Basketball

Unlike Joe Budden, Cam’ron’s not completely retired from rapping after adopting a career in podcasting, and he’s taking a baton passed by J. Cole and running with it for his own track.

On Monday, Cam expanded on Cole’s shoutout from Lil Yachty’s track “The Secret Recipe”
where Cole saluted the Diplomats rapper with the line, "I prolly put more n****s on pause than Cam and Mason Beth.”

Later on his verse, the Harlem rapper-turned-sportscaster plugged his show while taking aim at future HOF Chris Paul jumping to the Golden State Warriors ... "Say what I want, 'It Is What It Is'/Don't care who take offense/Like Chris Paul, y'all, on Golden State, it don't make no sense/Unless he 2nd unit, when the game start, he play the bench."

Steven A. Smith recently cast doubts on CP3's ability with the Dubs, but Cam and his cohost Ma$e are disrupting the world of sports commentary from a different angle -- they can professionally rap their hot takes!!!

The track eventually bleeds into a preview of Cam's upcoming Halloween-themed video, "Get Mine Regardless" where he dons a Freddy Krueger getup to slash home his point.

At 38 years old, even Chris wouldn't argue he's past his prime, but his immeasurable experience could surely prove valuable to GS' 2024 championship hopes.

If it wasn't for music, Rick Ross could've been a damn good basketball player ... at least, that's according to famed NBA shooting coach Lethal Shooter, who tells TMZ Sports the rapper's got the goods on the court!

Lethal -- real name Chris Matthews -- came to the conclusion after working with the "Hustlin'" artist earlier this month before he had to take a private jet to Las Vegas.

Matthews spent about an hour with the celeb ... and he was so impressed with Ross' work ethic, he said the dude could've been "elite" on the hardwood if he had chosen ball over hip hop.

"As soon he got out of the car, he didn't waste any time," Matthews said of Ross. "He was looking to train. He only took two breaks. He wanted to learn."

Matthews, of course, didn't say an NBA career would've been in Ross' future if he had picked basketball at a young age ... but he explained to us the 47-year-old could've potentially made it as a college hooper if he wanted.

"I feel like people don't realize Rick Ross is pretty tall and anything that somebody put their mind to, they're capable of," Matthews said.

"What I saw from somebody, the age that he's at, that he was learning so fast I think he could've been capable at a young age to play at an elite level as far as high school and college."

Matthews knows a thing or two about A-listers with hoops skills ... he's trained a bunch of celebs over the years -- and told us guys like Future and Mark Cuban have some underrated games.

"When I was training Mark Cuban a few months back," Matthews said, "I felt like you can tell at a young age he was one of those guys that was always gonna bring it on defense, always gonna bring the intensity."

When the 38-year-old is not helping celebrities with their jump shots ... he's going nonstop at giving back to his hometown Washington D.C. -- telling us he recently donated $18K to three different schools in the DMV area.

Haley Cavinder's borrowing a phrase from another hooper who was pretty good at basketball ... I'm back!

22-year-old Haley, after penning an emotional goodbye letter with her twin sister Hanna in April, has decided she won't hang up her Nike's after all ... she's entered the transfer portal and plans to play again starting next season.

Cavinder's last run on the court was epic ... she helped lead the Univ. of Miami women's basketball team to their first-ever Elite Eight. The Cinderella run included an upset of No. 1 seeded Indiana, a game Cavinder iced with clutch free throws in the final seconds.

Haley earned second-team All-ACC honors that season, averaging 12 points and four rebounds.

Aside from the success on the court, Haley's also a star away from the hardwood ... counting nearly three-quarters of a million followers on Instagram.

Haley and her sister Hanna also signed an NIL deal with the WWE as part of its inaugural "Next In Line" class. Many fans expected them to join the pro wrestling powerhouse as the next step in their career.

Adding to the surprise of Haley's decision ... she made it clear she didn't want to play without Hanna, saying, "I started with her, so at the end of the day, I want to end basketball and start our new lives together, but it was definitely difficult for me."

Boosie Badazz is feeling like Coach Prime these days ... or at least he'd love to slip on a pair of his shine-blockas to protect him from all the haters coming after him lately.

That's the theme Boosie's operating with for his new video "Deion Shades," which he released on Thursday ... taken from the deluxe edition of his latest album, "Goin' Thru Some Things."

On the track, Boosie calls out rats and snakes with a barrage of sports references ... "I want my son around the best/This that Brady talk/My mind in everyone mouth ... I need Deion's shades!!!"

The shades are indeed a hot commodity ... Deion recently gifted all his Colorado players their own pair ahead of a big game that went on to be etched in history.

The Louisiana rapper also pays homage to Ja Morant ahead of his NBA comeback ... posting up next to the signed #12 jersey the maligned All-Star sent him a couple of months ago.

Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson have reunited with Reebok ... the NBA icons just got new jobs with the athletic brand -- as President and Vice President of basketball!

Reebok CEO Todd Krinsky revealed the new roles were created for the former hoop stars this week and he's thrilled to have them back, in Shaq's case, 3 decades after first signing in 1992.

"As an athlete, he made an incredible imprint on not only our brand, but the entire sport and culture of basketball,” Krinsky said.

“With the combination of his deep-rooted history with Reebok and reigning influence he’s made on the game, there is no one better than this guy."

It's the real deal ... O'Neal even got an employee ID. Now that he can get in the building, Shaq will focus on helping the brand partner with athletes and organizations.

Iverson, who signed with Reebok in 1996, is the Vice President and will have duties similar to Shaq. He'll also work on community-based initiatives and athletic activations.

Reebok, for their part, is thrilled to be back with Iverson ... one of the "most influential players of all time" on and off the court as his "legacy continues to grow and impact future generations."

O'Neal says he's excited to start the new venture and plans to look for players, male or female, who can bring Reebok to the next level ... and working alongside Iverson helps.

Shaquille O'Neal y Allen Iverson se han reunido con Reebok. Los iconos de la NBA acaban de conseguir nuevos puestos de trabajo con la marca ¡como Presidente y Vicepresidente de baloncesto!

El CEO de Reebok, Todd Krinsky, reveló esta semana que las nuevas funciones fueron creadas para las antiguas estrellas del baloncesto y que está encantado de tenerlos de vuelta. En el caso de Shaq, tres décadas después de firmar por primera vez en 1992.

"Como atleta, dejó una huella increíble no sólo en nuestra marca, sino en todo el deporte y la cultura del baloncesto", dijo Krinsky.

"Con la combinación de su arraigada historia con Reebok y lo influyente que ha sido el juego, no hay nadie mejor que este tipo".

O'Neal incluso tiene una identificación de empleado. Ahora que puede entrar en el edificio, Shaq se centrará en ayudar a la marca a asociarse con atletas y organizaciones.

Iverson, que firmó con Reebok en 1996, es el Vicepresidente y tendrá funciones similares a las de Shaq. También trabajará en iniciativas comunitarias y activaciones atléticas.

Reebok, por su parte, está encantado de estar de vuelta con Iverson, uno de los "jugadores más influyentes de todos los tiempos" dentro y fuera de la cancha y su "legado sigue creciendo e impactando a las generaciones futuras".

O'Neal dice que está emocionado de comenzar la nueva empresa y planea buscar jugadores, hombres o mujeres, que puedan llevar a Reebok al siguiente nivel y trabajar junto a Iverson ayuda.

LeBron James está expresando su apoyo a Israel mientras la guerra hace estragos en la región. El jugador dijo que está desconsolado por lo que está sucediendo y denunció los ataques de Hamás como "terrorismo".

La superestrella de la NBA publicó una declaración conjunta sobre el tema en su página de X, con su socio desde hace mucho tiempo, Maverick Carter, el miércoles por la noche, en la que dice: "La devastación en Israel es trágica e inaceptable".

"El asesinato y la violencia contra personas inocentes por parte de Hamás es terrorismo", dijo. "La familia SpringHill Company envía sus más profundas condolencias a Israel y la comunidad judía".

James añadió en su comunicado que ahora reza por la paz.

"Todos debemos trabajar para asegurarnos de que esta tragedia no propague aún más el odio, el racismo y el antisemitismo", dijo.

LeBron no es la primera celebridad que se refiere públicamente al conflicto. Kim Kardashian también lanzó una declaración el miércoles, en la que escribe: "¿Cómo puede alguien no estar devastado por estas imágenes horribles que nunca seremos capaces de no ver?"

LeBron James is throwing his support behind Israel as war rages on in the region ... saying he's heartbroken over what's happening -- while denouncing Hamas attacks as "terrorism."

The NBA superstar released a joint statement with his longtime business partner, Maverick Carter, on the matter on his X page on Wednesday night ... saying, "The devastation in Israel is tragic and unacceptable."

"The murder and violence against innocent people by Hamas is terrorism," he said. "The SpringHill Company family sends our deepest condolences to Israel and the Jewish community."

James added in his statement that he's now praying for peace.

"We all must work to ensure this tragedy does not spread even more hate, racism, and antisemitism," he said.

LeBron is hardly the first celebrity to speak publicly on the conflict -- Kim Kardashian released a statement of her own on Wednesday as well ... writing, "How can anyone not be devastated by these horrific images that we will never be able to unsee?"

