing Clark’s talent, while others debated his comparison to the elite athletes on the U.S. Olympic team.

Caitlin Clark’s Response

Caitlin Clark responded to Jordan’s praise with humility and gratitude. In a tweet, she wrote, “Honored and humbled by Michael Jordan’s words. I’ll continue to work hard and strive to be the best player I can be.” Clark’s response further endeared her to fans and added to the excitement surrounding her burgeoning career.

Impact on the U.S. Olympic Team

Jordan’s comments have also stirred discussions about the U.S. Olympic team roster for the 2024 games. While the team is composed of some of the best talents in the world, Jordan’s endorsement of Clark has led to renewed interest in how collegiate players compare to professional athletes. Some fans are even calling for Clark to be considered for the Olympic team, despite her current collegiate status.

The Bigger Picture

Michael Jordan’s endorsement of Caitlin Clark highlights the impact of influential voices in sports. When a figure of Jordan’s stature speaks, the sports world listens. His praise for Clark not only elevates her profile but also brings attention to the exceptional talent present in collegiate sports today. This could have lasting implications for how young athletes are scouted and developed.

Conclusion

Michael Jordan’s praise of Caitlin Clark as a rare talent with the most diverse skills in today’s game has ignited a social media frenzy and sparked widespread discussion. As fans and analysts continue to debate his bold comparison to the U.S. Olympic team, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark’s star is on the rise, and her future in basketball looks incredibly bright.

Stay tuned for more updates on Caitlin Clark’s career and the ongoing developments in the world of basketball.

Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Shaq Over JJ Redick Comments

Stephen A. Smith has never been shy about expressing his opinion.

Last week, Shaquille O’Neal made headlines when he seemed to suggest that it would be difficult for modern-day NBA players to respect someone as young as new Los Angeles Lakers head coach, J.J. Redick.

“He has LeBron’s respect, but what about the other players? That’s going to be his true test,” Shaq said.

“Personally, I don’t think I would be able to play for someone I faced on the court four or five years ago. And if I didn’t respect my coach, it was hard for me to maintain my 100%.

“I don’t want to disrespect JJ, but I think it’s crazy that someone with no experience has beaten another candidate like Sam Cassell, who has been on the bench for 15 years in the league.”

The fact that Redick also went and got himself immediately embroiled in an off-the-court scandal probably didn’t increase his credibility among his doubters either.

Smith heard those comments and decided to address them this week.

“Stop lying,” Smith said.

“Cuz they would be paying you, and you know that check was in the mail, you’d play. Stop that big boy, you know I know better than that.”

Smith didn’t stop there, though.

“JJ Redick is one of the great, great players who ever played in college basketball,” Smith continued.

“He’s also a 15-year NBA veteran. And although I lament how he got the Lakers job because that’s clearly something LeBron James manipulated to his liking, if you know anything about JJ Redick, this brother knows basketball. He knows basketball.

“And so it’s going to be real interesting to see how he affects the players in terms of his coaching prowess, but I know one thing — players ain’t going to question his knowledge. Me personally, I’m rooting for him, I believe in him, and I believe he’ll be successful.”

Whether or not Redick will in fact be successful remains to be seen, but clearly Smith has a lot more faith in his chances than Shaq does.

Novak Djokovic is hardly pleased with his early exit in the third round of the US Open, but will now get to spend more quality time with his wife, Jelena.

Novak Djokovic admitted his wife struggles sometimes due to his career (Image: Getty)

Novak Djokovic’s lifelong supporter and wife, Jelena, has been a constant presence since their high school beginnings. She remains her husband’s sturdy pillar on the heels of his early exit from the US Open, despite admitting the stresses of being his partner.

On Friday, Djokovic was ousted in the third round by Alexei Popyrin, who defeated the No. 2 seed in four sets (6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4). The pair of tennis stars previously faced off earlier this year in the second round of the Australian Open and third round of Wimbledon, both of which Djokovic won.

