JJ Redick addresses the FACE OF THE NBA to Stephen A. & Shannon Sharpe | First Take

[@Squeezemycrackers]

When JJ is on, he is the center of the show when it comes to basketball. Stephen A looks like a guest when JJ is on.

[@marsrecordings]

Another reason why SAS is great. He’s connecting and giving people a platform that are smarter than him. He also admits this many times.

[@aaronbarkley539]

Make sure you wipe off after slobbering on JJ's D little bro.

[@RobbieStacks90]

I can't take him seriously knowing that he's on the same tier as Luke Ridnour and Chris Dudley. It'd be like if Payton Prichard got hired by ESPN and started talking as if he were the face of the Celtics.

[@DP-gb8qu]

@@marsrecordingsno he’s not the people want JJ espn is bigger then SAS best believe if he had his option JJ would not be on here because he has made him look like a fool multiple times

[@jooniebewatchin]

@@RobbieStacks90 we get it, you noticed he’s white. Now go watch more film before you ever compare those names again.

[@xredgreenbluex]

Shannon said "relationship status" and they had to cut away lmao

[@soda8736]

He made a good point , Anthony Edwards is in some baby mama messy drama

[@triplethreathighlights3266]

That's why they shut it down real quick lmao...we know who the future face of the league is😂😂😂

[@TruuJones]

Their face when he said that 😂😅

[@lilmarleey]

@@soda8736umm he actually didn’t, only people that’s worried about these player’s personal lives are weirdos, I think majority of us just want to see them hoop

[@AdanBean]

I actually wanted to see where that went lol

[@easypac_73]

Let’s goooo they got JJ back on First take 🥳🥳

[@RobbieStacks90]

1) Never played for a national championship despite being a four year player on loaded teams in college 2) Was one of the few lottery picks in recent history to almost immediately be relegated to role player 3) Did absolutely nothing in the one NBA Finals he did play in Those are just the credentials I look for when I want someone's opinion about NBA topics.

[@easypac_73]

@@RobbieStacks90 😂😂😂 He played 15 seasons in the league homie, that’s more than you and I can even dream of. I’m pretty sure he is more than qualified to give his opinion.

[@marsrecordings]

What are the credentials of a couch potato giving his opinion on the millionaires doing work?

[@SupremeGon]

​@@RobbieStacks90trash take.

[@Squeezemycrackers]

and you are a mouth breathing roach who should put a ziploc bag over their head. Stop Yapping. @@RobbieStacks90

[@isaidwhatisaid5817]

JJ's face at 6:44 had him thinking wth are you talking about Shannon.

[@UnplayedGaming]

It sounded like he said Magic married Larry Bird like Lebron married Savvanah, but I know what he meant.

[@icydaddy]

and then sas' reaction😭😭😭

[@UnivalentpureG]

Shay delusional asf frfr

[@smalls123321]

Hahahahahahhahahaa

[@MiLLz830]

bro was flabbergasted

[@kingjames6731]

I love how they cuz cut off the Shannon sharpe take about marriage 😂😂😂😂😂 Producers said “nah nah nah….next topic lol”

[@treywilloughby7162]

lol right cause it was completely unrelated and JJ and SAS had no idea where he was going.

[@kingxavierlovely]

JJ laughed at Shannons question and I wish they didnt cut it off so I could see his response, but he's absolutely right. One of Lebron's and Stephs major contributing factors to the general public is Savannah and Ayesha along with their family units. Ant over here paying girls to get an abortion aint really the best look for the NBA

[@iam_nell]

Exactly I don’t see how ppl don’t understand that. If you’re single and in the streets the league doesn’t want that supposed image as their face.

[@soda8736]

Yes, but our society is so low on traditional values , people like JJ will say it doesn't matter , let them do whatever , meanwhile i dont have a bunch a baby mamas. Typical wokeness..

[@laxus6442]

Well, Americans so far are fkd then. Like you said, Ant is paying 100k for abortions, Tatum and Ja aint with the mother of their children, Zion already has a baby mama, Lamelo is with that adult star. Like jeez....

[@Maxrepfitgm]

​​@@soda8736We're low on traditional values like slavery and spousal abuse too. Why is it you people leave out so many traditional and biblical "values"? I guess being anti slavery and coming home from work and beating your wife is too woke as well. Lol revisionist history clowns longing for a romanticized past.

[@kingxavierlovely]

@@soda8736 I dont have a problem with "wokeness" because I think the more inclusive we are the better. But I do understand that the NBA is a business, selling a product, and people need to understand that Kobe for example became more loved when he became a girl dad, and not when he was facing sexual assault allegations. Its really that simple.

