TDS Time Machine | NBA Basketball

Summary

The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Episode: TDS Time Machine | NBA Basketball
Release Date: June 7, 2025
Host: Trevor Noah
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Paramount Podcasts

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Introduction to the NBA Draft

The episode kicks off with Trevor Noah delving into the intricacies of the NBA Draft, highlighting the dramatic selection of high school phenoms entering the league. He humorously references the 2001 NBA Draft, where the Washington Wizards controversially chose Kwame Brown as the first overall pick straight out of high school.

Trevor Noah [02:17]: "With the first Pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select Kwame."

Noah juxtaposes this with a satirical take on the Los Angeles Lakers' unexpected decision to draft Uta Hagen, a 5'4" drama teacher, in an attempt to bring "craft" to Shaquille O'Neal's acting pursuits.

Trevor Noah [03:09]: "He was welcomed to the league by tiny Jewish NBA commissioner David Stern."

Age Requirements and Player Maturity

The conversation shifts to the controversial topic of age requirements for NBA draft entrants. Draymond Green, a senior NBA analyst, joins the discussion to advocate for lowering the minimum draft age to 18. He challenges societal norms by questioning the inconsistency in maturity perceptions.

Draymond Green [04:14]: "If you're old enough to vote or to die for your country, you're certainly old enough to toss a ball through a basket for enough money to forever skew your view of reality in your mind."

Green further emphasizes that 18-year-olds should be eligible, equating basketball prowess with other adult responsibilities.

Draymond Green [04:37]: "If you're old enough to get into a PG13 movie, you should be allowed to play the hoops."

Interview with Shaquille O'Neal

The highlight of the episode is an engaging interview with Shaquille O'Neal, portrayed humorously as "Ronny Chang." The dialogue is filled with playful banter, poking fun at Shaq's iconic status and his ventures beyond basketball.

Shaquille O'Neal [07:02]: "It's actually about that high, about that thick."

The conversation touches on Shaq's academic pursuits, including his PhD in Organizational Leadership from Barry University, blending his larger-than-life persona with intellectual achievements.

Shaquille O'Neal [07:53]: "It's an HRD. Organizational Leadership at Barry University. I graduated May 5th."

Noah and Shaq humorously discuss Shaq's ability to balance his analytical role with his athletic past, highlighting his continuous drive and engagement with fans.

LeBron James's Spectacular Debut

Transitioning back to NBA news, Trevor Noah provides a comedic yet insightful recap of LeBron James's highly anticipated debut. Despite his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, losing to the Sacramento Kings, James's performance sets a new benchmark for rookies.

Trevor Noah [13:33]: "LeBron's debut was the best statistically ever for a pro athlete straight out of high school."

Noah underscores the message this sends to aspiring young athletes about the value of education, albeit with a humorous twist.

Trevor Noah [13:33]: "Which sends a clear message to kids. Education is for losers. Seriously though, stay in school."

Conflict Between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal

The episode delves into the well-documented rivalry between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, exploring their public disputes over leadership and professionalism within the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kobe Bryant [14:35]: "Kobe is the one on the rape trial thing, right? Is that. Am I wrong about that?"

Noah discusses recent attempts at reconciliation, highlighting Kobe's gesture of gifting Shaq an 8-carat purple diamond ring worth $4 million, signaling a potential end to their feud.

NBA's Tensions with China

A significant portion of the episode addresses the escalating tensions between the NBA and China following Houston Rockets GM Darrell Morey's support for the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, faces backlash for what many perceive as the league's capitulation to Chinese governmental pressures.

Ronny Chang [27:34]: "We are not apologizing for Darryl exercising his freedom of expression."

The discussion humorously critiques the NBA's predicament, where maintaining access to the vast Chinese market often conflicts with supporting players' political expressions. Examples include the cancellation of events, removal of NBA merchandise from Chinese retailers, and the censorship of NBA broadcasts in China.

Tom Brokaw [28:10]: "China is basically going to war with the NBA, all because of a single tweet."

Noah and Brokaw illustrate the absurdity of the situation with exaggerated analogies, comparing China's restrictions to workplace conflicts over personal preferences.