Addressing his shocking defeat, Djokovic conceded that he was physically drained from competing at the Paris Olympics several weeks prior to the US Open. He took home a gold medal in the men’s singles, describing the feat as the one of the greatest achievements of his decorated career.

“I spent a lot of energy winning the gold, and I did arrive to New York just not feeling fresh mentally and physically,” Djokovic told reporters.

Though Djokovic will surely not be pleased with his disappointing performance at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Serbian will now be able to spend quality time with Jelena, who frequents the stands during his matches even if she doesn’t always enjoy the experience.

Jelena has been with Novak since the start (Image: Getty)

Jelena additionally supports her husband off the tennis court, such as when she donned a T-shirt proclaiming “I run with my wolf” amidst Djokovic’s high-profile Covid-19 vaccine controversy. The “wolf” reference perplexed many on social media until Djokovic offered clarity at Wimbledon last year.

Djokovic nostalgically recalled the time he saw wolves as a child, stating: “I’ve seen some wolves when I was a kid roaming the forests of the mountain where I grew up. That encounter left me frightened [but] even more connected with wolves. There is a connection, I personally feel it.”

He affectionately referred to himself as Jelena’s wolf, hinting at the complexities of their life together. “She runs with the wolf,” said Djokovic, admitting: “It can be very stressful to run with the wolf.

Michael Jordan’s Current Feelings On Scottie Pippen

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen once formed the most formidable duo in NBA history.

While nobody ever confused them for being best friends, they seemed cordial enough in their work relationship.

When Jordan released the ‘Last Dance’ documentary a few years ago, his relationship with Pippen rapidly deteriorated. The latter was extremely upset about his portrayal and made no attempts to hide it.

In the years since, the pair has gone viral for everything ranging from Pippen bashing Jordan to Pippen being scared to run into Jordan at events to Dennis Rodman weighing in on their beef.

This week, Jordan and Pippen’s former teammate Toni Kukoc revealed how Jordan currently feels about Pippen.

“Three years ago he worked with the Bulls, he came at a few games,” Kukoc said.

“I don’t want to go deep into what happened, media work in that way. I didn’t see him for a long time. I’m sorry because of the problems in the relationship between him and Michael. With Michael, I’m talking about, he still loves [Pippen], respects him and always mentions him as someone without whom he would never have any huge success, like he did it.”

Kukoc didn’t stop there, though.

“It is sad, it is tough for me to see [Pippen] in this condition,” Kukoc continued. “He changes his opinion from time to time about Michael, LeBron, and about other people. He called Phil Jackson a racist because he gave me to shot a clutch shot it’s not something… I don’t know… That is not a Scottie from our team when we played. He didn’t have any problem to pass the ball.

“I always say Michael Jordan is the best, and Michael is the greatest of all time but if you play good and know how to play basketball, then Scottie is the best teammate that you can ever have.”

Clearly Pippen still has a lot of ill-will towards Jordan, but the hate doesn’t appear to be mutual.

Ex-Bulls Players Supported Scottie Pippen Again Michael Jordan

It is worth noting that, while Kukoc clearly supports Jordan, other Bulls players took Pippen’s side.

It is no secret that at least a few guys felt like Jordan was out of line in the way he treated his teammates and others around him.

Pippen wasn’t alone in that. He just lacks the sway to shift public sentiment.

Will Jordan and Pippen ever be able to get on the same page? Time will tell.

How many of you believe that 2024-25 is going to be the season that Damian Lillard will dominate? With the shocker of a trade from his home of 12 years to divorce from his wife, Kay’La Lillard, the Bucks superstar went through drastic changes in the span of a few months. And that negatively affected his performance. Lillard admitted that September was the first time he touched a basketball. Even with such instances, Marc J. Spears believes that the upcoming season is going to be ‘Dame Time’ in Milwaukee.

Spears has more than enough reason to make such a claim. Heard of David Goggins? The retired United States Navy SEAL? Of course, you have. The man is world-famous for his insanely rigorous workouts and endurance training! And who was his latest student? None other than Damian Lillard.