[@kristopherrobinson1167]

FINALLY!! PLEASE keep bringing JJ back on the show. Love the dynamic and actual debate when he comes on

[@PeePeeMilk]

There’s no way you can make a player that hasn’t won a championship the face of the league. Also, NBA won’t let an international player the face of the league either.

[@JK8]

He’s a fake smart guy

[@xxxxxJAYMILLZxxxxxxx]

He’s the only one who knows ball lol

[@StrongSmartBlackMan]

Wy bc he’s yt 🤨

[@nvm8824]

He can't because he calls games

[@atraina6921]

Shannon had a point with that “relationship status” or “off the court” status for players. When you look at LeBron, and Steph both of them have no known off the court issues. Great wife and kids which brings in a family man persona which makes them look like great role models for men, and present themselves as good men that women can find great to root for and watch.

[@rondoloso8047]

Foh u a dack hawk just like him

[@Marcus-ge5lw]

Magic ?

[@versettiii5145]

@@Marcus-ge5lwdifferent era , can’t compare to what’s happening in the 2020s.

[@Lo_2xx]

Didn’t lebron just get caught liking girls picture a few days ago lmao

[@atraina6921]

@@Lo_2xx Liking a girls picture even if that’s true is not the same as what’s going on in Anthony Edward’s or Zion’s situation.

[@kashifsingh791]

JJ Face when Shannon brought up relationship status 😂

[@lilmario0]

When was that

[@Saveyourbs]

Funniest part

[@rmirandagrajales]

I want the uncut version of Shannan discussing how marriage life is important as an all star player

[@jerrardwelch2272]

I completely understand what Shannon was saying, but he lost it with LBJ and Savannah. The league needs rivals or as he said a marriage, where they can market key superstars together. That's all Shannon was saying.

[@StretchCameron]

I really wanted to hear JJ’s response to Shannon at 6:47

[@McYT1991]

Yeah. That was a stupid take hahahahahaha!

[@jamesmiller5331]

I think ESPN's KZbin team saved Shannon's life there

[@MrHelloWorld14]

I don’t think it was a dumb take, I think there’s nuance to being deemed face of the league. The example of “relationship status”, at face value is an odd thing to bring up, yes, but it encompasses the outside factors that not only makes one a great candidate for face of the league but also an ambassador of the league. Basketball play is the most important, but Kobe didn’t really become that until he got through his scandal; gave that title to Larry during his HIV battle; although Jordan wasn’t marred by his gambling, in hindsight it may have muddied that title, right? Safe to say, folks wouldn’t look at Ja as it. Ant man, maybe, but baby mama drama ain’t a good look. Safe to say, International players are more likely to get that title once KD, Steph and Bron leave. I wouldn’t say it was a dumb take, but I was intrigued to see where he was going with it. Definitely worth asking.

[@rashb3994]

The take would've been okay if he said Magic/ Bird, Lebron/Steph like duality. No he said Lebron / Savannah 😂😂😂 what? Wemby / Chet would've been better.

[@unc54]

@@MrHelloWorld14 I get what Shannon was getting at but I think he went about the wrong way. I mean just look at himself and SAS. Neither are married nor have been married, but both are faces of sports media.

[@Negus-Abebe]

Why is Reddick so aggressive & angry when on ESPN, but so chill on his own podcast?

[@Chudsic]

gotta fit the ESPN narrative haha

[@armanvranka7520]

His podcast is like a controlled ramble anyway

[@LeonarRonquillo]

Because at least in his own podcast, players themselves can voice their own opinions on different matter. With ESPN, the bias against specific players is very obvious. And most of these guys outside JJ barely give love to international players and is pushing their narrative about Edwards, or Ja, or Tatum being the face.

[@Windmill360]

Matching Stephen A's energy

[@Sensational1008]

Sharks !

[@LexiSantos]

Relationship status? I wanted to see where that went! 😂

[@soda8736]

Mabye he was getting at how Lebron and Steph are buttoned up family men, and Ant out here getting two women pregnant at the same time.

[@JarivLetap]

@@soda8736send da video

[@Shortballa11]

Stability in your personal life contributes to success in your outward life. ITs less distractions if we are being real. They shouldve let that convo play out

[@Shaolin91z]

Just like politics....don't need another jfk Marilyn Monroe 😅

[@lionelphillips5450]

😂

[@xeon0998]

And LeBron became the face of the league cause ESPN told us he is, while mounting loss after loss. Then superteams after superteam All while ignoring that his reign hs been the lowest viewed and constantly criticized for being the least competitive

[@bnww5022]

JJ Reddick is an AMAZING analyst. Him and Shannon should start a show. 👀

[@socialpower8376]

Everything ain't meant on a show 😅 it wouldn't work son

[@nubastyle]

THANK YOU JJ for saying that. ***ORGANIC***

[@karimw.9954]

ESPN has been pushing Anthony Edwards hard

[@CharifRocka]

​@@karimw.9954 The alphabets won't let that happen

[@vannq7785]

Kobe and Lebron were def not organic tho

[@slavko7898]

@@karimw.9954its sad i hope it blows up in their face forcing this narrative no hate to ant but media makin me hate him

[@ryanlebard3787]

JJ with Shannon and Mad dog would be elite on Wednesdays

[@tigerhoods7927]

Umm no mad dog is trash

[@ajpdeschenes]

Can't stand Mad Dog.