Look out, Bronny James' college opponents -- LeBron says you'll be going up against a guy with just as much athleticism as he had during his rookie year in the NBA ... so says the King himself.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar's praise came after one X user shared his assessment of the 19-year-old USC freshman while sharing his rim-shaking highlights on Tuesday ... claiming, "Too (sic) say Bronny just as athletic or if not more than Bron was at his age isn’t wild! He’s doing this at 6'2" not 6'8" 🤷🏾‍♂️."

LBJ got wind of the post ... and he couldn't agree more.

"Exactly!!!" the four-time NBA champ replied ... claiming anyone who says otherwise doesn't know what they're talking about.

"He's definitely just as if not right there at his age. The casuals just like to argue about 💩 they literally don’t know about."

Even though it's coming from his own father, it's high praise ... considering LeBron burst onto the NBA scene as an 18-year-old phenom -- eventually earning Rookie of the Year honors after averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists.

Bronny is hoping to get back on the court soon after suffering cardiac arrest earlier this year ... and while he's got big shoes to fill following his pops' footsteps, mock drafts have him being an NBA talent next year.

Tragic news in the basketball community -- longtime NBA coach Brendan Malone has passed away, the Denver Nuggets announced Tuesday. He was 81 years old.

"It is with tremendous sadness that we share the passing of longtime NBA coach Brendan Malone, who holds a special place amongst the organization and will be a Denver Nugget forever," the team said in a statement.

After several years at the high school and college level, Malone served as an assistant with the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic over the span of four decades.

Malone -- who helped orchestrate the famous "Jordan Rules" used to beat the Chicago Bulls -- was on staff for the Bad Boy Detroit Pistons teams that won the Finals in 1989 and 1990.

He was the first head coach in franchise history for the Toronto Raptors in the 1995-96 season. Malone also led the bench as interim head coach for the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2004-05 campaign.

Brendan is the father of current Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who helped bring the franchise its first NBA title this past season.

"Coach Brendan Malone was a great man who left behind a great legacy in the word for basketball, but he will be remembered even more for the amazing husband, father, son, and grandfather that he was and the profound impact he had on the friends, family and colleagues who were lucky enough to know him," the Nuggets continued.

"Our thoughts are with the entire Malone family and all of Brendan's loved ones who are feeling this loss today."

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija is speaking out against the terrorist attack in his home country of Israel ... revealing he personally knew people who lost their lives.

Avdija -- the only current NBA player born in Israel -- released a powerful statement on the situation ... saying even though he is thousands of miles away, his heart is home.

"While I'm here playing ball, my thoughts are constantly pulled back to Israel," the former 9th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft said Monday. "This past Saturday, terrorists from Hamas and Islamic Jihad unleashed devastation in 21 spots across Gaza."

"They mercilessly murdered and slaughtered innocent children, women, and elders -- some at home, others during a party while celebrating a holiday."

He added ... "The haunting images of women, children, and elders being taken into Gaza, many meeting a tragic end, remain etched in my memory."

"Knowing some victims personally adds another layer to my heartache."

Deni says he is having conversations with his teammates and the D.C. community to relay just how serious the situation is ... and he will continue to use his platform to put a spotlight on the situation.

"Those haunting images from Gaza, showing the lives lost, are hard to shake off."

LaMelo Ball is head over heels for his girlfriend ... the NBA superstar gave her a lovey-dovey shoutout on her birthday, letting the world know that she's "the one".

The Charlotte Hornets guard confessed his love publicly for Ana Montana on Instagram Monday, her birthday ... and he used a photo from their Paris bae-cation where the two posed in front of the Eiffel Tower.

"What’s understood don’t needa b said," the 22-year-old said in the caption, "u the one and already kno how we rockin shordy."

"I love you and happy birthday baby blessings everywhere 😘🛸💕"

Things are obviously lookin' pretty serious between the All-Star and the fashion influencer ... who went public with their relationship in June, though they've been linked together for longer.

Montana -- who's in her 30s -- has been very supportive of Melo's career, including his launching of his LaFrance fashion line. She's even been modeling his women's clothes on social media.

"Always reppin," Montana said at a recent LaFrance event.

8:57 AM PT -- Amar'e Stoudemire is clearing up comments he made over the weekend where he passionately lashed out at anyone who hasn't publicly condemned the Hamas terror attack in Israel.

"I recognize that in a moment of passion that there is a better way that I can communicate my emotions about the conflict. I pray that the parties involved are able to find a resolution."

Stoudemire continued ... "I pray for the people of Israel. I pray for the people of Palestine. I stand with humanity."

Amar'e also addressed his comments about BLM.

"To Black Lives Matter and the Politicians. I recognize that it is everyone’s choice if they want to speak about the conflict and that while I may want people to say more, that there is a better way that I can communicate that," Amar'e wrote.

