Latest news with #PaulPierce
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA HOFer Pokes Fun at $215,159,700 Los Angeles Lakers Star Fitness While Sharing His Own Transformation: "I wasn't Luka Doncic!"
Luka Doncic (Image via Getty) NBA Hall of Famer and Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce recently made headlines for playfully calling out Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic over his fitness concerns. Speaking on All Facts No Breaks with Keyshawn Johnson, Paul Pierce recounted his own basketball journey from an out-of-shape teen to an NBA champion—using that experience to take a lighthearted jab at Doncic's well-documented struggles with conditioning. From Inglewood Underdog to NBA Finals MVP Born in Oakland and raised in Inglewood, California, Paul Pierce's path to the NBA was filled with obstacles. A devoted Lakers fan growing up, he was once just another kid trying to avoid the dangers of gang life through basketball. At Inglewood High School, Pierce was cut from the varsity team in both his freshman and sophomore years due to his lack of fitness and a 6'2' frame he described as 'out of shape.' Rather than quit, Paul Pierce recommitted himself to the game. He spent the next two years reshaping his body and sharpening his skills, eventually becoming the team's star. By the time he graduated, he stood at 6'7' and 235 pounds and earned a spot in the 1995 McDonald's All-American Game alongside future NBA greats like Kevin Garnett and Vince Carter. Paul Pierce (Image via Getty) During the podcast, Paul Pierce revisited his humble beginnings, recalling how his coach once told him he had the potential to make it to the NBA. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Online & Flexible degrees BITS Pilani Digital Apply Now Undo He couldn't resist poking fun at Luka Doncic, saying, 'I like 6'2, you know, out of shape, you know I wasn't Luka, but then I had a growth spurt and I started leaning out.' The comment, while clearly tongue-in-cheek, served as a reminder of the dedication needed to succeed at the highest level. Lakers Dreams, Celtics Legacy Although he dreamed of playing for the Lakers and often snuck into games at The Forum, fate had other plans. Paul Pierce was drafted by Boston in 1998 and went on to become one of the franchise's all-time greats. Ironically, the kid who grew up idolizing Lakers legends would go on to lead their biggest rival to an NBA title and win Finals MVP in 2008. Pierce credited his upbringing in Inglewood and the support of community mentors like Scott Collins from the Police Activity League for helping him stay focused. That structure helped guide him toward an athletic scholarship at Kansas and ultimately a professional career. Paul Pierce's Jab at Luka: A Message Hidden in Humor Luka Doncic , one of the NBA's most skilled players, has faced recurring criticism about his conditioning—especially during deep playoff runs. While many analysts have weighed in, Pierce used humor and experience to address the issue, offering insight without overt judgment. His comments also subtly touched on Luka Doncic's 2025 offseason trade, believed to be influenced in part by concerns about his fitness. Coming from Pierce—known for his work ethic and ability to stay in shape over a long career—the jab was more of a mentor's nudge than a dig. More Than Just Trash Talk Paul Pierce's remarks highlight a broader truth about the league: talent alone isn't enough. Conditioning, discipline, and growth are crucial to sustained success. As social media continues to scrutinize athletes more than ever, stories like Pierce's offer perspective on how greatness is built—not just born. In blending humor with honesty, Pierce not only entertained fans but also spotlighted the effort it takes to go from being an overlooked teen to a certified NBA legend. His story serves as a powerful lesson to both rising stars and established pros like Luka Doncic. Also read: Atlanta Hawks Star Trae Young's Father Blasts ESPN and Iman Shumpert Over Harsh Contract Criticism: 'Do Your Homework' Pierce's playful commentary adds yet another chapter to his enduring influence on the game—equal parts entertaining and enlightening. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Celtics Summer League standout leaves team after 3 games