[@romanthegreat4994]

He means entertainment wise guys. Imagine mad dog and Shannon heated debates with jj chiming in taking Shannon side against mad dog 😂

[@ryanlebard3787]

@@tigerhoods7927mad dog is hilarious… ya I get it he’s old school … , but guess what , we are all gonna be the old man defending the stars from our generation 30-40 years from now…, so I have some respect for him doing it

[@Sam................]

Love mad dog

[@jicalzad]

I like Ant Edwards & Luka as face of the league, but i agree with JJ that they both need to be able to win a championship first.

[@D_Dubs00]

Stop hyping up ANT 🐜 Man U see that skills challenge he shoot lefty with no skills!!! Terrible shot!!!!!

[@casiemny1219]

@@D_Dubs00ain’t hype. He’s the real deal, athletic, very skilled..but he can’t do things like he did at allstar weekend

[@eastgate6134]

Iverson was the face of the league(unofficially 😂) for a hot minute With no chips even with Kobe and Shaq

[@loganblack4885]

@@eastgate6134 Iverson was no face of the NBA 😂😂

[@jicalzad]

@@D_Dubs00all-Star weekend skills challenge? U evaluating his talent based on that? Try watching nearly every game he’s played the 1st half of this season. Evaluate his abilities based on that

[@os6064]

SOOOOO GOOOOD to see JJ back , he one of my fav analysts

[@Reezybag]

This is the best first take combo!

[@trogers7]

JJ, Uncle Shay and Pat are the future of ESPN. Love seeing Stephen A hold court / develop / partner with the next generation of elite on air talent.

[@nasirmills101]

Shannon and Stephen the same age what are you even saying

[@nekaneka-lo2js]

​@@nasirmills101we're did he mention ANYTHING about age?

[@nasirmills101]

@@nekaneka-lo2js how is someone the future of the network who is the same age as him?

[@nekaneka-lo2js]

@@nasirmills101 age has NOTHING to do with being the Future of a sports network.thry just sitting at a desk talking sports. Fool you think it's an age limit or something? Lol you really thought you was saying something but you just talking out your neck lol he meant future as in these will be the main stars well be seeing

[@JoeBudd-D]

Who is Shay?

[@Shark_In_The_Box]

jj's face when he said magic was married lol

[@haroldbrown893]

Family friendly

[@TONYchicago1111]

Shannon is atrocious. Shows been unwatchable since Max left. JJ and PatBev only dudes who draw since

[@sadariusburke1017]

@@TONYchicago1111 the numbers are higher so this is a lie

[@TONYchicago1111]

@@sadariusburke1017 lie more. Espn is in freefall

[@loveyourzzgg697]

@@TONYchicago1111boy u crazy asl Shannon is dope at what he do u tweaking

[@rudrake1923]

Ja and Zion stay fit and out of controversy could be a legit superstar rivalry

[@KNByam]

Its never happening after all that recently transpired with them off the court.

[@vanjones1749]

Agreed. Ja Morant game alone says must see face of the league but he had a lot of off court damage to heal

[@Shaolin91z]

Zion with an adult star 😆

[@dreadxplayzs7849]

Zion career ending fast

[@Marcus-ge5lw]

Zion is not in any controversy

[@joesilva8484]

Love listening to JJ talk basketball. He knows his hoops 👍🏀.

[@Jeremy-c2p]

Love when JJ is on the show!! Spitting facts and he’s a straight shooter!!

[@dh5363]

As a Celtics fan, they've been trying to push the Tatum status, but he's not it

[@dreadxplayzs7849]

Well luka to chunky to be the face it has to be somone explosive like tatum if he can win multiple chips back to back which I think tatum wil take on in the future

[@Kylekyling]

I said the same thing Tatum has no shot. Definitely doesn’t have the personality or edge to be the face of the league.

