NBA News Roundup: New Orleans Pelicans star looks in sublime shape in commercial, Doc Rivers confesses his love for Philadelphia 76ers guard, and more - June 22, 2022
With the NBA season officially coming to an end, you'd think that news and rumors would be winding down. However, that is not the case as things are set to go into overdrive.
With one eye on next season, franchises are gearing up for a busy summer. Many teams will make changes across the board while others are expected to only shuffle their rosters.
With that said, here is the NBA news round-up for June 22, 2022, brought to you by Sportskeeda.
"I love him" - Doc Rivers on James Harden
There has been a lot of talk about James Harden's contract and whether the superstar will remain in Philly beyond this summer.
However, head coach Doc Rivers has made his feelings clear about Harden. When asked whether Harden would remain with the team, Rivers said:
"I am excited, very. I love him. A huge deal, yes."
Doc Rivers tells TMZ Sports he's sure James Harden will sign a "huge deal" with the 76ers ... telling TMZ Sports he enjoys coaching the star guard and loves having him on the team. tmz.me/I5PTuEY
2022 NBA Finals viewership higher than 2021
The 2022 NBA Finals brought in 24% more viewers than the 2021 Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns. Game 6 of this year's Finals was watched by nearly 14 million people.
Games 5 and 6 of the NBA Finals were watched more than iconic shows America's Got Talent and 60 minutes. The NBA Finals were broadcast on ABC and the NBA League Pass.
BAY AREA THIS IS FOR YOU https://t.co/RB2do2Wjph
Images emerge of Zion Williamson in fine shape
New Orleans Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson has copped plenty of criticism ever since he joined the NBA. He constantly made headlines for his weight and even missed an entire season due to injuries. However, it appears as though Williamson is now in top shape and looking forward to next season.
As part of a Jumpman commercial, Williamson was seen working out while promoting his second signature shoe with the iconic brand.
@jumpman23Locked in 👀 @jumpman23
Proud to announce my 2nd signature shoe is here. This spring, I trained on campus and now it’s time to show y’all what I been up to. The #Zion2 available tomorrow. https://t.co/NpIe63ltFM
Shannon Sharpe believes the LA Lakers will be the favorites if they sign Kyrie Irving
A reunion between Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving and LeBron James could be on the cards. The Nets front office and Irving are at an impasse regarding the superstar's contract extension.
Shannon Sharpe doesn't believe that Irving will join the Lakers. But on the off chance that he does, Sharpe feels the Lakers will be the favorites for the championship next season. Sharpe said:
"I think it is very highly unlikely that they're able to do this, but if they were able to pull this off, I think that vaults them to the top of the leaderboard of the favorites to win the championship."
.@ShannonSharpe on the chances of the Lakers acquiring Kyrie Irving:
"I almost gave it a milk's chance which is 2% but I went even lower and said 1%. But if they were able to pull this off, I think that vaults them to the top of the list of favorites to win the championship." https://t.co/2L0P4DVBus
"It made me sick" - Skip Bayless on the Golden State Warriors' victory parade
The Golden State Warriors held a victory parade following their seventh NBA title. This did not go down well with sports media personality Skip Bayless.
"I didn't love anything about this parade. It made me sick. They make me sick. I don't get the Steph praise because all year long, beloved Steph got more and more showboaty on the floor as he shot a career-worst from 3."
"I didn't love anything about this parade, it made me sick. The Warriors make me sick. All year long beloved Steph got more and more showboaty on the floor as he shot a career-worst from 3. And now he belongs in the Top 10?!" — @RealSkipBayless https://t.co/XzrjCW841V