Spears, for his credit, had quite the descriptive take to it. “He’s going to be on a vengeance tour,” the senior NBA writer for Andscape foretold in his appearance on the Hear District Podcast. Then, referring to Dame’s training with Goggins, he said, “You don’t work out with that dude unless you trying to be a superhero!”

“You got to be trying to be a Green Beret, you know, super active, going-to-the-Middle-East-to-save-people kind of dude to train with that guy.” We definitely don’t disagree with the Hall of Fame journalist there!

In a video shared by the now-motivational speaker, Goggins detailed the 38-hour-long workout that even included the 8x All-Star’s own basketball drills. Lillard was clearly not playing around.

Damian Lillard plans to leave no stone unturned in his comeback

“I’ve said a lot of things in my life, and I felt like I was going to go against everything I ever said about myself,” Lillard said after his one-on-one with David Goggins. On the surface, it might sound like a simple statement. But everyone who has followed his tumultuous past year would agree that it goes much deeper.

Dame has been candid about his struggles, as we mentioned above. Despite finishing third in the East, the Bucks could certainly have performed better had Lillard been in way better shape. However, mental health is a big part of staying focused and determined. And the mental fortitude was what he lacked during the big change.

Marques Johnson pointed out that fact when he said that Goggins was just the right person for that side of the job, too. “His philosophical stuff is just really good, which I think will benefit Dame just as much as all the physical stuff they’re doing.” 

The 34-year-old has promised to come back better for the 2024-25 season. And if the workout session with Goggins is any indication, then we can certainly look forward to a lethal Damian Lillard. After all, he still has to get that championship.

 Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.

Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz paid homage to compatriot and all-time tennis icon Rafael Nadal with his fashion choice while competing at the U.S. Open.

Carlos Alcaraz opened up on hero Rafael Nadal being the inspiration behind his look (Image: Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz admitted that he wore sleeveless shirts in homage to hero Rafael Nadal at the U.S. Open last year. The Spanish superstar’s admiration for his compatriot was clear through his fashion choice as he channelled the 22-time Grand Slam winner at Flushing Meadows.

The 21-year-old was unable to defend the crown he earned 12 months before in New York as he fell to defeat against Daniil Medvedev in four sets in the semifinals. His loss against the 2021 champion came after he had failed to drop a single set en route to the last four of the competition.

He first wore a Nadal-inspired sleeveless number in the first round of the tournament as he defeated Germany’s Dominik Koepfer. The elastic white sleeveless top was complete with a dazzling colorful design as he demonstrated his respect for the tennis icon with a modern-day twist.

Describing the choice of shirt for the tournament, Alcaraz discussed his penchant for sleeveless jerseys as he recalled prior successes for Nadal at the U.S. Open. He said: “Honestly, when I wear the sleeves, I was thinking about Rafa when he wear that. He won that U.S. Open, right?

“I love to wear that sometimes in some specific tournaments. Here in the U.S. Open, I supposed to play last year, but it wasn’t. This year it’s a good, good outfit, so I love it.”

 

Carlos Alcaraz paid homage to his compatriot Rafael Nadal at the U.S. Open (Image: Getty)

Speaking later in the year, he spoke of his admiration for his compariot, saying: “To be in the same table as the legend Rafa. Rafa was my hero, when I was young and started playing tennis. To watch his matches and his finals, lifting the best trophies in the world.”

After seeing a clip of the interview in question, Nadal issued some kind words to his countryman as he wished him fortune for his upcoming commitments on the ATP tour. He said: “Big hug and good luck in Turin!”

Fast forward to 2024, Alcaraz struggled to live up to expectations as he attempted to add to his single U.S. Open title achieved two years prior. In a major upset, world No. 74 Botic van de Zandschulp defeated the Spanish superstar 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 to dump him out at the second round of the tournament.