[@ballinforlife9]

It’s probably gonna be Tatum. If he wins a ring it’s 100% gonna be Tatum. It’s going to be a young American star and likely not going to be Ja or Ant for obvious reasons. Tatum is set up the best for it, large market team, always a contender, no drama, American born, T5-T10 right now, would be T5 for sure with a ring

[@Kylekyling]

@@ballinforlife9 Tatum has 0 personality and is boring in front of the camera. He’ll be one of the best players for years, but a guy like Tim Duncan has 5 rings but never had the personality to be considered the face… A guy like Edwards already has pierced other medias. Once/if he starts winning important games and matures a little he’ll surpass JT in terms of popularity… I’m a Cs fan and honestly Tatum isn’t very endearing or interesting…

[@LilBlAcK76]

too chunky?? this aint wwe lmao @@dreadxplayzs7849

[@outlander234]

Honestly I see Wembeyama as the face of the league. He seems to have level of seriousness toward the game you have seen in Jordan, Kobe, Lebron etc. Once they add few more pieces he will just about to start winning with his team as Lebron exits and that will be perfect passing of the torch. It only depends on the fact JJ said in the beginning... He has to start winning championships. Unless he injures himself he will be crazy dominant in next 5 years. He needs to score 30+ppg IMO.

[@cvgodd1432]

Americans don’t like French bro that won’t work lol.

[@mordakie3805]

I agree and he has welcomed the fans and media

[@Primitive_Code]

I don't see it. He's too skinny that's why Joel dumped 70 on him.

[@IsoAZ]

why wouldnt it be giannis lol, he has all the accolades, and even just got more fan votes for the all star game than lebron and steph

[@davemccrea9000]

@@Primitive_Code also considered too skinny at first were KD, Kevin Garnett, Giannis....

[@dawdle525]

It has to be earned you can’t give it to nobody

[@Black_Myth679]

I agree. During the time Lebron and Steph are on the way out somebody needs to start winning and showing that they’re the best. That’ll be the face of the league

[@jewel6799]

I agree.

[@giofzy]

As much as the relationship status thing sounded crazy it's lowkey a good point tho, the face of the league is someone who is looked up to, who people that don't know ball may get to know through him, and it's weird to think the face of the league would be a guy that poses with guns, that has 2 girls pregnant at the same time, that has a baby mama in each city lol, it's lowkey a good point by Unc...

[@MaluDeebo]

Bruh espn didn’t even give Shannon a chance to cook 😂😂😂 Glad to see JJ on the show again as well

[@ervo1989]

The fact that he said Tyrese name first I’m dead lol

[@kilzoldyck5114]

He is so fond of Haliburton

[@dontyurf]

it might sound crazy now but it may be true down the road

[@marcusgilmore5211]

@@kilzoldyck5114what’s wrong with him? Small market teams and players need the Recognition as well…

[@ervo1989]

@@dontyurf I’m not saying he can’t be but that’s the first person he thought to mention even tho theirs others that are closer even victor wembe closer

[@jermiaguilar9773]

Nahh Hali go be him trust me. He’s just starting as well man. Look how good that pacers team has turned since acquiring him

[@Dr._Wan___PharmD]

I bet SAS has a major issue with Ohtani being the face of MLB as a non American player.

[@jjboyz2410]

As he should this is America 🇺🇸

[@Jayoplantern]

Especially one who doesn't talk to the media @@jjboyz2410

[@legendtoni1094]

​@@jjboyz2410imagine being the only one to play a sport and others still being better 😂😂😂 MLB and NBA being dominated by foreigners

[@Gamechanger100vibe]

I don’t think SAS cares that much about baseball. 🤣

[@jackjohnson8244]

@@legendtoni1094 Basketball is world wide.

[@increasekru5123]

I'd say in a few years it's going to be Victor Wembenyama....

[@cobie11]

ong

[@TheJtrx123]

It literally is gonna be him , bro is a unicorn and already Top 5 is jersey sales like why do they not talk about this kid 😂

[@shiningwizard202]

@@TheJtrx123he’s still got A LOT to prove even with how impressive he’s been. I think he’s special enough that you can start having those talks after this year

[@Adj8llk]

Luka Magic era will begin 4 months from now when he wins his first ring and FMVP

[@superteerev]

Or Chet?

[@HimothyHimerson01]

JJ is so right, lebron was literally asked this 2 days ago and he said Anthony Edwards has the personality to embrace being the face. A guy like jokic or kawhi will never embrace being the face of the league

[@reiikistyle]

It’s a pretty well-known story that Giannis tried to save Jason Kidd’s job before the media announced he was fired lol. Jason Kidd even talked about it. Bud didn’t seem mentally there throughout the playoffs and seen by his absence from the sport this season, he’s still not there yet. Giannis does deserve some blame for Griffin, but only for the fact Nurse and Kenny Atkinson were available as candidates

[@angelbob77]

What about Giannis? Sure he isn't American but in terms of credentials, personality, character, mass appeal, etc he’s arguably the best candidate. Has a championship ring, Finals MVP, consecutive season MVPs, and still in his prime. He also embodies the immigrant story and has the wholesomeness factor Shannon mentions. Dude was grabbing Chick-fil-a the day after he won his ring. Always going viral for giving motivational answers about losing a playoff series or whatever. Family man and everything. Tapped into world of soccer/football and he’s friends with big stars in that realm as well. I would argue that he’s at the same level of super stardom as Steph and KD at this point(ok maybe not completely there but in my personal opinion at least). Lebron is still bigger but Giannis is right up there ahead of Joker and all the young up and coming guys like Luka, Ant, Tatum, etc. Personality wise I would put him ahead of anyone. I’ll always be biased to Embiid and my Sixers but Embiid is like the anti-Giannis you either love him or hate him.

