Rumors

It’s unfair that Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best power forwards in NBA history and also genuinely likable and funny. We rarely get to see NBA players outside of arenas during the season, but the two-time MVP took the time to appear on The Daily Show on Monday night, with comedian Hasan Minhaj filling in as guest host. A majority of Antetokounmpo’s time on the show was to promote his family’s foundation, named in honor of his father, Charles Antetokounmpo, but then there was time for comedy.

Deadspin.com

Well-versed in roasting and stand-up circles, Minhaj has the ability to comedically take down any adversary. Giannis isn’t exactly known for trash talk despite how bubbly his personality is. His first quip takes a minor dig at Luka Dončić and new teammate Kyrie Irving, but you can tell he’s even a little bit uncomfortable saying those things about his contemporaries. Minhaj can tell, and took over for the seven-time All-Star.

Deadspin.com

Hasan Minhaj: "For me, Game 6 was probably one of the worst American tragedies in history. So we can talk about what happened with Vlade, we can talk about the pinky on Shaq's palm and that being a foul, we can talk Webber. getting called on offensive fouls while Rober Horry is winning an Oscar in flopping, but I wanna talk about your moment with Kobe and the elbow to you. The inbound pass is coming and you get called for the foul." Mike Bibby: "He did it kind of smooth like a savvy veteran would do and made it look like it wasn't on purpose...It's a different ball game if we get that call....We get that call, it's our ball 10, 11, 12 seconds left down 1 and it's a different story, and I love playing in LA. so it probably would have been bad for them."

YouTube

Another crucial aspect to “Linsanity,” as the fan craze around the ballplayer became known, was his identity as an Asian-American athlete. On Monday, following the film’s premiere, Tribeca will host a conversation featuring Lin and moderated by Hasan Minhaj about the perception of Asian-Americans in sports and racism in America.

deadline.com

So why doesn’t Minhaj stake his claim in the Kingdom? Simply put: the blowback from poor decisions isn’t worth the perks of joining. “Right now management is constantly under fire. It’s not a money-making move. My intention is I just want to bring pride back to the city.”

Sactown Royalty

Award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson, comedian Tiffany Haddish and Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley are among the presenters announced Thursday for the NBA Awards show on June 24. Other award presenters include WNBA star Candace Parker, supermodel Ashley Graham, comedians Amanda Seales and Hasan Minhaj, actor-producer Justin Hartley and actress Issa Rae.

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