Reflecting on his shock exit, Nadal rushed to the defense of his peer, saying: “I don’t think Carlos is mentally not strong, what he is is a little bit tired and saturated by everything he has achieved this summer. Winning Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the silver in Paris.”

“There is a certain moment when the mind also needs a little rest because in an Olympic year the calendar is even tighter and the demands are very high.”

Meanwhile, Alcaraz reflected: “Right now, I feel like I’ve taken steps backwards mentally and I don’t understand why. I’ve had a spectacular summer at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. I left those tournaments saying that I’d taken a step forward mentally. I’d realised that to win big things, to win Grand Slam titles, you have to be mentally strong.”

He added: “Now I’ve reached this swing and I’ve taken steps backwards, like I’m not doing well mentally, I’m not strong. I don’t know how to control myself when faced with problems and I don’t know how to handle it. I have to see exactly what happened, or what’s going on with me.”

The Jordan Chiles-Simone Biles duo is more than just a gymnastics team. Beyond the sport, the two share an incredible bond and camaraderie which continue to set bff goals for everyone around the world. On top of that, Biles’ elite status and densely packed medal cabinet can easily make her the most famous celebrity someone knows. And so she was, on Chiles’ phonebook. Was, because she was recently trumped. And how!

The two WCC gymnasts once again joined hands to bring the USA its fourth team gold at the recently concluded Paris Olympics. In the City of Love, Biles won three more individual medals (two gold), completing her redemption journey. And yet, she remains only the second-most famous person on her teammate’s phone.

NBA phenome ups the ante against Simone Biles

Chiles appeared for an interview with Chicks in the Office recently to talk about all that went down across the pond over two weeks last month. In the YouTube upload dated September 4, the UCAL student-athlete also talked about her unexpected interaction with basketball legend Michael Jordan. The six-time NBA champ reached out to Chiles just ahead of the 33rd Games, and naturally, the 23-year-old star was at a loss for words. Chiles confessed that she was overwhelmed by the mere thought that she received a text message from the national icon.

via Getty

“I was like you know oh my gosh thank you so much like I have no words like I’ll definitely cherish your name forever,” the two-time NCAA gold medalist gymnast revealed she blurted back to the 6-time NBA MVP. She was obviously still letting the thought sink in, as would we need some time too, and still managed to express his feelings to Jordan. But she revealed that the interaction also bumped Biles from the top spot in her contact list.

Chiles shared a laugh with the hosts who joked that having Michael Jordan as a contact can be a surreal feeling, and Chiles laughingly narrated how it has resulted in a demotion for her gymnastics bestie. “But it’s even funnier because, the first time somebody asked me, I was like oh! Simone Biles! And they were like, ‘okay’ cuz that’s literally like the person I had in my phone at the time,” Chiles revealed how the ex-Chicago Bulls shooting guard now sits atop the throne. But even he can’t take away the importance Biles has in the life and career of his namesake.

Jordan Chiles was lifted back to her feet by her bff

When Jordan Chiles didn’t make the national team in 2018, she was at her wit’s end. The gymnast has been a regular name as part of Team USA’s international delegation since 2013. Naturally, her insides felt squeamish and she even thought of quitting for good. “I lost the love of the sport. I felt like I didn’t belong; I felt like gymnastics didn’t want me,” said Chiles to NBC in an interview. Amidst the bleakness all around her, Simone appeared as a ray of light. The Texan invited Chiles back to the former’s home state to train together at the World Champions Centre. The gym is owned by Chiles’ parents, and she could focus all of their resources to help her pal back to her feet. And soon, things did turn around for the better.

“I actually realized this when I saw Simone compete. She looks like she’s having fun out there, laughing and giggling, and doesn’t look stressed or tired. I was like, ‘You know, I’m going to try that one of these days and see how it turns out’,” Chiles recollects. Naturally, with how she’s been performing since the fumble from six years ago, Chiles deserves all the applause in the world.

As for us, we could only hope to have someone in our lives who will never cease to root for us. Wouldn’t you?