[@youngcity4241]

If Giannis was American they would of gave him the face already he has more personality and aura then all these American guys

[@kalix975]

giannis is fake, he can't be the face of the league

[@svengaliUG]

Giannis got more All Star fan votes than LeBron this season. He would be the face if he was American

[@SM-zg8mi]

@@kalix975LeBron literally has compilation videos of him lying yet he’s still the face of the league.

[@dreadxplayzs7849]

luka to chunky to be the face it has to be somone explosive like tatum if he can win multiple chips back to back which I think tatum wil take on in the future

[@gridirongod4207]

In order to be the face of the NBA not only do you have to be exceptionally good but you got to be larger than life. LeBron is the most followed North American athlete on social media. He has like 160 million followers on Instagram Steph Curry has 56.2 million on IG. As far as the under 30 stars goes. Giannis - 16.2 million Luka - 8.7 million Tatum - 6.8 million Jokic - ZERO Edwards - 1.8 million

[@nothembajozi2862]

How many likes do these people receive. I am sure Lebron has bots like the Kardashian/Jenner girls. You're using the wrong measure if you're using Instagram follows .

[@shiningwizard202]

It’s not about Instagram followers, it’s about generated revenue.

[@richschneiderman613]

So we going by social media #s that can be faked n tampered with smh rediculous

[@prolific1518]

​@@shiningwizard202 fans and followers equal revenue. Try to keep up

[@Mbmbigh]

Please we need more JJ on the show

[@BasedStarClips]

Only in the US will they have a discussion about “will it be a problem if the best players in the NBA aren’t American born?”😂😂 God you guys need help💀💀

[@kadenstromans7436]

😂

[@jonahp03]

This won’t be a debate in a few years. Theres never been anyone like Wemby.

[@danielibarra5050]

Please stay healthy! Otherwise he will be Ralph Sampson.

[@L4pa100]

Kd? Only thing is wemby is longer ! Big deal lol

[@punchman13]

they talking about american players bud

[@jjpark1989]

@@L4pa100I think KD has better offense, but Wemby will be a much better defensive player in his career. My only thing is that he is very long and skinny so he is going to get injured at some point unfortunately

[@dalenpearson517]

@@L4pa100No not even KD, Wemby is miles ahead of defense than KD ever was and he just a rookie. Wemby can’t shoot the 3 like Durant but he has a mid game and is a better finisher.

[@mxightymike]

Of course not. The face of the Premier League for a long time was people like Ronaldo, Henry, Salah. But also Gerrard, Beckham, Rooney. It’s not about where athletes are from. I think Giannis is the no brainer answer, from his character and eliteness.

[@mxightymike]

Would love it to be Edwards as well.

[@MominAfzal-ke3vc]

Kdb

[@fuckgoogle3516]

Him or Luka but the NBA is racists

[@aawharver4948]

Devin booker man, he has all the potential

[@KMax246]

The face of the premier league in the 2010s was Eden Hazard

[@jkemfive7709]

What was Unc goin on about at 6:30 😂😂😂

[@davellturner6478]

I was confused af lmao

[@kingofpancakes1278]

Ocho finally got to him. Said the face of the league needs him a woman 😂

[@soda8736]

Steph and Shannon are family men, which helps market them as faces of the league. But ultimately, winning will be the most important

[@laxus6442]

I had the same expression as JJ, lmao

[@iam_nell]

He was trying to say if you single and in them streets folks might look at you a certain way.

[@Benjamin_457]

Finally all three of these guys been waiting on this big three but for analysts 😂

[@leronmclean9361]

The NBA is doing it all wrong. They need to worry about improving their product rather than what player they're going to shove down or throats at every turn. Also Shannon made a good point when discussing relationship status and off the court issue. In the social media age, there are even more ways for players to embarrass themselves. Look at Zion, Ant, and Ja.

[@jewel6799]

I certainly agree. I can agree with some suggestions made, but why do we need a face for the NBA ? What are his duties outside of playing good basketball. That is putting pressure on one person. WHY??????

