Revisiting NBA players’ boldest claims from Taylor Rooks’ interviews as analyst signs with Amazon ft. Ja Morant’s 1v1 claim vs Michael Jordan
Sports journalist and broadcaster, Taylor Rooks, has reportedly reached an agreement with Amazon Prime Video to be the lead host of their NBA pregame, halftime and postgame shows for the 2025-26 season. Rooks currently serves as a features reporter for Prime Video's 'Thursday Night Football' program and also debuted as a sideline reporter during the 2024-25 NBA season.
The 32-year-old has garnered quite a name for herself with her interviews with NBA stars over the years. Many top players have felt comfortable enough around her to make some bold confessions that have gone viral on various occasions. With that, let's take a look at some of the boldest confessions by NBA stars during their interview with Taylor Rooks.
Revisiting NBA stars' boldest confessions during their interview with Taylor Rooks
#1 Ja Morant claiming he'd cook Michael Jordan in a 1v1 game
In an interview with Taylor Rooks in 2022, Ja Morant claimed that if he played in Michael Jordan's era, the six-time NBA champion would've been no match for him.
“I wish I would’ve played in his (Jordan's) generation, though,” Morant said. “Just how he go about the game, that mindset he had … I would like to play against him. … I would’ve cooked him, too."
Morant further claimed that nobody could match his confidence and that he could defeat anyone in anything.
“Nobody got more confidence than 12,” Morant continued. “I’m never go and say nobody gon’ beat me in one-on-one or anything.”
#2 Jaylen Brown claiming he'd win 5 championships by time he turns 28
During an interview with Taylor Rooks in 2018, the then-22-year-old Jaylen Brown claimed that he would win five championships over the next six years. When asked how many championships his 28-year-old self would have, the then-third-year guard did not hold back from setting high expectations for himself.
"I don't wanna jinx myself," Brown said. " But I don't play to lose, so I'mma go ahead and say five."
Jaylen Brown is currently 28 years old and won his first championship with the Boston Celtics last season.
#3 Bam Adebayo claiming he should've won back-to-back DPOYs
Speaking to Taylor Rooks in 2023, Bam Adebayo argued that he should have been chosen over Rudy Gobert and Marcus Smart for the Defensive Player of the Year award in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, respectively.
Adebayo cited his versatility in defending all five positions on the court as a clear differentiating factor. The Miami Heat star also pointed out that Gobert and Smart had clear shortcomings compared to him.
Bam Adebayo has finished top five for the DPOY award in the previous five seasons, however, he has yet to win the award.