‘I Check Off All the Boxes’ – Jayson Tatum Says He Should Be the Face of the NBA Amid Heated Debate

The NBA’s quest for its next torchbearer has been a hot topic for years. With legends LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant inching closer to the twilight of their illustrious careers, there seems to be a new debate every day about who will step into the spotlight as the next face of the league. Among the contenders, Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum has made a compelling case for himself.

Jayson Tatum’s (Not So) Bold Claim

In a candid interview with the Washington Post, Tatum expressed his sentiments, stating, “Honestly, no. If you took the name and the face away from all my accomplishments and you’re just like, ‘This is what Player A accomplished at 26,’ people would talk about [me] a lot differently.”

He went on to say, “Did he win a championship? Yes. Did he win gold medals? Yes. Was he always a part of winning seasons? Was he first-team All-NBA? Those are things that you know are hard evidence. Face of the NBA? They can always debate. But it’s like, I check off all the boxes.”

In seven full seasons, Tatum is already a six-time NBA All-Star, a three-time All-NBA First Team member, and an NBA Champion. At just 26, he’s already accomplished more than many hope to in their entire careers. Even Curry didn’t make his first All-Star team until 2014 (five years into his NBA career) and James didn’t win his first NBA Championship until 2013 (nine years into his NBA career). So, even by those lofty standards Tatum is doing pretty well.

Is Tatum Right?

More importantly, at least for this conversation, however, is that he’s accomplished more than any other NBA superstar also vying to be the face of the NBA. His biggest competition is probably Luka Dončić, Anthony Edwards, Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. I’ll throw Victor Wembanyama in as an honourable mention, but he’s played just two years in the NBA and the Spurs are a few losses away from being a lottery team (again).

Of these names, Jokić likely has the best argument. As a seven-time NBA All-Star, four-time All-NBA first team member, three-time NBA MVP and 2023 NBA champion, his resume might be even more impressive than Tatum’s. Of course, he’s also 30 years old and doesn’t appear to show any interest in being the NBA’s central figure.

What Do the NBA Experts Think?

The debate isn’t confined to fans and analysts; former players have also weighed in. NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, known for his unfiltered opinions, has emphasized that the title of “face of the league” isn’t something bestowed but earned, bluntly stating that, “You don’t give anybody the face of the game. You take it.”

Barkley’s perspective underscores a broader sentiment: the NBA’s leading figure emerges organically, through a combination of on-court dominance, charisma, and the ability to resonate with fans worldwide. Given Jokić’s indifference towards it, and that the rest of his competition is still trying to catch up, Tatum has a golden opportunity to go out there and, as Barkley would say, “Take It.”

Justin Timberlake Is ‘Heartbroken’ As He Cancels Final Show Of US Tour Due To Health Issues

Justin Timberlake has cancelled the final stop of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour in Columbus, Ohio, due to ongoing health struggles. The 44-year-old singer took to Instagram hours before the show to inform his fans that he had been battling the flu, and it had worsened, leaving him unable to perform.

Justin Timberlake cancels concert

Taking to Instagram, he wrote, “You guys. I’m heartbroken. I have to cancel the show tonight. I went into soundcheck battling the flu and now it’s gotten the best of me. It kills me to disappoint you and my team worked so hard to make this show happen. I want to reassure you, that you’ll be getting refunds for your tickets. I love you all.”

Despite the setback, Timberlake’s fans showed unwavering support, with many expressing their understanding on social media. One fan, who had flown in from California to attend the show, wrote, “Take care of yourself Justin, I know you are heartbroken the tour ended this way. We love you so much, never forget that.”

This isn’t the first time Justin has had to adjust his tour schedule due to health concerns. Back in late October, he had to reschedule several shows after being diagnosed with bronchitis and laryngitis. He had posted on Instagram at the time, explaining that these conditions were affecting his ability to perform, leading to the cancellation of concerts from October 23 through November 2.

More about Justin Timberlake’s World Tour

Timberlake’s Forget Tomorrow World Tour was announced in January 2024, along with the release of his new album, Everything I Thought It Was. The tour marked his return to the stage after several years of focusing on family and personal projects. His fans were eagerly anticipating the live performances, especially with the release of his first album since 2018’s Man of the Woods.

