Retired (NBA)

Former Golden State Warriors player Tim Hardaway, who was part of the team's broadcast of Monday's game against the San Antonio Spurs, apologized for comparing a particular defensive play to rape.

"I used a poor choice of words earlier in the broadcast," he said as the contest went into the fourth quarter, per TMZ Sports. "I want to apologize for that. And, you know, let's get back to the game. And, let's finish this game off with a 30-point win and go home happy."

Hardaway was joined by Chris Mullin and Mitch Richmond in the broadcast booth as the Warriors celebrated their "Run TMC" era.

When talking about a physical defensive play, the former point guard said, "See, ya'll thought that was great D, I thought that was just raping him. I think he should have called the police on that."

TMZ noted Hardaway also drew criticism in 2007 when he said "I hate gay people" during an appearance on The Dan Le Batard Show.

The 56-year-old played for Golden State from 1989-90 until the 1995-96 season, when he was traded to the Miami Heat. He also played for the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers during his career that ended after the 2002-03 campaign.

As for Monday's contest, the Warriors defeated the Spurs 132-95.

They are still just 6-8 on the season but have won three of their last four.

Retired NBA star Lamar Odom divulged this week that the Los Angeles Lakers NBA championship rings he pawned in 2016 have since been returned to him.

Speaking on his On The LO podcast (h/t TMZ Sports), Odom said he ran into the fan who bought his rings at a Lakers game on Oct. 20, and the fan told Odom he should have the rings back since he earned them.

Odom said he sold the rings in 2016 to pay for medical bills after nearly dying from a drug overdose at the Love Ranch brothel in Nevada in 2015. The rings ultimately went up for auction in 2020, selling for $36,600 and $78,000, respectively.

The now-42-year-old Odom was a key member of the Lakers teams that won back-to-back NBA titles in 2009 and 2010, primarily serving as the team's top option off the bench.

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol were the driving forces, but it can be argued that Odom was in the mix as the No. 3 option on those teams along with oft-injured center Andrew Bynum.

Odom missed only four games during those two championship seasons, and he averaged 11.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 block and 1.0 steal per contest.

While the Lakers couldn't three-peat, Odom turned in one of the best individual efforts of his career in 2010-11 as well, winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award after averaging 14.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

Odom's career fell off significantly after that, as he played somewhat sparingly for the Dallas Mavericks in 2011-12 and the Los Angeles Clippers in 2012-13.

Following the end of his NBA career, Odom was in the news both for the breakdown of his publicized marriage with Khloe Kardashian and for his health issues following the overdose.

Most recently, Odom competed in a celebrity boxing match last year and took part in Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year.

Actor Jonathan Majors may be portraying basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman on the silver screen.

Justin Kroll of Deadline reported the actor "is in early talks to play Rodman" in the movie 48 Hours in Vegas that will chronicle the five-time NBA champion's trip to Las Vegas during the Chicago Bulls' title-winning season in 1997-98.

Rodman is set to be one of the executive producers.

The trip was given a featured segment during ESPN's The Last Dance documentary chronicling the Bulls team that finished off the second of two three-peats during the 1990s.

While the eccentric forward was widely known for some of his off-court activities like the trip to Las Vegas, he was also an integral part of the team's championship victory that season.

The defensive superstar led the NBA with 15.0 rebounds per game, marking the seventh consecutive campaign he led the league in that category. He also played important defense on Karl Malone during the NBA Finals victory over the Utah Jazz.

As for Majors, he is known for his role in Lovecraft Country, Da 5 Bloods and Loki, among a number of other acting credits.

Chris Chester lost his wife and daughter in the January 2020 helicopter crash that killed nine people, including Kobe and Gianna Bryant, and his family was awarded $19.95 million in a settlement with Los Angeles County.

Brent Schrotenboer of USA Today reported the agreement covers the $15 million verdict Chester won in a trial against the county in August and additional money to guarantee he doesn't look for future litigation in relation to the crash.

