Byron Scottthinks top NBA players should take a more active role in advocating for Black coaches ... just like Kobe Bryant did for him back in the day.
59-year-old Scott says he likes and respects Steve Nash -- but couldn't help but feel disappointed when he saw the Brooklyn Nets hired Nash as head coach over other well-qualified Black candidates.
"My first thought was why didn’t Mark Jacksonor some other African-American guys who have coached in this league at least get an opportunity to coach with the Brooklyn Nets?"
Fact is, Scott says ... "We don't get jobs that are that set and that good -- where you got 2 stars like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant."
Scott believes Black coaches usually get opportunities with teams that are in pretty bad shape ... unlike Nash and the stacked Nets.
Scott says his opinion is based on his OWN experience -- he took over the Hornets when they were only an 18-win team and New Jersey coming off a 20-win season.
"We don’t get those jobs where there is built-in superstardom guys on that roster right away."
"We get the kind of jobs where you have to make something out of nothing and when you don’t or you’re not able to do it, they’ll say, 'Well, we gave him the opportunity.'"
So, what's the solution? Scott says he wants to see more powerful NBA players go to bat for Black candidates.
"Our players don’t do a good enough job for advocating for Black coaches and that's just something that we need to change as well."
Scott says when he was up for the Lakers head coaching job back in 2014, it was Kobe Bryant who had his back with upper management ... and lo and behold, he got hired.
Charles Oakley is straight-up confused about why the Brooklyn Nets hired Steve Nash as their new head coach ... when there are so many other qualified coaches with actual coaching experience!
The NY Knicks legend didn't beat around the bush when we asked him about the Nash hiring ... telling us straight up, "We need more Black coaches in the NBA."
Oakleys says like everyone else in the NBA world, he had no idea Nash was even interested in a coaching gig ... "but that's how the world is."
"People hire their friends, people that they believe in. Somebody must believe in Steve Nash, a great player."
But, Oakley says there are plenty of Black coaches -- like Mark Jackson, Pete Myers and Jason Kidd -- who have been waiting for jobs ... and got beat out because "this guy comes out of the blue."
"That goes to show you we're still behind the 8 ball," Oak says ... "That's what we're trying to fight for, equal opportunity."
"Hopefully, We can get more Black coaches in the NBA because it's a Black league. We should have more Black coaches. More Black owners and GMs."
In case you're wondering, in the 2018-19 season, roughly 82% of NBA players were people of color, according to an ESPN report.
Oakley -- who just joined the new season of "Dancing with the Stars" -- says the level of coaching in the NBA playoffs has been bad ... and it's about time teams upgrade to people who have a legit resume.
The newest Brooklyn Nets head coach celebrated his new gig with an Italian dinner at one of NYC's most popular restaurants on Thursday ... and you better believe TMZ Sports was there.
The interaction outside Carbone was super quick -- only 12 seconds long -- but Nash tells us he's already touched base with his teams 2 biggest stars, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant ... and they're excited to work together!!!
Nash was wearing a mask on his way out of the restaurant due to the whole COVID-19 sitch ... but we're guessing he had a huge grin underneath it, considering he just landed what many consider the best available coaching job in the NBA right now.
Of course, we had a LOT more we wanted to ask Nash ... but there's only so much you can do with 12 seconds. Hey, we'll take it.
As we previously reported, the NBA Hall of Famer signed a 4-year deal to take over as head coach of the Nets ... which came as a surprise as nobody knew that he had thrown his hat in the ring.
We look forward to another 12 seconds next time you're out, coach!!
Steve Nash has been tapped as the new head coach of the Brooklyn Nets ... leaving many wondering, WHAT?!!?
WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?!!
46-year-old Nash is a Hall of Famer and widely regarded as a genius when it comes to basketball -- but seems nobody had any idea he wanted to become a head coach!
The Nets say they secretly interviewed Nash -- along with a bunch of other top candidates -- as a full-time replacement for Kenny Atkinson, who was fired back in February.
Jacque Vaughn had taken over as interim head coach -- and the Nets liked him so much, he'll remain on the coaching staff under Nash.
Vaughn is reportedly now the highest-paid assistant coach in the NBA.
As for Nash, he signed a 4-year deal -- but so far, no word on the money. Not like he needs the cash, Nash reportedly made over $146 million in contract money during his NBA playing career.
“I am honored to have this opportunity with such a 1st-class organization," Nash said in a statement.
"Coaching is something I knew I wanted to pursue when the time was right, and I am humbled to be able to work with the outstanding group of players and staff we have here in Brooklyn."