[@shutupMaji]

​@@jewel6799they need a face for branding and marketing purposes, this doesn't really matter to the fanbase

[@FlyWithMe_666]

Haliburton, Tatum, Edwards … international basketball is in a very good place if that’s the choice of US players who could be the “face” 😅

[@richschneiderman613]

Casual take for sure

[@lesnarbuiltthepyramids3788]

@@richschneiderman613aside from SGA the best players in the world are European giannis jokic luka prolly put Kawhi in top 5 too

[@lesnarbuiltthepyramids3788]

@@richschneiderman613even then I think shai is Canadian lol

[@coreyandrews28]

If Jason Tatum can win a championship this year and Tatum is MVP then I think we should start looking at him when Lebron, KD and Steph is gone!!!!

[@jamesmiller5331]

​@richschneiderman613 you're wrong. Everyone that disagrees with *me* is a casual. Not you.

[@quinnsouthall6633]

6:40 They just had to cut off 😂

[@linnstr8609]

I remember watching the 1998 All-Star Game like it was yesterday. I was 9 years old glued to the screen cheering for MJ, but there was this young guy named Kobe Bryant that equally demanded attention. I remember he tried posting up MJ, did a 360 dunk, went showtime and did a behind the back followed by a hook shot. I was very impressed and thought this guy would be the next star to watch after Mike retires. That's the kind of stuff Stephen A was alluding to when he brought up Edwards.

[@DPF96__]

You're so lucky you got to see that era of basketball. I only started watching when Luka got into the league and watching old games on league pass it doesn't even look like the same sport.

[@linnstr8609]

@@DPF96__ Yeah I've been following the NBA for a long time. But my enjoyment level has waned since the proliferation of 3-point shooting and analytics. 90s and 2000's NBA was amazing to watch and every basket felt huge, because defense had a much bigger impact than today's game.

[@fungph]

Yo, JJ is killing it right now! ESPN got rid of a bunch of their old analysts (I liked Jalen Rose, 🌹 though) and brought in some fresh faces. JJ's videos are getting crazy views, some of them over 500k! And his podcast, "Old Man and the Three," has a million subscribers! He's really brought new life to the channel with his personality and energy, and his takes on sports are always on point.

[@BUSBYPRODUCTION]

“You ain’t no knicks fan” Stephen A with the stabs 😂😂

[@AAL.]

JJ IS BACK!

[@truebluetv22]

So we gonna skip over Shannon question?🤣🤧

[@Ggjefe]

Skip who? Cuz all I been seeing lately is Shannon ain't dats the guy dat broke KZbin wit his own show 😂 stop it

[@josephedose2342]

The Bucks should do everything to get Ime Udoka and bring in a good center for Lopez & a proper point guard

[@cvgodd1432]

Bro they’re already paying 3 coaches as we speak! Doc just got like 40 mill lol. They can’t do it AGAIN!

[@josephedose2342]

@@cvgodd1432 Then they really made a huge mistake in give Doc such a contract based on his coaching records in his previous teams

[@Rowsy91]

issue isnt the coaches. They killed their team adding Dame Just like Suns killed their championship building team by getting KD. Both KD and Dame are great players, but GMs forget they are building teams and not collecting greats. Both teams CLEARLY got worse because of these trades.

[@vulcanraven9701]

​​@@Rowsy91 the bucks needed to make a move because their offense outside Giannis sucked. But losing their 2nd best defender made the Lillard trade a disappointment. As for phoenix, CP3 was past his prime but getting beal was a horrible idea.

[@timetravelingoldman6839]

The Bucks should aim to get Ivica Zubac from the Clippers. They also need a better defender.

[@SnitchandSnacks]

JJ hit this on point. Why would anyone debate on who's gonna be the next face of the league lol. Let their rings and accolades speak about it. Can't put Tatum, Morant, Luka, SGA when none of them haven't even led their teams to their first rings in a long while. Kareem did, Wilt did, so did Larry, MJ, Kobe, LBJ, Curry.

[@VanSanProductions]

SGA is coming off a breakout season and has a legitimate playoff contending team now. If he can win a chip this season, then he will be instantly catapulted into HOF talk catagory.

[@sethjohnson1784]

They ain’t running for office Shannon, what you talking about marriage for😂😂😂

[@jewel6799]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@juicyfruitjay]

Every generation brings something the game hasn’t seen. The fluidity and consistency and poise of Kareem , the size iq and charisma of magic, the sheer determination athleticism competitiveness swag of MJ. The sacrifice and laser focus and technical ability of Kobe. The focus the insane athleticism the brand the durability never getting in trouble etc. of LeBron. The league is in dire straights to find the next face, because LeBron is the greatest one the league has ever had in terms of ambassador that never had scandal, never cheated the game, showed up for 20+ years as much as his body would allow and dominated. And he was it right out the gate! Ant man needs work but he could be. Ja threw it out the window.