Despite these health challenges, Timberlake has promised to make it up to his fans. In his Instagram posts, he emphasized that health must come first, and he thanked everyone for their support. His dedication to delivering the best performances when able remains evident, and his fans are standing by him, eager for future opportunities to see him live.

Gracie Hunt reflects on ‘the painful, the joyful’ moments experienced during Chiefs’ Super Bowl run

Eagles defeated Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX

Gracie Hunt, the daughter of Kansas City Chiefs chair and CEO Clark Hunt, took a look back at the team’s eventful February, which included a crushing defeat in Super Bowl LIX.

Hunt took to Instagram on Thursday and said she remained “thankful for every moment” amid reflection on some of the highs and lows she experienced during the Chiefs’ playoff run.

“The February Files: Feeling thankful for every moment that shapes life’s beautiful mosaic—the tough, the painful, the joyful, and everything in between,” she captioned the social media post.

The Chiefs heiress also expressed gratitude for the individuals who “make it all worthwhile.”

“Most of all, I’m grateful for the incredible people who make it all worthwhile,” she wrote under a photo gallery that featured some snapshots of her visit to New Orleans, the site of this year’s Super Bowl.

Kansas City’s hopes of winning three consecutive Vince Lombardi trophies were dashed by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jalen Hurts threw two touchdowns and was named Super Bowl MVP after the Eagles cruised to a 40-22 win over the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes had a poor showing in Super Bowl LIX, finishing the game with two interceptions.

While Hunt admitted the game’s result was disappointing, she remained “proud” of the season the Chiefs had.

“Praise Him when you win. Praise Him when you lose,” the former Miss Kansas USA winner began on Instagram. “It wasn’t the result we were hoping for, but so proud of this team’s heart and the incredible season we had,” she wrote on Instagram on Feb. 10.

She also said Chiefs Kingdom consists of the NFL’s best fans and declared the Chiefs will “be back.”

The Chiefs front office will be tasked with making improvements to key areas of the roster as the team pursues a fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance.

Justin Timberlake Cancels Final U.S. Concert on Forget Tomorrow World Tour Hours Before Showtime

Justin Timberlake called off his final U.S. show on the Forget Tomorrow World Tour hours before the concert was set to begin in Columbus, Ohio, citing the flu for the last-minute move.

Justin Timberlake is cutting the tour—the world tour—short.

The “SexyBack” singer announced he was cancelling the final U.S. concert on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour just hours before he was set to take the stage in Columbus, Ohio, after falling ill.

“You guys, I’m heartbroken,” he wrote in a post on Instagram Feb. 27. “I have to cancel the show tonight. I went into soundcheck battling the flu and now it’s gotten the best of me.”

The 44-year-old went on to express his regret for the last-minute change of plans.

“It kills me to disappoint you and my team worked so hard to make this show happen,” he continued. “I want to reassure you, you’ll be getting refunds for your tickets. I love you all.”

Earlier in the day, Justin’s wife Jessica Biel—with whom he shares sons Silas, 9, and Phineas, 4—marked the expected conclusion of the tour with a touching tribute to her husband of 12 years.

“There’s truly nothing this man can’t do,” the 7th Heaven actress wrote on Instagram alongside clips of herself dancing at Justin’s shows. “It’s been so special to watch you, listen to you, and be alongside you for this tour. One last show tonight, give it all you’ve got. I am the proudest.”

Despite the cancellation, Justin is still set to perform a series of festival shows across Europe and Latin America later this year, as well as a headlining set at the BottleRock Napa Valley festival in Napa, Calif., according to his official website.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation

The *NSYNC alum previously faced another setback during his concert run when he was arrested for driving while intoxicated on Long Island in June. He later pled guilty to a noncriminal traffic violation of driving while impaired and agreed to pay a fine as well as perform community service, according to NBC News.

“As you may know, I try to hold myself to a very high standard for myself—and this was not that,” he said during a press conference in September after striking the plea deal. “I found myself in a position where I could have made a different decision, but I’ve had some time to reflect on that.”