If an argument for Caitlin Clark as the MVP had to be made, there are undeniable factors supporting it. Indiana Fever has gone from winning a dozen games last season to 18-16, improved to a .500 and are real playoff contenders. Meanwhile Clark’s picking up 3-point and assist records as a great passer and helping her team. So when the star rookie recorded her second career triple-double tonight, she aided Aliyah Boston in making history herself. Not to be underscored, Boston had an impressive outing that puts her in league with WNBA titans like Lisa Leslie and Brittney Griner.

Indiana Fever toppled the Los Angeles Sparks 93-86 with Aliyah Boston recording a monster double-double with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists going 62.5% from the field. She’s now only the third player in WNBA history to have multiple games in one regular season with 20+ points, 14+ rebounds, 4+ assists, and 60+% FG percentage. The only others who have accomplished this are Lisa Leslie, and the one who Boston recently clashed with, Brittney Griner.

Caitlin Clark notched the second triple-double of her career, 24 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds in this game. She’s the only rookie to do it twice in the league. She also made four threes and had three steals. (She got her first triple-double in July over New York Liberty.)

Her selfless passing style stood out in this game over the Sparks that a few X users compared her to Magic Johnson, the Lakers legend and Sparks co-owner. And it definitely enabled Aliyah to record her own individual accolade.

Two epic moments of this game were Clark’s passes to Boston. In the second quarter, with LA up 37-32, Clark passed to Boston who scored and shortened the gap.

The most, absolute brilliant display of teamwork came less than two minutes into the third quarter. Clark did the coldest behind the back pass to Boston who found Erica Wheeler, who in turn nailed an effortless triple. The insane thing is that they did hockey-style behind the back tandem twice. Clark drained a three, caught a loose ball, and passed it to Boston again in the fourth quarter to make a two.

Fever duo steals the show

 

It was a major night Indiana all around. Clark made a three in the third quarter, marking her 100th 3-pointer in her first WNBA season. Not only has any rookie before CC not accomplished this feat in one season, by doing it in 34 games she also is the fastest.

USA Today via Reuters

Sparks narrowed the score gap several times only for Clark to make a three and Boston to come in clutch. Indiana edged ahead in the last free throws. Then Boston caught Clark’s 10th assist of the evening to beat the clock for a last shot that put Fever up by seven.

Indiana has six regular-season games left before the playoffs, including five straight at home. Fever’s star players, Clark, Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell (18 points) have firmly made them the team to beat in the playoffs.

Before the WNBA’s Olympic break, there was a real and honest debate regarding who this season’s Rookie of the Year should be between former NCAA superstar Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky’s energetic forward Angel Reese.

caitlin-clark© Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

After all, Clark was still getting used to the nuances of the pro game while her team struggled to notch wins. On the other hand, Reese was grabbing rebounds like her life depended on it, making history by registering 15 straight double-doubles.

However, times have changed since then, as Caitlin has hit her stride, averaging 24.6 points on 47% shooting, 9.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game since the league resumed its games. With the guard from Des Moines, Iowa, finding her comfort level in the WNBA, the Fever have surged, winning six of their last seven games to climb to the sixth seed in the playoff race.

With these things in mind, renowned sports commentator Nick Wright declared there is no question that Caitlin is the best newcomer in the league right now and should rightfully win the Rookie of the Year award.

A certified superstar

After a sluggish start in which Caitlin made only 37% of her shots, including a dismal 32% from long distance, the six-foot guard has finally figured things out. She’s now playing with more confidence and freedom, hitting her teammates with pinpoint passes and making deep triples like in the NCAA.

“The girl is a superstar. A superstar,” Nick declared on ‘What’s Wright? With Nick Wright.’

Clark is by no means a perfect player, especially with her propensity for turning the ball over. Despite that, Wright says there is absolutely no question who the ROTY is, despite some people’s efforts to argue that Angel deserves it just as much.