Nash takes over a stacked Nets team that includes superstars like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
The Nets issued a statement about the hiring process to bring on Nash.
"After meeting with a number of highly accomplished coaching candidates from diverse backgrounds, we knew we had a difficult decision to make,” General Manager Sean Marks said.
"In Steve we see a leader, communicator and mentor who will garner the respect of our players."
Nash played 18 seasons as a player in the NBA -- and was a 2-time NBA MVP, 8-time NBA All-Star and 5-time assist champion.
After he retired in 2015, Nash became a player development consultant with the Golden State Warriors.
Brooklyn Nets star DeAndre Jordan is doing his part to personally assist those combating the coronavirus -- by surprising 200 frontline workers with free meals!!
TMZ Sports has learned -- the 6'11" center popped up at the myCovidMD in Los Angeles on Thursday ... teaming up with Postmates to provide the large group of workers administrating COVID tests with food from one of his favorite local joints -- Harold & Belle’s.
We're told Jordan hooked the workers up with chicken creole and his personal fav -- veggie jambalaya.
Of course, it's a great gesture coming from Jordan -- who was unable to compete in the 2020 NBA restart after testing positive for COVID-19.
Awesome move from the All-Star ... and now we're hungry for some Louisiana creole cuisine.
2:53 PM PT -- Jonathan Isaac just addressed the media, where he was asked to explain why he didn't kneel or wear a BLM shirt ... and he says a lot of it has to do with his religious beliefs.
UPDATE
Isaac said he believes Black lives do matter ... but doesn't believe the kneeling demonstration or BLM shirt "go hand in hand with supporting Black lives."
UPDATE
UPDATE
Isaac went on to explain how the teachings of Jesus Christ influenced his life and decisions ... and insists after much thought, the kneeling demonstration wasn't right for him.
UPDATE
"I think when you look around, racism isn't the only thing that plagues our society, that plagues our nation, that plagues our world, and I feel like coming together on that message that we want to get past not only racism but everything that plagues as a society. The answer to it is the gospel."
UPDATE
We think what Isaac is trying to say is his priority is on following the teachings of Jesus Christ, above all else ... including the Black Lives Matter movement.
Orlando Magic power forward Jonathan Isaac became the first NBA player to stand during the national anthem following the season restart ... deciding against both kneeling and wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt.
The league's coaches, refs and players -- from LeBron James to Zion Williamson -- have been using the anthem demonstrations to raise awareness as games pick back up in Orlando ... a gesture that is being supported by NBA commish Adam Silver.
Isaac became the first player to choose to stand as the anthem was played before the Magic's match-up with the Brooklyn Nets on Friday ... while the rest of the team's players and staffers took a knee.
It's worth noting -- Silver says everyone will have the option to kneel during the anthem without consequence ... despite a league rule requiring players to stand.
The same goes for anyone who wishes to stand -- no one is saying the players HAVE to kneel, either.
So far, Jonathan hasn't commented on his decision to stand publicly -- because the game is currently being played. But, when he does, we'll update here.
Charles Barkley spoke about the demonstrations on Thursday during TNT's "Inside The NBA," saying, "The national anthem means different things to different people."
"I’m glad these guys are unified. If people don’t kneel, they’re not a bad person. I want to make that perfectly clear. I’m glad they had unity, but if we have a guy who doesn’t want to kneel because the anthem means something to him, he should not be vilified."
The Magic released a statement in support of the demonstration, saying, "The DeVos Family and the Orlando Magic organization fully supports Magic players who have chosen to leverage their professional platform to send a peaceful and powerful message condemning bigotry, racial injustice and the unwarranted use of violence by police, especially against people of color."
"We are proud of the positive impact our players have made and join with them in the belief that sports can bring people together — bridging divides and promoting inclusion, equality, diversity and unity."
Brooklyn Nets star DeAndre Jordanjust revealed he has coronavirus ... and says he will NOT be in the Orlando bubble next month for the restart of the NBA season.
The 31-year-old former NBA All-Star made the announcement on social media, writing ... "Found out last night and confirmed again today that I’ve tested positive for Covid while being back in market."
Jordan continued ... "As a result of this, I will not be in Orlando for the resumption of the season."
The Nets are currently in 7th place in the NBA's Eastern Conference ... but will now be without their starting center when the season tips off again in July.
Jordan -- who was averaging 8 points and 10 boards a game this season -- isn't the only BK star who recently came down with the virus.
Spencer Dinwiddie announced this week he also tested positive ... but says he has not yet decided if he will attempt to rejoin his squad in Florida.