Cultural Sensitivities and Overlapping Holidays

In a comedic segment, Shaquille O'Neal addresses the overlap between the Chinese Lunar New Year and Black History Month, igniting a satirical debate on cultural sensitivity and timing.

Shaquille O'Neal [32:30]: "Chinese people have no beef with black people, right?"

The conversation pokes fun at cultural misunderstandings and the complexities of managing diverse celebrations within global organizations like the NBA.

Conclusion and Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with reflections on the dynamic nature of the NBA, the cultural intersections influencing sports, and the ongoing evolution of player roles both on and off the court. Trevor Noah emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and authenticity amidst external pressures and internal rivalries.

Stephen Colbert [22:31]: "I knew that I wanted to change that. I don't want the perception of me to be a bad taste in someone's mind."

Noah concludes by encouraging listeners to stay engaged with the evolving landscape of basketball, appreciating both its athletic and cultural dimensions.

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Notable Quotes:

• Draymond Green [04:14]: "If you're old enough to vote or to die for your country, you're certainly old enough to toss a ball through a basket for enough money to forever skew your view of reality in your mind."

• Shaquille O'Neal [07:53]: "It's an HRD. Organizational Leadership at Barry University. I graduated May 5th."

• Ronny Chang [27:34]: "We are not apologizing for Darryl exercising his freedom of expression."

• Shaquille O'Neal [32:30]: "Chinese people have no beef with black people, right?"

Final Thoughts

The Daily Show: Ears Edition masterfully blends humor with insightful commentary on the NBA's current affairs, making complex issues accessible and entertaining. Through witty exchanges and candid interviews, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive look at the intersection of sports, culture, and politics, all while maintaining the signature comedic style of Trevor Noah and his team.

Transcript

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[Lester Holt]

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[Stephen Colbert]

You're listening to Comedy Central.

[Trevor Noah]

High School Senior becomes top pick in NBA draft. Now the hard part. Breaking the news to Oxford University's undergraduate department of Medieval French Literature. They'll miss him. The NBA held its annual prom last night at Madison Square Garden with this year's theme, giant teenagers. Three of the top four draft picks came straight out of high school, including number one pick, Kwame Brown. As always, the moments leading up to the number one selection were fraught with tension and excitement.

[Lester Holt]

With the first Pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select Kwame.

[Tom Brokaw]

Brown from Glynn Academy, Brunswick, Georgia.

[Trevor Noah]

Yes, I was. I was very upset that I didn't get picked. Kwame Brown. The top draft Pick is a 6 foot 11 high school senior from George's Glenn Academy. He was welcomed to the league by tiny Jewish NBA commissioner David Stern. Perhaps I can give you a hint of what their conversation was like.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

You're big.

[Trevor Noah]

That was their conversation. The first player selected with college experience was Michigan State's 20 year old sophomore Jason Richardson, or as he was known at yesterday's draft, old man. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers, flushed with confidence after dominating their way to a second straight NBA title, didn't even bother selecting a player. Instead, they used their first round pick to draft 5 foot 4 inch Uta Hagen, a drama teacher that they hope will bring a long needed semblance of craft to Shaq's acting. Now, UTA Hagen. Now, with the unusually high number of high school seniors applying for the draft this year, a controversy has arisen over age requirements for the NBA. I'm joined now by our senior NBA analyst, Stephen Colbert. Stephen, thank you very much for joining us. Now, let's talk NBA.

[Tom Brokaw]

Let's talk smac.

[Draymond Green]

All right.

[Trevor Noah]

Commissioner Stern has himself proposed a minimum age requirement of 20 to get drafted. Do you agree with that?

[Draymond Green]

Can't say I do, John. There's a fundamental hypocrisy at work here. Our society says if you're 18, you're old enough to vote or to die for your country. If you're old enough to do those things, you're certainly old enough to toss a ball through a basket for enough money to forever skew your view of.

[Trevor Noah]

Reality in your mind. Stephen, then 18 years should be the cutoff age.

[Draymond Green]

That's right, Jon. If you're old enough to get into a PG13 movie, you should be allowed to play the hoops.

[Trevor Noah]

PG13? I think you only have to be 13.

[Draymond Green]

All right, different example. If the elders of your synagogue pronounce you a man, you're certainly mature enough to play the ball.

[Trevor Noah]

That's 13 too, John, what do you.