He noted that the offense was “a mistake that I made,” adding, “I hope whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have.”

(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)

Travis Kelce’s Secret Struggle: Chiefs GM Reveals He Was Battling Serious Illness Before Super Bowl Loss!

Kansas City Chiefs’ General Manager Brett Veach was interviewed on the NFL podcast ‘The Insiders’

Travis Kelce. Photo: Kara Durrette/Getty

Travis Kelce was fighting a “big illness” before his Super Bowl defeat.

Brett Veach, 47, General Manager of Kelce’s team, the Kansas City Chiefs, spoke about the issues facing the tight end in the run-up to the game on an upcoming episode of the NFL podcast, The Insiders.

Noting that he wasn’t “making excuses” for the Chiefs’ loss, Veach said that Kelce was “battling a pretty big illness” before the Super Bowl, which took place on Feb. 9, in New Orleans.

He then quipped that Kelce’s illness didn’t make much difference to the score as the Eagles — who won 40-22 — played so well. “We didn’t have the end to our season that we hoped for,” he added.

Touching on the loss, Veach admitted that the Chiefs had “picked a bad day to have a bad day.” But he said that the team would use the experience as “motivation to get better.”

“You learn more from your losses than your wins,” Veach added.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) holds the Lamar Hunt Trophy in the air as he stands on the trophy presentation stage next to Chiefs general manager Brett Veach after winning the game against the Tennessee Titans during the NFL AFC Championship football game.Paul Spinelli via AP

The Chiefs boss then addressed the swirling rumors that Kelce, 35, is set to retire. When asked if the star would return for the 2025 season, Veach said, “I think so. We anticipate Travis being back. We’re excited to have Travis back.”

He also noted that Kelce shares a unique relationship with “Pat” — quarterback Patrick Mahomes, 29 — and revealed that he “finds a way to stay in shape and produce at a level that only he can.”

“He makes us better when he’s in our locker room and on our field and we’re excited to get him back,” Veach continued, adding that Kelce had “accomplished everything that there is in this game.”

The sports manager also touched on Kelce’s “unique ability to make those around him better.”

Travis himself spoke about his future in the NFL on the Feb. 12, episode of New Heights, the podcast he presents alongside his brother Jason Kelce.

“I know everybody wants to know whether or not I’m playing next year, and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions,” he said.

Travis Kelce and girlfriend Taylor Swift.Jamie Squire/Getty

He also noted that the “biggest thing” for him and his teammates right now is “being there” for each other and “understanding.”

Meanwhile, Jason, 37, said he thinks Travis has already made up his mind about his sporting future on the Feb. 21, episode of  The Steam Room podcast.

“I think Travis, I think he probably, in his heart, already knows what he wants to do,” the Eagles alum said “That’s the reality of it,” he added.

Kansas City Chiefs take their top pending free agent off the market with stunning 2025 franchise tag decision

Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach made it clear that retaining starting RG Trey Smith was the team’s biggest offseason priority, and he’s now made good on that statement.

According to multiple reports, the Chiefs have placed the franchise tag on pending free agent right guard Trey Smith. This takes Smith off the free agent market at the cost of a one-year, fully guaranteed contract of $23.4M. This is a big hit to their salary cap space, which begs the question: Is this a move to lock up Smith and get a long-term extension done?

Because of health concerns, the Chiefs capitalized on the former Tennessee Volunteers star falling to the sixth round in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s been the team’s starter at right guard ever since, appearing in 67 games. They’ve now rewarded the soon-to-be 26-year-old for his dominant play over the last four seasons, which helped the team earn two Super Bowl titles and a chance at a third this past year.

Chiefs franchise tag RG Trey Smith, keeping NFL’s best interior trio intact (for now). 

Smith is coming off the best season of his young NFL career in 2024, earning Pro Bowl honors after allowing no sacks over more than 700 pass-blocking snaps. His dominance in the run game is well-noted, and he plays with a certain edge to his game that inspires some strong play from his teammates. The improvement in pass protection has only made him an asset to a team looking to keep their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, upright.

