JJ Reddick Laughs In Shannon Sharpe’s Face As He Suggests The ‘Face Of The NBA’ Must Be Married

ESPN

With LeBron James’ career finally beginning to wind down, the NBA is going to need a new generational face of the league in the coming years. And according to First Take personality Shannon Sharpe, whoever that play is, he’s going to need to be in a relationship.

Speaking on First Take following the 2023-24 All-Star Break, Sharpe, a Hall of Fame former NFL tight end, suggested that the next “face” of the league is going to need to be in a committed relationship similar to LeBron James and Steph Curry.

“What about relationship status?” Sharpe begins. “Magic and Bird were married. LeBron was in a relationship with Savannah. Because when we look at Presidential candidates, we want them to be secure, we want them to be foundational pieces.”

It didn’t take long for Stephen A. Smith and JJ Redick to push back on Sharpe’s comments, as Smith said “I’m not gonna lie, I don’t know what the hell you’re asking,” while Reddick simply began to chuckle in Sharpe’s face.

Moderator Molly Qeirm then chimed in to try and defend Sharpe, saying:

“Shannon, I know what you’re saying — like the First Lady of basketball. Steph Curry and Ayesha Curry. And we know them, and the example, and the role model. I get what you’re saying. Like the ‘home life’ look.”

“Let’s not act some of the faces of the league have been perfect with their off-court behavior, so I don’t necessarily think that’s a precursor,” Reddick replied.

As for who the next face of the NBA could be, the graphic displayed by First Take during the discussion features Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.