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Report: Ex-Net Irving named exec at amoral Chinese Shoe Giant

 


According to Rolling Stone, current Dallas Mavericks shooting guard and ex-Net Kyrie Irving has been appointed to the role of Chief Creative Officer at ANTA, a China-based apparel company with questionable business practices, to put it lightly. 

Irving signed a five-year mega deal with ANTA last year after Nike suspended its partnership with him in light of him promoting a film with anti-Semitic tropes. 

The Nets and owner Joe Tsai suspended Irving after the incident last season and refused to reinstate him until he fulfilled a checklist of tasks. The list included reaching out and apologizing to members of the Jewish community.

ANTA has been under fire from not just the NBA, but the U.S. State Department for forced labor practices of Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, where they are subjected to inhumane conditions and considered to be a genocide. The atrocities in this region have been condemned by the United States and its allies and Irving's mere association and connection with ANTA's executive team is not only a public relations nightmare for the league, but brings into question Kyrie's moral compass in the eyes of many. 

Irving has long since been a proponent of social justice and being the "voice for the voiceless." But his latest business dealings by aiding a company with ties to forced labor camps overseas, will continue to see him face harsh criticism domestically and abroad in the weeks and months ahead, and deservedly

Simmons laughs off question about his Sixers holdout when compared to Harden's



You can't fault the reporter for trying to get a reaction but Ben Simmons wasn't taking the bait. 

When asked by the media at HSS Training Center about how he spent his 2021 Sixers Media Day, a time during which he was away from the team, Simmons offered the run of the mill, "no comment," followed by a wry smile. 

The question, of course, pertained to James Harden's acrimonious relationship with Philadelphia and specifically general manager Daryl Morey.


Despite Harden claiming that he'd never play for a team where Morey is employed, the point guard has since reported to training camp, with many NBA insiders surmising that he'll make it as uncomfortable as he can for the Sixers.

With Harden trying to force the 76ers hand for a trade, Simmons is trying to get on the court and healthy for his first time since being traded to the Nets. 

While some Nets fans maintain optimism that Simmons will regain his All-Star form, neither Brooklyn nor Philadelphia can be overly pleased with their end of things at this point in time.

Lillard's trade to Milwaukee all but ends Nets, Knicks pipedream of landing Giannis




The chase for Portland superstar Damian Lillard was characterized all offseason as a one team race, but wound up seeing a dark horse team candidate emerge. The seven- time All Star has a new place to call home in Milwaukee.


Trailblazers GM Joe Cronin was issued a trade demand to one destination by Lillard, Miami.

An offseason staring contest between the two clubs front offices saw little to no progress all summer and into the fall. 

 Over the last two weeks, Bucks ownership took heed to Giannis Antetokuonmpo words of warning, when he remained non-committal about signing in Milwaukee long-term unless the team could guarantee they would be contending for titles.

 

The move for Lillard not only signals that the Bucks are serious about chasing Larry O'Brien trophies, but it also eliminates a lengthy list of possible suitors for their Greek star player services.

Both the Nets and Knicks were among eight to ten teams rumored to be part of a Giannis sweepstakes, should he double down on his win or else demands. 

It appears that Milwaukee has vaulted to the top of the Eastern Conference power rankings and teams like the Nets who are expected to go big star hunting in the off season ahead. Will need to look to other options. 


Irving challenges Barstool's Portnoy to 1-on-1

 



Dave Portnoy and Kyrie Irving are two entertaining and at times controversial Twitter accounts to follow. So when their worlds collide, you can expect fireworks.

Portnoy, the face of Barstool Sports included Irving in a post and referencing karma, to which Irving took exception.

Portnoy, along with all of Boston have no love lost for Irving, who indicated he was committing to the Celtics long-term, only to renig and sign with the Nets during the summer of 2019.

Irving has stayed out of the person battles-that was up until now. The NBA star issued Portnoy a man to man clash on the hardwood, to which the sports blogger and pizza reviewer obliged. 


Should Irving and Portnoy make this an actual event, it would break all ratings records, and the proceeds should be donated to a charitable cause.

Nets potential trade package for Dame revealed

 


The Brooklyn Nets are atop Damian Lillard's wish list if he moves from Portland this summer.

While Nets nation has mixed emotions about acquiring the 32-year old, seven-time All-Star, a potential trade package has surfaced.

Shams Charania of The Athletic speculates on the framework for a potential deal between Brooklyn and Portland.





As tempting as going big star hunting this offseason would be for the Nets, the better route for the long-term future is to engage Portland for a trade involving the No. 3 overall pick in a package centered on Mikal Bridges. 

Lillard has called Bridges the best small forward in the game and co-starring alongside him in the Pacific Northwest is a perfect pairing.

Brooklyn already went the route of purging future assets for declining superstars and if Sean Marks is playing the long game, acquiring Scoot Henderson at No. 3 overall is his best option on the table.

Two Ex-Nets aim for superteam reboot with Suns

 



Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden didn't exactly work out in Brooklyn. So why would two of the three superstars want to reunite in the Valley of the Sun to run things back?

ESPN LA's Romona Shelburne tells fans to keep an eye on Harden possibly making nice with Durant and joining him in Phoenix.



The Suns waived point guard Chris Paul on Wednesday, but left the door ajar for him to re-sign on a team friendly deal.

Although,  it does seems more likely than not that Paul will play elsewhere this upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Harden is reportedly torn between staying in Philadelphia or returning to his old stomping grounds in Houston.

While Durant and Irving continue to lobby for more stars to join their squads in Phoenix and Dallas respectively, Nets fans can sit back and watch the duo's tired act. 

Irving and Durant won't give up their schtick of playing general manager with shortsighted moves that will likely cost their teams in the long-run if they fail to win a title

With new CBA rules in effect, it's makes top loading rosters will bloated contracts financially burdensome and handcuffs GMs from building the rest of the roster will quality pieces. 

Bridges recruiting Celtics free agent to join Nets

 


Mikal Bridges hasn't been shy about trying to make Brooklyn a free agent destination, especially after the superstar Exodus that took place the last two years. 

The Nets are big game hunting this offseason as they likely plan to build around Bridges and match any offer for restricted free agent Cam Johnson.

Bridges will be turning 27 and entering the prime of his career. Grant Williams fell out of favor in Boston and head coach Joe Mazzulla buried him on the bench in the Eastern Conference Finals series loss to the Miami Heat.

Brooklyn needs at least two pieces to complete with the heavyweights in the east, but adding a selfless role player like Williams is an under the radar move that will help Brooklyn build a deeper rotation come playoff time.

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