LAS VEGAS — Celtics Summer League standout Charles Bassey is no longer with the team, the Celtics shared ahead of Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was always slated to play just three games, the team said, and had prior obligations the rest of the way. Bassey was one of the team's most consistent performers through three games. He opened up Summer League with a 14-point, 11-rebound performance in a Celtics' win over the Memphis Grizzlies, and followed that up with a 22-point, 13-rebound, 3-block performance over the New York Knicks. In Bassey's final game with the Celtics, he recorded 10 points and 9 rebounds. Bassey wasn't initially listed on the Celtics' Summer League roster, but was a last-minute addition. Summer league head coach Matt Reynolds said that Bassey missed the live portion of the first day of practice, but joined the team shorty after. After his debut, when asked what drew him to the opportunity, Bassey cited a reason several Summer League players have pointed to this summer: 'The culture.' Bassey's departure provides Amari Williams with more opportunity Bassey, who was on a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs last season, seemed like he could be a good fit to bolster the Celtics' frontcourt. But his departure opens up additional opportunity for Amari Williams, whom the Celtics selected with the 46th overall pick. Williams has appeared in two games so far during Summer League, playing 22 minutes in his debut and 16 minutes in the Celtics' second game. Additionally, forward/center Kenny Lofton — who recently won MVP of the Chinese Basketball Association — could see increased minutes in Bassey's absence. More from Paul Pierce bids farewell as Celtics beat Clippers 107-102 Celtics' Paul Pierce farewell tribute video The Read & React: a captain's farewell Paul Pierce: The Best Pure Scorer in Celtics History - A Documentary Why hasn't Ainge made a move yet? Because Jimmy Butler Brad Stevens will coach east all-stars Teams eyeing Celtics draft-n-stash players
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Joy Taylor is OUT at Fox Sports months on from bombshell sex lawsuit
Joy Taylor is out at Fox Sports as part of a brutal move that will see the network bring three shows to an end, according to reports. As well as FS1 show 'Speak', which Taylor co-hosts, Fox is also cancelling two of its morning programs, as per The Athletic. All three shows are said to have struggled to find a huge audience, meaning they have now been brought to a close. Taylor, who co-hosted sports talk show Speak with ex-NFL star Keyshawn Johnson and NBA icon Paul Pierce, leaves Fox just months after she was accused of using sexual relationships with colleagues to further her career in a bombshell lawsuit filed by an ex-employee. The 38-year-old was also alleged to have told make-up artist Noushin Faraji to 'get over it' when she confided in her about claims she was sexually assaulted by top programming executive Charlie Dixon. Taylor denied the allegation. After nearly a decade with Fox, Taylor's contract was up this year and the network has reportedly decided not to renew it. FS1 is also said to be cancelling morning shows 'Breakfast Ball' and 'The Facility'. Colin Cowherd's 'The Herd' and 'First Things First' with Nick Wright, Chris Broussard and Kevin Wildes will continue as usual, with FS1 likely to produce new shows to replace the three that have been cancelled. has reached out to Joy Taylor's attorneys for comment. Two weeks ago Taylor finally spoke out about the lawsuit that embroiled several Fox Sports stars in scandal, claiming the allegations left her battling 'dark times', 'grief' and 'trauma'. 'I won't say that there were not dark times, but I'm very blessed to have an amazing family and amazing friends and mentors and an amazing team,' she told ' The Breakfast Club '. 'People that know me and have known me for my whole life reminding me of who I am and what I deserve.' Taylor continued: 'I have felt a lot of different emotions - I think it's a grief process when anything like that happens,' she told The Breakfast Club. 'I'll say, I've been through a lot of traumatic things in my life. A lot. And I think any time you go through a trauma or a grieving period of something, you can't decide who you are when it's happening. 'And that's been the biggest thing for me. It's this or that. I'm working on it, but it's this or that. And I know years from now I'll look back, and I will feel differently than how I feel right now. 'I'm trying to be patient with myself in that way, because it's a lot to adjust to. It's a new reality. And I'm trying to choose myself and be gentle with myself in that sense.' Despite the furor, she continued to present 'Speak' and 'Two Personal', her podcast which includes graphic admissions about her sex life. Taylor explained why decided not to hide from the scrutiny, telling The Breakfast Club: 'It was intentional to show up as I did' She explained: 'When you know yourself, it's easier to continue to show up as you are. And there's always going to be things that happen in life, that happen in this business, that happen when you're a front-facing person. 'And when you get into the business, that is the risk we take. Of putting ourselves in front of the camera, of putting yourself out there. That things, at some point, might not be the best for you. I mean, what's meant for me is still coming.'