Both Chester and Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Kobe Bryant, sued the county for invasion of privacy and alleged members of the sheriff's and fire department took photographs of the crash scene for their own personal use.

The case went to an 11-day trial, and the jury ruled the county violated their constitutional rights.

Bryant—who has not settled with the county like Chester—was also awarded $15 million, although it was initially reported as $16 million. It was reduced by $1 million because of an error on the verdict form.

Schrotenboer noted Los Angeles County paid $1.25 million each in settlements to two other families who lost people in the crash. Those families did not take their cases to trial, while Bryant and Chester did in front of a jury that awarded the damages for past and future emotional distress.

Bryant's attorney, Luis Li, said she will donate the money to the Mamba and Mambacita foundation to honor her husband and daughter.

According to the Mamba and Mambacita foundation's website, it is "dedicated to creating positive impact for underserved athletes and boys and girls in sports" and "founded through the vision and loving memory of Kobe and Gianna 'Gigi' Bryant."

Auction site Bonhams has estimated that a pair of tickets from Michael Jordan's debut game on Oct. 26, 1984 could sell for between $200,000 and $300,000.

Per Bonhams:

By far the most desirable and rarest of tickets, is the iconic red and black box office ticket which was only available at the venue and features the Chicago Bulls logo and silhouette of Chicago Stadium. It's these tickets that truly evoke the image of the young Bulls prospect on the verge of superstardom.

To find a pair of these red and black ticket stubs to this iconic game is exceptionally rare. A full red and black ticket from this game, believed to be the only unused example ever discovered, sold in February 2022 for $468,000.

It is believed to be the first time that a pair of the red and black box office tickets from Jordan's debut game has ever been sold.

One of the tickets has "Michael Jordan's first game" written in pen on the back and also includes a signature from former DePaul basketball star Dallas Comegys, who was sitting in front of the person who owned the tickets to the game.

Jordan scored 16 points and added seven assists, six rebounds, four blocks and two steals in Chicago's 109-93 win over the Washington Bullets.

The ring given to Bill Russell for his 1975 induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is up for auction.

SCP Auctions estimated the ring's value at $150,000 to $250,000.

Russell refused to accept his Hall of Fame ring for more than 40 years because he did not feel it was appropriate for him to be the first Black inductee. He held a private ceremony with family and close friends in 2019 to finally accept the ring.

In a private ceremony w/my wife & close friends A.Mourning @AnnMeyers @billwalton & others I accepted my #HOF ring. In ‘75 I refused being the 1st black player to go into the @Hoophall I felt others before me should have that honor. Good to see progress; ChuckCooperHOF19 @NBA pic.twitter.com/2FI5U7ThTg

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) November 15, 2019

After winning nine rings as a player, Russell became the Celtics' player-coach for his final two NBA seasons and added another pair of championships. He was the first Black coach in NBA history and remains the record holder for the most titles for an NBA player (11).

A pioneer on and off the court, Russell died in July at age 88. The NBA announced plans to retire his No. 6 across the league last month.

A feature documentary on one of the NBA's most potent scoring trios is on the way.

According to Deadline's Matt Grobar, former Golden State Warriors stars Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin, who are known collectively as Run TMC, will be the subjects of the documentary to show "how they set the stage for the present-day dynasty of the world-champion Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green."

MSM, which recently produced the seven-part documentary series The Captain on New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter, has partnered with the studio RTG Features for the new project. David Charles Rodrigues has been tabbed as the director of the feature, which was developed and will be executive produced by the duo of Coodie & Chike.

"The Splash Brothers wouldn't be here if it weren't for Run TMC," Rodrigues said. "They may have never won a title, but they changed the game forever. Every great sports dynasty has an origin story, and there are none that are as fun, transformative and action-packed as the Warriors."

Ritchmond, Hardaway and Mullin played together for just two seasons from 1989-90 to 1990-91, but they made their mark with their flashy style of offense under Hall of Fame head coach Don Nelson. The documentary will explore their long-lasting friendship.