FYI, Kevin Durant also tested positive in March ... but has recovered from the virus. KD -- 'cause of his Achilles injury last year -- is out for the season.
The NBA restart has stirred up a ton of controversy ... with players from Kyrie Irving (another Net) and Fred VanVleet openly saying they don't support hooping again this year.
Still, the season kicks off July 30 -- and unfortunately for Brooklyn -- the big 7-footer won't be in the bubble as the Nets fight to remain in the playoffs.
NBA star Rudy Gobert says he's suffering from some awful side effects of the Coronavirus ... claiming he's lost his sense of both taste AND smell since his diagnosis.
"Loss of smell and taste is definitely one of the symptoms," the Utah Jazz center said Sunday. "Haven’t been able to smell anything for the last 4 days."
But, Gobert had seemed to be recovering well ... until this weekend, when he revealed he's having trouble tasting and smelling things.
"Anyone experiencing the same thing?" Gobert said.
According to reports, others with the virus have said they share similar issues ... although the CDC and WHO say the most common symptoms are fever, cough, fatigue and respiratory problems.
Rudy has apologized for carelessly exposing others before he was officially diagnosed ... and has since implored people to practice self-quarantining and social distancing to help stop the spread of the virus.
Did the NBA coronavirus suspension just breathe life into a possible NBA return for Kevin Durant?!?!
Sorry, Brooklyn Nets fans ... it sounds like the answer to that question is a big, fat NOPE ... 'cause KD's right-hand man, Rich Kleiman,says a summer return from his Achilles injury is "not very realistic."
Of course, the 31-year-old superstar went down with the injury in the NBA Finals last June ... and KD hasn't played a minute of NBA basketball since.
With the entire Association coming to a screeching haltlast week due to the coronavirus outbreak, many fans -- especially in BK -- speculated the suspension could be a blessing in disguise for Durant.
But, KD's longtime business partner, Rich Kleiman, put an end to the speculation on Monday ... telling ESPN the chances are slim he suits up in time for a potential playoff push for the 7th-seed Nets.
"Honestly, not very realistic from my standpoint, and not even spoken about," Kleiman told "Golic & Wingo."
At the time, KD was given a 12-month rehab timeline ... which would time up perfectly with the league's potential return date.
Regardless, Kleiman says don't hold your breath.
"It feels like (playing this season) clearly was not something that was in the cards prior to all this."
"And, now, I think just like the rest of the world, it's hard to take anything more than day by day."
Kleiman says the next step is figuring out the best place for KD to rehab while following the CDC's new recommendations ... which suggests no gatherings of more than 50 people.
And, if you know anything about KD ... he always draws an audience.
Meek Mill and a few friends teamed up to give back to kids who are sadly impacted by a broken prison system -- giving them major cash to blow ... and a chance to meet a G.O.A.T.
It all went down Saturday morning in NYC, where Meek, 76ers partner Michael Rubin, Brooklyn Nets co-owner Clara Wu Tsai, Nets player Caris LeVert and DJ Khaled himself all gathered with dozens of children and their families at the NBA Store for the generous holiday giveaway.
Saturday's event was put together by the REFORM Alliance -- the criminal justice org Meek and co. created to get people out from behind bars when they don't belong there.
Check out the clip though ... Michael, Meek and an apparent NBA Store employee explain to the group that each kid and family will get a minimum of $500 to spend on anything they want inside. Some bigger fams were given more to spend. All on the house, of course.
Kyrie Irving was in a giving mood before the rest of the Brooklyn Nets played the Chicago Bulls -- and it looks like karma paid him and his team back a few hours later.
The Nets' superstar point guard was greeted by a group of fans Saturday in Chi-Town, where we're told Kyrie took some time to chop it up with a group of youngsters. He went even further than that though ... handing out cold hard cash to the kids too.
TMZ Sports got ahold of video showing KI handing out what appears to be hundred dollar bills to the group that had congregated around the team bus. It looks like he dishes out a few bills he's got on hand, and toward the end ... seems to give away a stack.
Check it out ... Kyrie asks who's in charge of the group of kids -- and it seems like an adult answers him off-camera. Kyrie hands that person what looks to be more than just one hundred dollar bill ... and tells them to take care of the kids with it. Super nice, right?!
Well, it looks like the universe paid it forward soon afterward ... 'cause Kyrie's Nets squeaked out a win against the hometown team WITHOUT him being on the court.
He sat out for Saturday's game to due to a shoulder injury -- the first game he's missed as a Net since joining the team in the off-season. Good deeds equal good results ... noted.
