Following the recent episode of First Take where JJ Redick seemingly aired his grievances about Doc Rivers, the Milwaukee Bucks head coach.
ESPN’s very own Stephen A. Smith proposed that none other than James Harden might have had a hand in shaping Redick’s opinions.
Stephen A. Smith alleges James Harden influenced JJ Redick’s ‘personal’ rant on Doc Rivers https://t.co/56FyD6eDXS pic.twitter.com/QTnsUDd8Lp
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 22, 2024
Smith pushed the narrative further by suggesting that the outburst was not purely based on Redick’s personal feelings.
“In his eyes, he’s giving basketball analysis,” Smith said of Redick. “But I think it extends beyond that when you use words like ‘lack of accountability’ and ‘throwing somebody under the bus.’ Clearly there’s more to it than just basketball there. And if you talk to anybody who talks to Doc Rivers, that’s what Doc Rivers is gonna say. ‘It’s personal between he and I’ and left it at that. Didn’t elaborate on it when I spoke to him about it cause you know I called to ask Doc Rivers.”
On his podcast, Smith speculated, “It was coming from an abundance of players who happen to feel a certain way about Doc Rivers.”
Adding to the mystery, Smith hinted at the possible influence of the Brooklyn Nets’ star (now a Clipper), James Harden, on Redick’s unprecedented rant against Rivers.
Smith expressed his belief that Redick was potentially repeating the sentiments of other NBA players, with Harden being the prime influence.
“I got the impression that JJ Redick’s words weren’t just coming from him,” Smith added on his podcast. “It was coming from an abundance of players who happen to feel a certain way about Doc Rivers. And I think it’s a safe bet in saying that James Harden, now a Clipper, the former Philadelphia 76er, playing under Doc Rivers last year, is one of those players.”
Initially, Smith attempted to remain neutral, fully understanding the nuances that come with professional players interacting with coaches.
Nevertheless, he admitted that Redick’s statement seemed suspiciously personal, something that could potentially influence basketball analysis.
Redick has often expressed his disdain for hot takes in sports discussions, striving to maintain a standard of integrity in analysis.
Smith’s allegations, if proven accurate, could push Redick to rethink these standards.
If false, Redick might find himself clashing with Smith, similar to previous instances where commentators were accused of letting personal biases affect their professional judgements.
The claims made by Smith have added fuel to the Redick-Rivers feud and drawn Harden into an ongoing debate.
While it’s uncertain how these revelations will affect the dynamics within the NBA, one thing is clear – it’s not just about basketball.