[Draymond Green]

Have against 13 year olds? I was old enough to be tried as an adult at 13. So don't tell me an 18 or a 19 year old. 19 year old isn't mature enough for the NBA.

[Trevor Noah]

You were in a prison at 13?

[Draymond Green]

No, no, no, John. I was tried at 13. They never found the weapon. Man, it's amazing how far a little casheroo will go in the criminal justice system. Corruption. Here's the point, John. We need to get these kids in the NBA. Cause if they're anything like me at that age, they're going to need a lot of cash. Go Wizards.

[Trevor Noah]

My guest tonight, an NBA legend, now an analyst for TNT's Inside the NBA. Also currently spokesperson for the Dove Men Journey to Comfort campaign. Nope. For real. Please welcome Shaquille o' Neal. Can I tell you something?

[Ronny Chang]

Yes. Tell me.

[Trevor Noah]

That was exhilarating. Now I know how my son feels. I do that. I do that to him, and then he tries to do that to me, and I think, like, oh, I feel young again. Is this. Now, did that tire you out at all? Because now I feel like this is not enough refreshment for you. Does this seem like. How big is your mug at home?

[Ronny Chang]

It's actually about that high, about that thick.

[Trevor Noah]

So there's more like. Like the thing you rinse your mouth out with after brushing your teeth?

[Ronny Chang]

No, this would be like a shot glass. Even though I don't drink in public, it's more like a shot glass, and.

[Trevor Noah]

I can barely lift mine. So you can see there's differences with you. How are you doing, by the way? Is this. Is it hard for you right now? You look still like you could play. Actually.

[Ronny Chang]

Actually, I'm living fabulous. I'm comfortable in my own skin. I'm staying out of trouble.

[Trevor Noah]

Mm.

[Ronny Chang]

I'm working on my PhD. I graduated May 5th. I'm still sexy. I still have some firmness in my ass when I touch it.

[Trevor Noah]

And other than that, I actually was not gonna mention that earlier, but. But I can attest to the firmness. What is the PhD that you're getting in May? What is this?

[Ronny Chang]

It's an HRD. Organizational Leadership at Barry University. I graduated May 5th.

[Trevor Noah]

In school, is it impossible for you to blend in as a student if you sit up front? Basically, people don't even realize there's a class going on. What is the feeling of you in class? How do your other classmates deal with you?

[Ronny Chang]

Well, they look to see if I really am doing the work. They look to see if I really know what's going on. So I like to do my homework. I like to be the first one to answer the question. So, like, you know, when a teacher's asking a question, I go, ooh, ooh.

[Tom Brokaw]

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.

[Ronny Chang]

I know that one. I know that one.

[Trevor Noah]

Now, when you do that, does she see you?

[Ronny Chang]

Yes, he does. He does.

[Trevor Noah]

He sees me.

[Ronny Chang]

Yes, he sees me.

[Trevor Noah]

Now, why would they think you wouldn't do the work? Because the truth of the matter is at your status as an icon, as a legend, you. Why would you go back to school to screw around? It makes. It makes no sense.

[Ronny Chang]

You're right.

[Trevor Noah]

But I am right.

[Ronny Chang]

You know, it's just the world we live in. And, like, you know, when I'm in class, they look at me like, you know, they give me that look like, what is he doing here? But, you know, I think I've proven.

[Trevor Noah]

To be, you know, to take care of that.

[Ronny Chang]

Yes.

[Trevor Noah]

Wedgie.

[Ronny Chang]

Wedgie.

[Trevor Noah]

I don't know. Again, I don't know what the college policy is on that, but this is one of those. Real quick. And the whole thing's over.

[Ronny Chang]

Are.

[Trevor Noah]

Are you able to fit it in? You got your job as an analyst. Are you enjoying. Is it difficult? You're so close to having been a player. You still look like you could get out there and play, and I bet you could. Is it hard now to sit and watch the games and analyze it and not let the competitive juices start to flow and want to dive out there and play?

[Ronny Chang]

It's fun. You know, I try to. I try to make people laugh. You know, I'm. I'm trying to be like you when I'm on tv. I try to.

[Trevor Noah]

I've always felt that I've been a role model for you.

[Ronny Chang]

Yes. No, you. You have. You have. I try to.