This move locks the trio of Smith, Joe Thuney, and Creed Humphrey—widely considered the best offensive interior in football—in Kansas City for at least the 2025 NFL season. Humphrey, also a 2021 NFL draft pick, signed a long-term contract extension ahead of the 2024 NFL season. Thuney is in the final year of his five-year deal, which he signed in March 2021.

Caitlin Clark returning to Iowa for exhibition; tickets sell out in under an hour

The Fever will play the Brazilian national team

Caitlin Clark is coming home, and it’s the hottest ticket in town.

Clark will return to the University of Iowa with her Indiana Fever for an exhibition game against the Brazilian national team, just before the start of the WNBA season.

The tickets went on sale on Thursday, and the 15,000 tickets sold out in 42 minutes.

Clark became the face of women’s basketball at Iowa with her record-setting college career. She left Iowa as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer for both men and women, and while she came up short in two national title games, her mark on the sport was well planted.

Clark returned to Iowa earlier this month to see her famed No. 22 retired by the program. Her last home game with the Hawkeyes was on March 3, 2024, a 93-83 win over Ohio State, who had been ranked second in the country. (Iowa was fourth.)

Last year, Clark parlayed her illustrious Iowa career into becoming the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft for the Fever. After a 3-10 start, she and the Fever turned things around, and Indiana was able to make the playoffs.

Clark’s Fever sold 90 times more tickets on StubHub this year than in 2023; the team with the second-highest increase was Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky, and the Fever’s sales were nearly double (93% more).

Several WNBA playoff games without Clark still had fewer viewers than Clark’s regular-season games, and the Clark-Reese battles had viewership that hadn’t been seen in over two decades.

Clark was named the Rookie of the Year for her historic campaign, during which she set the record for the most assists in one season in league history. She even set a single-game record with 19 assists and also became the first rookie to record a triple-double, registering two of them.

Clark received the most votes for the All-Star Game and was just the fifth rookie in league history to make the All-WNBA first-team.

The Brazilian team will also head to LSU to face Reese and the Sky. The team features Reese’s WNBA teammate, Kamilla Cardoso, who with South Carolina defeated Clark and Iowa in the 2024 national championship to complete an undefeated season.

 

Pregnant Kylie Kelce Reveals Strict Parenting Rule That Even Jason Can’t Break!

The expectant mother of three is offering some insight into how she and the retired NFL star navigate the digital age with their three daughters

Kylie Kelce (left); Kylie Kelce’s three daughters. Photo: STEFANO TROVATI/Shutterstock, Kylie Kelce/Instagram

Kylie Kelce is giving insight into how she navigates the digital age with her children.

On the latest episode of her Not Gonna Lie podcast, the soon-to-be mom of four, 32, shared the screen time rules that she and her husband, retired NFL star Jason Kelce, 37, have implemented for their three daughters, Bennett, 2, Elliotte “Ellie,” 3, and Wyatt, 5.

While speaking with I’ll Have What She’s Having author Chelsea Handler, 50, Kylie said that she and Jason aren’t “opposed to screen time,” but they do their “best to limit it.”

“We are not opposed to screen time in our house,” she began. “I really do my best to limit it, but not in a strict way. I will pretend that I set a timer, and I will tell them one more. And then if my task that I was trying to complete is not finished, I will say, you guys were so well behaved. I’ll let you watch one more.”

“Our girls have tablets, but they only get them on planes and very rarely in the house,” she continued. “And they are not allowed to touch phones. That has been a rule from the very beginning. Occasionally, they will borrow someone’s phone and take pictures. Wyatt is really into taking selfies right now. Dad’s thrilled about that one.”

On last week’s episode of her Not Gonna Lie podcast, Kylie talked about all of her thoughts on kids’ birthday parties. Kylie shared the one parenting trend that she feels is “very participation trophy-esque” and “not happening” in her family.

“I am vehemently against the idea of other kids getting birthday presents on a child’s birthday,” she said. “Our family knows, no one else is receiving a birthday present for Bennett’s birthday. Everyone gets a special day.”

