“I was so pissed!” Charles Barkley RIPS ESPN for talking rumors of Dan Hurley to Lakers amidst Finals broadcast

The Lakers have offered Dan Hurley an eight-year, $100 million contract, tripling his current UConn salary.

“I was so pissed!” Charles Barkley RIPS ESPN for talking rumors of Dan Hurley to Lakers amidst Finals broadcast

Charles Barkley and Dan Hurley

Charles Barkley slammed ESPN for their coverage of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, accusing them of prioritizing speculation over actual games. Barkley was incensed that the network spent the first hour discussing the Los Angeles Lakers’ potential hiring of UConn coach Dan Hurley instead of focusing on the championship series between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks.

Chuck expressed his frustration on “Don’t @ Me” with Dan Dakich, calling ESPN’s programming choices “stupid” and “bone-headed.” He argued that the network should have focused on the Finals and Stanley Cup Finals instead of speculating about Hurley’s potential move to the Lakers.

I’m not going to lie. I love Dan Hurley. This has nothing to do with Dan Hurley and good luck with him if he goes to the Lakers. But I was so pissed. With Game 1 of the Finals and Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals coming on for them to spend the first hour talking about what if Danny Hurley goes to the Lakers?
Charles Barkley said on Don’t @ Me

Barkley acknowledged his respect for Hurley’s coaching abilities but emphasized that any discussion about his potential move should not overshadow the actual games. He also pointed out that any decision would require LeBron James’ approval, making the speculation even more unnecessary.

FS Video

In summary, Charles Barkley criticized ESPN for their misguided coverage, prioritizing speculation over the excitement of the NBA Finals. He stressed that the network should focus on the actual games rather than potential coaching moves, especially during the most critical moments of the sports calendar.

Lakers await Dan Hurley’s decision on coaching offer as rival coach doubts move

The Los Angeles Lakers await Dan Hurley’s decision on their offer to become head coach. While many expect him to accept, Rick Pitino, a legendary college basketball coach, believes Hurley may stay in the college game due to family ties according to Dave Blezow of The New York Post.

What I'm hearing, and I have no [inside information] is that his father [Bob Hurley Sr.] and his wife [Andrea] are very strong in his life and they don't want to go. I think he's going to try it, no different than [John] Calipari tried it or I tried it. I don't think he's going to take the job, but I think he's going to try the pros some day.
Rick Pitino said according to Dave Blezow of The New York Post

Pitino, who made a similar jump to the NBA in 1997, admits it was a mistake in hindsight. However, he acknowledges that the college basketball landscape has changed significantly since then, with the transfer portal and name-image-likeness deals altering the dynamics of the sport.

The Lakers have offered Hurley an eight-year, $100 million contract, tripling his current UConn salary. The decision is now in Hurley’s hands, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll take the leap to the NBA or stay in the college game. The financial aspect is significant, and it will be a crucial factor in his decision.

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