“Is she a perfect player? No. Is she the best player in the league? No, that is clearly and unanimously A’ja Wilson. And that then brings us to the Rookie of the Year thing, which, now, in my opinion, is a different example of people embarrassing themselves,” Wright stated. “Folks have bent over backwards to try to explain why what Angel is doing—which is spectacular—is on par with what Caitlin is doing, which is historic. And it’s just not.”

Leslie wants Caitlin and Angel to share the ROTY award

One person who wants Angel to get the same shine as Caitlin is Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie. The three-time WNBA MVP recently posted on X her thoughts regarding the ROTY race, saying the two standouts deserve the award.

Wright, though, resisted the idea of handing out participation trophies, which, in his opinion, Leslie is suggesting.

“So, now, all of a sudden, we’re doing participation trophies. Now all of a sudden, we are going to try to pretend like Angel, who again is having a 91 out of 100 rookie season, is on par with Caitlin’s rookie season, which is one of the greatest rookie seasons in the history of the league, if not the greatest. And it’s just embarrassing,” Nick stressed. “Nobody with a straight face can say there is a real debate about who the most impactful or best rookie in women’s basketball has been this year. It’s Caitlin Clark.”

Angel has played incredible basketball and has proven her worth as a top draft pick in the WNBA. However, Caitlin has shown that she is on a level on her own, both with her performances and ability to lead the once moribund Fever to the cusp of a playoff appearance.

AGM of an NBA franchise sometimes has to make tough decisions based on the team’s sporting perspective rather than personal feelings.

Jerry West, who led the Los Angeles Lakers front office for nearly two decades, encountered such a decision in February 1993. Reluctantly, he had to trade Sam Perkins, whom he described as “one of the best guys we’ve had come through here.” To emphasize that the player was by no means at fault for ending their collaboration, Mr. Clutch made sure to state it publicly.

“Believe me, this isn’t a trade I wanted to make. I just think it’s going to make us better in the future. And please do me a favor, say nice things about Sam; he’s really down about this. He doesn’t want to go. You can rip me to shreds; I understand those things, and you have a job to do. But please take care of Sam,” West told the press, per Yahoo Sports.

Perkins’ journey to the NBA

While with the Tar Heels in the early ’80s, Perkins was teammates with Michael Jordan and James Worthy, who both became Hall of Famers. Sam, however, had the potential to eventually become one as well.

The 6’9″ forward-center graduated as North Carolina’s all-time leader in rebounds and blocks and was the team’s second-highest scorer. Consequently, the Dallas Mavericks selected him fourth overall in the 1984 NBA Draft.

After six years in Texas, the All-Rookie First Team member was brought to the City of Angels by West, who had been the Lakers’ GM since 1982.

“It was a whole ‘nother level of playing professionally,” Perkins recounted about his move. “You had [Mitch] Kupchak, [Jerry] West, [Jerry] Buss, [A.C.] Green, [James] Worthy, [Magic] Johnson, [Byron] Scott. I had a whole slew of guys.”

Sam quickly made an impact with the Purple and Gold, scoring 28 points in his Lakers starting debut. In the following years, the New York native established himself as one of the league’s best 3-point-shooting big men, once setting a then-record by going 8-for-8 from deep in a game.

Why the Lakers decided to trade Perkins

Big Smooth was not only a skilled shooter but also an exceptional defender with an impressive wingspan, once prompting West to remark, “You just don’t find big people that versatile.”

However, after the Lakers’ impressive run to the Finals in 1991, their dominance began to wane. The 1992 playoffs saw them exit in the first round, and by the mid-1992-93 season, they were struggling with a 26-23 record.

This decline prompted Jerry and the front office to start rebuilding the team. At 31, Perkins no longer fit into their plans, leading to his trade to Seattle.

Looking back, the move turned out well for Sam. He settled into the community and found that SuperSonics coach George Karl’s style suited his game perfectly. In hindsight, the former NBA player fondly recalls his five-year stint in Seattle as a “good time.”