"I want to make sure to mention that I am thankful for all of the work that people as a whole have done so far for their communities and I hope that we all strive to do more. 🏁"

Despite clarifying his comments, AS made it clear ... "This is not a apology"

Former NBA star Amar'e Stoudemire -- who converted to Judaism and spent several years playing basketball in Israel -- sounded off on Hamas in an emotional video ... saying point blank, "If y'all support it, f*** you!"

The 40-year-old posted the clip to his social media page over the weekend ... blasting the militant terrorist group as "cowards" -- while strongly urging people to condemn the org.'s actions.

"I woke up this morning with some disturbing news out of Israel that Hamas are kidnapping children, putting them in cages, killing women, killing the elderly. That’s some coward s***," he said.

"That's cowardly," he added. "And for all y'all Black Lives Matter who ain’t saying nothing, 'Well, let me figure out exactly what happened before I say anything,' f*** you."

Stoudemire, who converted in 2018, then continued his impassioned rant for several more seconds ... repeatedly calling Hamas' actions "coward s***."

"All you politicians who always have something to say on the contrary, I see you. F*** you," he said. "All you Black Lives Matter people who always have something to say and always support everything else, and you quiet now, f*** you too."

Stoudemire first joined the Israeli Basketball Premier League in 2016 ... and went on to play a couple seasons for two teams in the organization. In his video over the weekend, he praised Israel as the "only place in the world where I can go and study Torah and eat kosher food."

"Only place in the world!" he said. "Some coward s***, dog."

Matt Barnes feels Damian Lillard getting traded to the Bucks -- instead of his preferred destination of the Heat -- is a blessing in disguise ... telling TMZ Sports he believes the All-Star guard has a better chance at winning an NBA title in Milwaukee than he would in Miami.

The "All The Smoke" podcast host and ex-NBA star gave us his take at the 5th Annual KiKi Shepard Celebrity Golf Classic last week ... and he says even though Lillard didn't end up in South Beach like he reportedly requested, he should be more than thrilled with the outcome.

"I'm excited for Dame," Barnes said. "Obviously he wanted to go to Miami. That didn't happen, but for him to have the opportunity to win, I think is the key and the goal and him teaming up with Giannis [Antetokounmpo] is definitely gonna give him a great opportunity to win a championship."

"I think probably even a better opportunity than he would had in Miami."

Of course, some fans might not agree -- the Heat have been to the NBA Finals twice since the 2020 season ... and Jimmy Butler is one of the best playoff players in the league.

However, Butler, coach Erik Spoelstra and the Heat came up short both times ... where the Bucks made the Finals and won in 2021 -- their first appearance in over four decades.

"Bucks are high," Barnes said. "It's gonna be a fun season."

KD's going by a different set of initials now -- the NBA superstar played a key role in Drake's highly anticipated album "For All The Dogs" ... serving as A&R for the project!!

Drizzy dropped his eighth solo studio album early Friday morning ... and as it turns out, Kevin Durant was involved in bringing it to fruition.

The Phoenix Suns baller is listed on the credits as an A&R -- short for "artists and repertoire" -- a position that's held by someone who helps put the album together.

Durant -- who was traded to Phoenix in February -- took pride in his role ... and shared the accomplishment on his own Instagram story.

"The greatest," the 2-time NBA champ said of Drake. "6godAM ... for all of us."

Drake also name-dropped his music partner in the track, "All The Parties" ... saying, "Me and KD 'bout to turn up the art."

KD is known to be a big supporter of Drake -- he was even spotted lightin' it up in the crowd at his recent show at the Forum.

The 35-year-old forward also walked out with Drake during his Austin concert last month.

FYI, Durant has also taken a stab at being a hip hop artist himself under the name "Sniper Jones."

Michael B. Jordan y Steve Harvey están mostrando señales de que todo está bien entre ellos, a pesar de la ruptura del actor con la hija de Steve, Lori Harvey.

Michael y Steve estaban muy contentos en los juegos de la NBA Abu Dhabi el jueves, abrazándose y dándose la mano en la cancha. Michael tenía una enorme sonrisa y le dio un buen apretón, mientras un grupo de amigos a su alrededor no pudo evitar sonreír también.

Parece que no hay resentimientos entre ellos. Como informamos, Michael y Lori, terminaron su relación en junio pasado, alrededor de un año después de que empezaran a verse. Ella también borró de sus redes sociales cualquier indicio del actor.

Nunca hubo información oficial sobre los motivos que llevaron a la ruptura, pero Lori habló de banderas rojas en la relación un par de meses después de que todo se acabara, diciendo que estar demasiado cerca de una ex pareja era uno de los principales.

También se habló de que Michael, de 35 años, estaba listo para sentar cabeza y casarse, mientras que Lori, de 26, no lo estaba.