[@MrEOM41]

It’s Giannis or can be Wemby

[@Mektek19]

False Jordan was the greatest ambassador and took the sport to the greatest heights. The league is in disarray with Bron and Curry as the ambassadors. They are desperate because they need someone to fix this mess.

[@kingmatt314]

@@Mektek19leave curry out of it. Bron is who they emphasize as their face.

[@cyberbron2077]

@@Mektek19 Jordan took the game to new heights yes but if you were paying attention they said the best ambassador in terms of uplifting the sport and staying scandal free his entire career.

[@RedRanchu]

Im a Lebron fan but this is flat out false. First of all MJ is the greatest ambassador. Lebron was among the first people to cheat the game by forming super teams and he got beat by a 40 yr old Nowitzski. Did u even watch the all star game? That disaster happnened under Lebrons watch. Not to mention his ties to China. He isnt the greatest ambassador.

[@remy12]

We need those serious rivalries like we used to have in the 80s and 90s. It wasnt just two teams either, there were a few teams that didn't like each other.

[@franciscogobantes1320]

too many trades. Teams are not the same season to season. Hard to have a rivalry like that.

[@joyliniacoilinia]

nice to see jj back on espn

[@HoldupW8]

😂😂😂😂😂😂SHANNON BEEN ON CLUB SHAYYYY SHAYYYYY TOO LONG TF HE JUST SAY??😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Slipings]

basketball was actually a CANADIAN made sport, not an AMERICAN made sport get it right and show Canada some respect for it.

[@willtrill20]

Jokic should be the Face of the NBA rn with JJ Redick’s logic then. Luka should have some consideration because of how globally loved he is

[@pedromaziluprata6712]

Luka's already the face of the NBA in europe i'd guess

[@thewintersoldier383]

Jokic hates being in the spotlight

[@willtrill20]

@@thewintersoldier383 facts

[@willtrill20]

@@pedromaziluprata6712 analysts don’t show Luka the love he deserves cuz apparently he doesn’t play “defense”

[@kulitsere03]

Jokic dont want it

[@JimmyN410]

Stephan A is right about Anthony Edwards, he’s gotta get more serious if he wants to reach the next level

[@ge_thegreatone]

He’s only 22 bro

[@AJA__1]

@@ge_thegreatonemagic won his first at age 20; Ant has been in the league 4 seasons now; stop using age as an excuse. He knows how this league works.

[@ge_thegreatone]

@@AJA__1 again, he’s 22.. and ant isn’t magic & magic isn’t ant ! .. also ant not playing for the lakers and neither Rudy or kat is Kareem!

[@Justleevsss]

Having JJ on here makes the show 100x better

[@chopfreddy6463]

The face of the league is up for grabs at this point

[@simplySY8]

Its the greek freek,luka and maybe jayson Tatum. Skilled, entertaining, marketable and want it. Id like to see haliburton one day as well. The other playes dont have enough of the whole package.

[@CalexanderJ]

I want to hear the rest of that relationship status conversation

[@KNByam]

I understood what he was saying. The best players, the players that carry the league are usually grounded at home.

[@TheBulletzgottishow20]

This was an interesting take

[@elvisrsocias516]

Why the constant bashing on Giannis...what information does Shannon Sharpe have in order to claim that Giannis wanted all those coaches fired? Maybe Giannis should jump ship to another contender like you know who....and when is the media gonna jump on Dame for his lackluster play, defense and 3pt shooting?

[@Lunacyofficial]

they just hate greatness, he is not american thats why.. its always the same, they always disrespect Giannis bro

[@xo_k7595]

They need to replace Molly with JJ

[@blackzero23]

The NBA is turning into the MLB. No face… just great players.

[@kingmatt314]

That’s not a good thing

[@blackzero23]

@@kingmatt314 yeah I know. It’s bad

[@fbiopenup6534]

I thought Ohtani was the face of the league? I don't watch baseball so I'm not informed much.

[@gabrielecheverria507]

Keep counting out the heat 🔥🙏

[@SinaSoh]

No problem

[@bo0gi3]

JJ been cooking his first appearance of the year

[@josephrizk7888]

James Naismith, the inventor of basketball was Canadian if we're being technical. Like yes he was in the US at a US school but the NBA is the most international US sports league

[@kalix975]

shannon right with the relationship/wife thing

[@CbfwUniversity]

Ehh

[@HeadlockRasta]

After Curry retires, it's hard to say who will be the face of the NBA. I guess Wembenyama.

[@VSmoothTwentyTwo]

It’s gonna be multiple faces now because the players are better and we have social media . The fans can follow their favorite players . I believe in the future it’s gonna be more about players than teams . I feel like people will just have favorite players rather then favorite team

[@mr.fibonacci6292]

HES BACK!!!! First Take is whole again

[@joshuahodge8804]

Next face is Ja Morant. It’s not even that close.