Michael Rapaport ain't taking too kindly to Kevin Durant's uncool assessment of his beloved NY Knicks ... and sent this message to the Brooklyn Nets star:
"You got a big task in front of you -- you and your flat-earth friend, Kyrie Irving -- don't worry about the New York Knicks right now."
KD set social media on fire last week when discussing his decision to sign with Brooklyn instead of the Knickerbockers ... saying "The cool thing right now is not the Knicks.”
Durant basically said the Knicks haven't been good in decades and young people see the organization as more of a joke (since that's all they know) than a legendary franchise.
Enter Rapaport -- who'll stop at nothing to defend his beloved hoops team. He tells TMZ Sports KD is DEAD WRONG about the Knicks ... even if they've had their recent struggles.
"The Knicks are always gonna be cool," Rapaport told us Monday. "Don't worry about us. We know our deficiencies."
Rapaport has some advice for Durant, who's recovering from a torn Achilles he suffered during the NBA Finals ... saying the Knicks should be the last thing on his mind.
"You should just be chilling in a hyperbolic chamber getting your blood spun so we can see you back on the court."
Rapaport ain't holding a grudge against the superstar baller, though ... telling us he hopes to see Durant 100% in no time.
"We wanna see KD healthy, we wanna see him back on the court."
Allen Crabbe just got hit with 2 DUI charges after getting popped by cops on the Sunset Strip this summer ... TMZ Sports has learned.
The NBA baller was busted back on June 25 after cops say the 27-year-old was "straddling lanes" around midnight on the popular Hollywood street.
You can see what happens next in the TMZ Sports video ... cops conducted a field sobriety test on the 6'6", 212-pound small forward.
TMZSports.com
While it didn't outwardly appear Crabbe bombed the test ... police arrested him on suspicion of drunk driving.
Now, we've learned the L.A. District Attorney has hit Crabbe with one count of DUI of an alcoholic beverage and one count of driving with a .08 BAC or higher -- both misdemeanors.
Crabbe could face time behind bars for the offenses -- and he'll have to fight the case in court. His arraignment hearing is slated for next week in L.A.
Crabbe was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Atlanta Hawks shortly before his June pullover. In his NBA career so far, he's made close to $60 MILLION.
Carmelo Anthony is all in on joining forces with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn ... telling TMZ Sports he considers the 2 NBA superstars "family" ... and teaming up would be "bigger than basketball."
The 10-time All-Star has been jobless since November ... but has publicly made it clear he's NOT ready to ride off into the sunset just yet.
KD and Uncle Drew don't want that to happen either, with the new Nets ballers reportedly "pushing" for the team to sign the 35-year-old free agent.
We spoke with Melo out in NYC on Saturday night about being recruited by the pair of NBA champs ... and he seems more than ready to team up.
"That's family," Melo said. "So, that's bigger than basketball. If something happens, something's gonna happen."
Anthony also has a message for everybody campaigning to get him back in the league ... and says he's ready to get to work.
"I appreciate all my fans. Everybody, it's nothing but love. I'm good. Me and my family good. That's all that matters. I'm 10 toes down. I feel better than I've ever felt."
Kyrie Irving is getting a head start on building chemistry with his new teammates ... having a night out in L.A. with Caris LeVert and Taurean Prince ... and TMZ Sports has the vid!!!
The Brooklyn Nets trio hit up Wolfgang Puck's restaurant, Spago, in Beverly Hills on Monday night ... and everyone appeared to be in great spirits.
It should be encouraging to BK fans to see the NBA superstar hanging with his new guys, considering there were reports he wasn't getting along with his teammates in Boston ... and of course, there was a MAJOR falling out in Cleveland.
No word on who paid the bill at dinner ... but KI has a new 4-year, $141 million deal he can put to good use!!!
Kevin Durant wants to make it crystal clear his old team deserves ZERO blame for his NBA Finals injury ... saying the Warriors didn't mishandle his calf injury and no one forced him to play.
KD is finally addressing the ruptured Achilles he suffered during game 5 against the Toronto Raptors ... saying Golden State didn't pressure him to come back early from a calf strain he sustained earlier in the playoffs.
“Hell, no. How can you blame [the Warriors]? Hell, no,” Durant told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
"Nobody never said a word to me during rehab as I was coming back ... Right when the series started, I targeted Game 5."
"Hell, nah. It just happened. It’s basketball. Sh*t happens. Nobody was responsible for it. It was just the game. We just need to move on from that sh*t because I’m going to be back playing.”
There ya go, critics ... straight from KD's mouth.
Durant also addressed the claims that Raps fans were applauding his injury ... saying he was in a daze and didn't hear anything, but added, "It will probably be the last time they will be in the Finals."