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Breaking: Joy Taylor Is Out At FOX Sports
Breaking: Joy Taylor Is Out At FOX Sports originally appeared on The Spun. Major changes are reportedly on the way at FOX Sports after the company decided to part ways with one of its biggest names on Monday. Advertisement According to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, Joy Taylor will no longer work at FOX after FS1 chose to cancel three of its daily sports shows including "Speak" (which she hosted alongside Paul Pierce and Keyshawn Johnson), "Breakfast Ball" and "The Facility." The 38-year-old made a ton of headlines over the past year after she was named in an explosive lawsuit alleging that she harassed an ex-coworker and carried on an affair with top network executive Charlie Dixon, as well as former co-host Emmanuel Acho. Taylor had been with FOX Sports for nearly a decade before the company decided against renewing her contract. And while FS1 has not offered any comment at this time, it's telling that all three of the canceled programs were created under Dixon. Advertisement Joy rose to prominence as the moderator of Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe's "Undisputed" before taking over Kristine Leahy's spot on "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd in 2018. MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 01: Joy Taylor attends Rolling Stone Live Miami at SLS South Beach on February 01, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by). As things stand right now FOX will likely build its new programming around "The Herd" and "First Things First" which boasts the crew Nick Wright, Kevin Wildes and Chris Broussard. Taylor also runs her own podcast called "Two Personal" which used to co-star Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks but now centers around Joy and a rotating cast of interview guests. Related: Alex Morgan Shares Adorable Family Swimsuit Photo Breaking: Joy Taylor Is Out At FOX Sports first appeared on The Spun on Jul 14, 2025 Advertisement This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fox Sports Cuts Show Host Months After Explosive Sex Claims
Fox Sports laid off anchor Joy Taylor on Monday months after she was named in a sexual-battery lawsuit. Taylor had co-hosted the show Speak on its cable network, FS1, alongside former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson and former NBA player Paul Pierce since 2022. In addition to cancelling Speak, the company is also canceling its morning shows Breakfast Ball and The Facility, according to The Athletic. Advertisement All three shows had flailing ratings, according to Front Office Sports. Fox Sports did not return an immediate request for comment. The news came six months after a former Fox Sports hairstylist, Noushin Faraji, accused Taylor of dismissing Faraji's claim that then-Fox Sports programming executive Charlie Dixon groped her during Taylor's birthday party in 2017. Taylor had co-hosted Faraji also claimed that Taylor, who is married, had an affair with Dixon, which is how Taylor got her role as moderator on Skip and Shannon: Undisputed. Faraji further accused Taylor of mocking her accent and her PTSD-induced humming. Taylor denied the accusations to The Athletic earlier this year. 'The claims set forth against Ms. Taylor are devoid of merit and appear to have been strategically framed to create unwarranted publicity rather than to seek legitimate redress,' a spokeswoman told The Athletic in February. Advertisement Taylor was tight-lipped on the suits in an interview with New York magazine's The Cut earlier this year. 'I know that the public has a lot of interest in this situation,' she said, 'but I have to let the legal process play out.' She expanded on the situation to Charlamagne tha God's radio show The Breakfast Club last month, albeit briefly. She also said she was renegotiating her contract. Charlie Dixon (right) was put on leave in February and fired in April over the allegations. / Travis P Ball / Getty Images for SXSW 'I have felt a lot of different emotions,' she said. 'I think it's a grief process when anything like that happens. I'll say, I've been through a lot of traumatic things in my life. A lot. And I think any time you go through a trauma or a grieving period of something, you can't decide who you are when it's happening. And that's been the biggest thing for me.' Advertisement Dixon was placed on leave in February after the suits, and the network fired him in April. The lawsuit also accused Fox Sports star Skip Bayless of offering Faraji $1.5 million for sex. Bayless, who left the network last year, has denied the claim. Taylor's contract was set to expire this summer, according to a Front Office Sports report in May. After the lawsuits went public, Taylor was pulled off the air for two weeks before she returned.