“When your siblings get presents for your birthday, it reduces your birthday. It’s not their birthday. It’s your birthday,” she continued. “I think it teaches them to a degree that just because someone’s getting presents doesn’t mean you get presents. It feels very participation trophy-esque and not happening.”

Jason Kelce, Kylie Kelce and their daughters.Kylie Kelce /Instagram

Kylie is never afraid of being candid about the realities of motherhood on her podcast. On the Thursday, Jan. 23 episode, she described raising children as the “most selfless” and “all-encompassing” thing someone will do in their life.

“At any point in the day, you do have to always be concerned about the tiny humans you’re responsible for, but I think there is a misconception that it wipes out the rest of you and makes you solely mom,” the podcast host shared.

“Whereas what we need to do is tack it on to the end of the resume and keep the rest of the s— that also defines us as who we are as people because we’re still us,” she added. “Just because we made a human being or we are a mother to a tiny human doesn’t mean that we are only mom.”

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce SHOCKING June 2025 Wedding Plans LEAKED! It looks like the moment fans have been waiting for has finally arrived—Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are ready to take their relationship to the next level! Sources close to the couple have revealed that they are already engaged, and yes, you heard it right.

It looks like the moment fans have been waiting for has finally arrived—Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are ready to take their relationship to the next level! Sources close to the couple have revealed that they are already engaged, and yes, you heard it right. The highly anticipated wedding is reportedly set for June 2025, and fans are holding their breath as they eagerly await official confirmation.

The Engagement Revelation

The first whispers about Taylor and Travis’s possible engagement started circulating among insiders within their close circles. According to Radar Online, the couple secretly got engaged and has already shared the big news with their families. But here’s the kicker—according to leaked information, Travis popped the question during a Thanksgiving dinner, surrounded by their closest loved ones.

 

 

 

Eyewitnesses to the event say Travis stood up at the dinner table, glass in hand, and declared that this year had been special for one simple reason: Taylor had entered his life. With that, he announced his proposal, and the room was filled with cheers, applause, and even a few tears of joy. Taylor, visibly glowing with happiness, responded with a resounding “yes” to the marriage proposal.

Keeping it Private

While fans are buzzing about the engagement, neither Taylor nor Travis have made an official statement yet. They seem content keeping this special moment private, perhaps wanting to savor the joy of their engagement without the pressure of public scrutiny. However, as the news spreads like wildfire on social media, fans are already 100% convinced that the engagement has taken place. Now, everyone is simply waiting for an official announcement from the couple.

As soon as rumors hit the web, fans flooded social media with excitement. Comments poured in with messages like, “I knew it, they are made for each other!” and “Where can I buy tickets for the wedding of the year?” Fans are beyond thrilled about the union and can’t wait to see what comes next for the couple. Some even suggested they could be hearing wedding bells sooner than expected, as Taylor and Travis have recently become much more open about their feelings for each other.

A Summer Wedding in June 2025

The wedding date itself holds significant meaning for Taylor, as June is not just a random month—it’s the perfect time for her to have a summer wedding. Insiders close to the couple have revealed that June 2025 was specifically chosen because it marks two years since Taylor and Travis first met. For Taylor, this isn’t just about picking a convenient time; it’s about making their wedding day a symbol of their shared journey and love.

For Travis, it’s all about showing their commitment to each other. While both Taylor and Travis are incredibly busy—Taylor with her record-breaking Eras Tour and Travis at the peak of his NFL career—they’ve worked hard to carve out time for their future together. Rumors suggest that Travis might even reconsider his schedule or take a break from football to ensure he can fully focus on building a life with Taylor.

What Will the Wedding Look Like?

As soon as the engagement rumors started circulating, fans began speculating about what the wedding will be like. Fans of the couple expect nothing less than a spectacular event, with a blend of Taylor’s music world and Travis’s sports background. If the couple’s past events are anything to go by, this wedding is sure to be one of the most high-profile celebrations of 2025.

 

As for the wedding location, there are already a few options being discussed. One of the possibilities is Kansas City, where Travis has spent much of his career and where his heart remains with the Kansas City Chiefs. A wedding here would be a touching tribute to Travis’s journey to NFL stardom and a way to celebrate the city that helped shape him. Fans speculate that the ceremony in Kansas City could be filled with family values, comfort, and tradition, making it a memorable and symbolic occasion.