[@ninobrown8565]

Ant man as well

[@barrycreamy]

Giannis.

[@devonbeltran3414]

Was listening with my dad and he heard relationship(marriage)and magic and he broke out laughing

[@bryan11981]

The answer is no one. There will never be another Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, KD, Curry, Bird and Magic. I don’t see who stands out to be the guy the it factor. And it comes to winning the title and who wants to be the guy. No disrespect to Brunson, Luka, Morant, ANT, Tatum, Embiid, and Coby White.

[@Anthony-nd6vk]

I think it’s being left out of this conversation that who American consider the face of the league and who the international audience does can be different things.

[@mrmorris2152]

Nobody cares what international people think . Stay on topic….

[@snupedummy]

@@mrmorris2152😂

[@cdknowledge]

​@@mrmorris2152maybe americans should care what goes on internationally, then they might actually have a chance at a player from there finally wins the mvp again... it's been a minute.

[@mrmorris2152]

@@cdknowledge it’s a reason international players are coming to the NBA instead of staying overseas . I rest my case 👨‍⚖️

[@numbmoi]

@@mrmorris2152yeah because no Euro league can possibly offer top talent hundreds of millions

[@Blackmagic_874]

JJ’s BACK!

[@go2damoon555]

Thank god Jj is back

[@michaelmcfadden396]

It'll be Wemby. The skill level, his clear runway to at LEAST GOAT-level defense. He gives people novelty and things you never see before. He has an extremely sweet offense too despite growing pains. Definitely not worried. Easily Wemby in my opinion. Already he is my "go to catch up" highlights even though San Antonio is trash. Barring health clearly Victor.

[@consciousm1nd]

Tatum hasn’t won a championship… but he’s been there. He’s young and Uber talented. My money would be on him or JB (who’s already in the NBAPA leadership position). Wouldn’t be mad at Ant either (definitely has that personality that will bring interest to the sport).

[@markuscalero8066]

such a modern panel good job espn

[@ZChoate]

It's not Ant's fault that no one takes the All Star game seriously. I'm not deterred at all. Still Ant over Tatum.

[@Dwayne9]

I'm mad they cut Shannon off. It's an important part of this conversation. Lebron and steph are squeaky clean. These young dudes have way too much outside drama.

[@lormingo5259]

Brunson won’t be the face

[@jumbokevin]

None of these future faces of the league have the same aura as KD/Lebron/Steph

[@718empire]

The problem with sports in America is the reporters want to be just as famous as the athletes, if you look at in the last 15 years, skip Bayless, Stephen, a Smith, Shannon Sharpe, all these names are looked at as high regard as the athletes who actually play the sport. That's a problem, sometimes you need to let athletes be athletes, they let magic be magic, they let Corinne BHI karain, they let Isaiah, Isaiah and Michael be Michael for some reason, this new media wants to always hitch the whole name and career on an athlete, Stephen, a Smith career got made off Allen Iverson, and now he's been living off him 20 years off LeBrons name, can't talk about any other sport educationally, don't know about mixed martial arts, don't talk about baseball don't know tennis, don't know boxing just living off of people's names.

[@THEWZRD1]

The face will be Giannis, Jokic is better but he's like Duncan. Luka got a shot, but he's got to get to the Finals. Edwards won't win in Minnesota and Tatum is too cringey with the Kobe stuff.

[@consciousm1nd]

Didn’t Kobe literally try to be Jordan? 😂

[@TheSlickrick269]

Do y’all remember when for a minute it looked like it was gonna be Ja morant. I think Ja has it too and the way he plays and hangs in the air is Jordan like. He plus exciting and actually wants it. If he can recover keep his head down and bounce back I think he could do it

[@Salhd10]

A “JJ AND SHAY SHAY” show would be much better than First Take ! They’re much more entertaining

[@kdot9363]

Cutting shannon off should tell you all you need to know about how much marriage/family is valued by espn and disney.

[@LALAAmador-rd4ve]

I thought something happened to the video at first 😂

[@jonathanblaze1648]

Shannon threw them a curve ball with the relationship status comment. I think he's been hanging around Ocho too much.

[@imcrazydogkk3012]

The ending 😂😂😂

[@troyg2458]

Yeah, Molly wants to go public so bad, but SA ain`t having it . At least not yet.

[@GUAYO1996]

What a trio!!🔥

[@vonrng7249]

Jj be keeping real every time

[@JamesClark-o4b]

Stephen A Smith get jealous wen Molly talks to JJ Reddick lol😂

[@jasonavery]

If the Celtics had come back after being down 0-3, best the Heat 4-3, then won the finals last year, Tatum would be the next face of the league.