"Billed as 'the most fun fun sports doc of all time,' the as-yet-untitled feature will be a three-man weave combining basketball, hip-hop, the Bay Area and late-'80s/early '90s nostalgia," Grobar wrote.

After not making the Los Angeles Lakers roster out of summer league, Shareef O'Neal took criticism from Robert Horry in stride Wednesday.

Speaking on his Big Shot Bob podcast (h/t Jonathan Sherman of LakersDaily.com), Horry questioned O'Neal's competitive fire and revealed that he almost placed a phone call to Shareef's father and former Lakers teammate Shaquille O'Neal.

Shaq, of course, was a 15-time All-Star, four-time NBA champion, three-time Finals MVP and one-time NBA MVP.

"I picked up my phone, and I was getting ready to call Shaq like, 'Yo man, you gotta tell your son … he can't be playing off the damn O'Neal name. He gotta go out there and play.' You gotta put forth some more effort man. You know Shareef's such a nice kid, that I don't know if he has that dog in him to go out there and take what he wants."

To Shareef's credit, he seemingly didn't take offense to Horry's comments and vowed to utilize what has been instilled in him by his Hall of Fame father:

https://twitter.com/SSJreef/status/1554965326852341761

Shareef took a long, winding road to his NBA opportunity.

He was enrolled at UCLA from 2018 to 2020 but missed an entire season as a medical redshirt after he was found to have a heart condition.

Shareef transferred to his dad's alma mater, LSU, in 2020 and spent two seasons with the program, averaging 2.9 points and 2.1 rebounds in 14 games in 2021-22.

O'Neal went on to play six summer league games and averaged 4.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 10.9 minutes per contest. That may not have landed him an NBA contract, but it did secure him a G League deal.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported last month that O'Neal signed a six-figure deal with the G League Ignite squad, meaning he will have additional chances to impress and perhaps make an NBA team at some point.

Few people in American history, both inside and outside of the sports world, made as meaningful of an impact and left as lasting of an impression as Bill Russell did.

It comes as no surprise, then, that so many members of the NBA family paid tribute to the legend after his family announced Sunday he had died at the age of 88:

A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/RdYcnuCrmb

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 31, 2022

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Bill Russell: pic.twitter.com/DGX6ukOT4b

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) July 31, 2022

This is a tremendous loss for the entire basketball world. Cookie and I are praying for the Bill’s family and loved ones, our NBA family, and the entire basketball community. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/kJvF5uBZFI

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022

Rest In Peace 🕊thank you for paving the way and inspiring so many Today is a sad day but also great day to celebrate his legacy and what he stood for 💚 pic.twitter.com/kvDaIsjpGG

— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022

I’m honored to be able to have spent time with you @RealBillRussell thank you for everything you stood for you #forever6

— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022

pic.twitter.com/tlKQeFJP4f

— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022

Thank you for everything! R.I.P Legend 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tn2iGsArav

— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) July 31, 2022

This is a teary-eyed Sunday knowing that we lost a legendary human being @RealBillRussell His dedication to civil-rights, human-rights and the sport of basketball puts him beyond legendary status. That smile will be missed. pic.twitter.com/fmZSmFVkqp

— Robert Horry (@RKHorry) July 31, 2022

I’ll never forget this day we was like kids sitting around a camp fire listening to your stories pic.twitter.com/ZX3DDPRAwt

— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) July 31, 2022

Thank you for all you did for us and this game. Thank you for paving the way. Respect and Love always. Rest in Paradise. 🙏🏿🕊🐐. https://t.co/BglOLLohHI

— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) July 31, 2022

RIP Bill Russell ☘️

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) July 31, 2022

https://twitter.com/IsiahThomas/status/1553797801187938304

12 time @NBA All-Star
11 NBA rings
5 MVPs
No 3-point line
No social media
Just played and dominated in a day and a league that was def not soft. @celtics to the core ☘️
RIP @RealBillRussell 😢 #LEGENDARY pic.twitter.com/mG7K1AOfQq

— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) July 31, 2022

Unapologetically himself at all times!! The ultimate leader and just happened to be one of the best hoopers ever! RIP Mr Russell, you will be dearly missed 🙏🏾🕊 pic.twitter.com/30xXhoGXsj

— Chris Paul (@CP3) July 31, 2022

A champion who revolutionized the game for all of us. Bill Russell was an inspiration to me in so many ways. May he Rest in Power.

— Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) July 31, 2022

Steph pays tribute to Bill Russell 💙

[via @StephenCurry30] pic.twitter.com/tKaIq6tPTa

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) July 31, 2022

Coach Pop on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/89IrDvmIqO

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) July 31, 2022

Russell is synonymous with winning, taking home 11 championships in his 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics. No player in NBA history has won as many rings as he did, and he did so as a five-time MVP, 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection who was the focal point for his team and opposing defenses.

He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and remains one of the greatest players in the storied history of the Celtics.

The franchise honored him Sunday:

Bill was a champion unlike any other in the history of team sports - an 11-time NBA champion, including winning eight consecutive titles, a five-time MVP, an Olympic Gold Medalist and the NBA’s first Black head coach. (2/4)

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 31, 2022

Our thoughts are with his family as we mourn his passing and celebrate his enormous legacy in basketball, Boston, and beyond. (4/4)

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 31, 2022

Russell would have been an all-time great as just a player with the accolades he accumulated, but he was also a player-coach for Boston before coaching the Seattle SuperSonics and Sacramento Kings.

He is a Hall of Famer as a player and coach and was the first Black head coach in NBA history. Two of his rings came when he was a player-coach for the Celtics.

However, Russell's biggest impact may have came off the court. He was a notable civil rights activist even in the face of racism as a prominent Black athlete, which his family's announcement highlighted:

"But for all the winning, Bill's understanding of the struggle is what illuminated his life. From boycotting a 1961 exhibition game to unmask too-long-tolerated discrimination, to leading Mississippi's first integrated basketball camp in the combustible wake of Medgar Evans' assassination, to decades of activism ultimately recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010, Bill called out injustice with an unforgiving candor that he intended would disrupt the status quo, and with a powerful example that, though never his humble intention, will forever inspire teamwork, selflessness and thoughtful change."

Former President Barack Obama is the one who awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and he reflected on Russell's legacy as well:

Today, we lost a giant.

As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher—both as a player and as a person.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 31, 2022

For decades, Bill endured insults and vandalism, but never let it stop him from speaking up for what’s right. I learned so much from the way he played, the way he coached, and the way he lived his life.

Michelle and I send our love to Bill’s family, and everyone who admired him.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 31, 2022

Russell will forever be a legend both inside and outside of the NBA, which the reaction to his death further proved.

NBA legend Kevin Garnett didn't take too kindly to Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis' recent acknowledgement that he hadn't shot a basketball in two months.

Speaking on Showtime Basketball's KG Certified, Garnett laid out his feelings on the matter (57:59 mark).

"That s--t killed me, bro. He said he ain't touched the rock?!" Garnett said (h/t ClutchPoints). "... He can be so much better than what he is. I don't know what's around him. I would love to be able to work with somebody like that."

KG gave AD serious compliments, though, saying he should shoot for the 2022-23 NBA MVP Award and that there's "no way he's probably not top-10, top-five in this game." Garnett encouraged Davis to "come into camp better in shape than anybody and everybody" and "take the torch" from LeBron James.

In a Nuke Squad video that dropped June 10, Davis said he hadn't shot a basketball since April 5:

Davis played just 40 games last year because of injuries. He averaged 23.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.

He is one of the game's top players, an eight-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA first-team member who helped lead Los Angeles to the 2019-20 title.

Last year didn't go well for AD and the Lakers, who finished outside the playoffs with a 33-49 mark, but a rejuvenated Davis could certainly bring far greater success to L.A.