Another possible venue is Rhode Island, where one of Taylor’s luxurious mansions is located. The property has long been special to Taylor, having hosted her iconic Fourth of July parties. A wedding in Rhode Island would be the perfect blend of romance and nostalgia, with its stunning scenery providing a picturesque backdrop for a fairytale wedding. Fans are already imagining the stunning visuals, and many believe this location would be perfect for the couple’s big day.

Regardless of the location, fans are confident that Taylor and Travis will make the event a grand affair. The wedding is expected to feature a combination of music, sports, and star-studded entertainment, reflecting both of their worlds. The buzz surrounding the wedding is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting the couple’s next move.

Family Support and Hilarious Comments

Travis’s family is fully on board with the couple’s plans. His mother, Donna Kelsey, has been vocal about her joy for her son and his relationship with Taylor. She has long considered Taylor part of the family and has expressed her happiness that Travis has found someone who makes him truly happy. Donna has even said, “I’m so glad Travis has found his one and only. Taylor makes him happy, and that’s the most important thing to me.”

Travis’s older brother, Jason Kelsey, has also made light of the situation, turning the news into a source of humor. On their podcast New Heights, Jason jokingly said, “If they have kids, one’s definitely going to be a music superstar and the other is going to be an NFL champion!” Fans couldn’t get enough of the comment, and memes of their future offspring performing on stage and playing football in the NFL have taken over social media.

The Wedding of the Decade

Social media has been on fire since rumors of Taylor and Travis’s wedding plans surfaced. Fans have shared their excitement, with comments like, “Taylor and Travis are the perfect couple!” and “This is going to be the wedding of the decade!” Many are even speculating that the couple may surprise everyone with a private, intimate wedding, perhaps holding the ceremony in one of Taylor’s private homes, or organizing a massive celebration with celebrity guests and NFL stars in attendance.

As for the official announcement, fans are eagerly awaiting any sign from the couple. Some think the announcement could come during one of the Kansas City Chiefs’ games, while others speculate that Taylor may reveal the news through her music, with a new song or lyrics hinting at the engagement. Whatever happens, it’s clear that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding will be one of the biggest events of 2025.

Stay tuned, as we’re on the verge of one of the most high-profile weddings in recent memory, and we’ll keep you updated with all the details as soon as they emerge!

 

Mavericks Facing $300 Million Kyrie Irving Decision After Luka Doncic Trade

The Dallas Mavericks made one of the most shocking moves in recent NBA history, trading their franchise player, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and draft compensation. This blockbuster deal has accelerated Dallas’ championship window, as the team now features three veteran starters: Davis (31), Kyrie Irving (32), and Klay Thompson (35).

Irving, who was acquired by Dallas in 2023 from the Brooklyn Nets, is in the second season of his three-year, $120 million contract (player option for 2025-26 season). Now, the Mavericks face another massive financial decision this offseason regarding Kyrie Irving’s future.

 

Kyrie Irving (11) of the Dallas Mavericks

© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Irving is currently in the second year of his contract, with a player option worth $44 million for the 2025-26 season. However, the All-Star guard could opt out and seek a long-term max extension, which would make him eligible for a 5-year, $313 million contract when the season ends.

Needless to say, that is something to think about for the Mavericks, especially with the newly acquired Davis on the books.

NBA Insider Bobby Marks was recently asked on ESPN’s NBA Today about which free agent had the most leverage heading into the offseason and his response was clear:

“Kyrie Irving has the most leverage out of any potential free agent, including LeBron James and potentially James Harden.”

While it’s not guaranteed that Irving will demand a full max extension, his stellar play this season certainly strengthens his negotiating position. Irving has been phenomenal, averaging 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, while also leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season.

If the Mavericks hesitate to meet his contract demands, several teams would be eager to acquire him in free agency. Dallas must now decide whether to commit to Irving long-term or risk losing him—a decision that could shape the franchise’s future for years to come.