[Trevor Noah]

Do you have any idea. You. If. If I could dunk once, I would give it all up.

[Ronny Chang]

Seriously.

[Trevor Noah]

My. Because my son now, he very much. First of all, he's a huge fan of yours. He loves basketball. And he's saying to me, you know, I would love to be a professional basketball player. I would love to do that. And I don't know, at what age do I break to him that he's Jewish? Like, I don't know. Like, what do you. How do you even say that?

[Ronny Chang]

Well, when you see him, when you see him tonight, tell him Uncle Shaq says, barak Hashem. And tell him that. Tell him that.

[Trevor Noah]

And then nice Uncle Shaq.

[Ronny Chang]

And then tell him, Lashana Tova. And then tell him, mazel tov. And then tell him that he can make it. He can make it.

[Trevor Noah]

You know what? I am going to tell him that, and I'm going to encourage him. And it's always great to see you. You're a good man. And good luck. No. And one quick thing before you go. Knicks Bucks. Who's making the final eighth spot in the East?

[Ronny Chang]

I'm going to have to go with the Knicks.

[Trevor Noah]

Shaquille O' Neal, everybody.

[Lester Holt]

This episode is brought to you by WhatsApp. You know, privacy isn't just a feature on WhatsApp. It's built into everything WhatsApp does. Your personal messaging is also your personal space. Completely private. That's why it's nice to know that no one can see or hear your personal Messages. Not even WhatsApp. So the calls with your mom, chats about the latest work drama, late night voice messages, and all those photos and videos of your dog. Every personal message and call stays private like they should between you, your friends and your family because no one, not even WhatsApp, can see or hear your personal messages. WhatsApp message privately with everyone. NBC Nightly News legacy isn't handed down or NBC News.

[Tom Brokaw]

I'm Tom Brokaw. You hope to see you back. I'm Lester Holt.

[Tom Yamas]

It's carried forward.

[Tom Brokaw]

Tom Yamatz is there for us.

[Tom Yamas]

Firefighters are still working around the clock. As the world changes, we look for what endures. We are coming on the air with breaking news right now. We look for a constant and from one era to the next, trust is the anchor for NBC Nightly News, I'm Tom Yamas. A new chapter begins NBC Nightly News with Tom Yamas evenings on NBC.

[Stephen Colbert]

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[Trevor Noah]

Continuing in the world of sports last night millions of NBA fans across the country tuned in to watch the highly anticipated debut of 18 year old phenom LeBron James. And man, he was spectacular.

[Stephen Colbert]

Check this I hear that.

[Trevor Noah]

That guy looked like a 10 year soda selling veteran. He was awesome the way he drove the drink to the by the way, I also heard he played his first basketball game. And though his Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Sacramento Kings, he James defied even the loftiest expectations with impressive statistics for a newcomer. 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds, four steals, 85 posse members, 15 pairs of thrown panties, one bejeweled goblet. ESPN actually pointed out LeBron's debut was the best statistically ever for a pro athlete straight out of high school. Which sends a clear message to kids. Education is for losers. Seriously though, stay in school. So far James appears unfazed by the media spotlight, even embracing it by wearing the vaunted number 23. Which of course only invites comparison with that other famous number 23, New York Nick Legend Sid Tannenbaum. You know, in the 40s kids were always saying they wanted to be like Sid. This game I love. LeBron's performance also came as a relief to NBA executives as it drew attention away from a public spat between two of its biggest stars. Louisiana. LA Laker teammates Kobe Bryant and Shaquille o' Neal have been embroiled in a war of words over leadership of their team. During a telephone interview with espn, Kobe questioned Shaq's leadership skills, accused him of being childlike and selfish, and derided his unprofessionalism. Shaq responded, quote, kobe is the one on the rape trial thing, right? Is that. Am I wrong about that? Fortunately, it appears the rift between the two stars may soon be over. The two men are rumored to have talked things over. And in a truly hopeful sign this afternoon, Kobe gave Shaq an 8 carat purple diamond ring worth $4 million.

[Tom Brokaw]

My guest tonight is a four time NBA champion and a four time NBA all star who plays for the Golden State. He's here to talk about his latest championship win, his hit podcast, and so much more. Please welcome Draymond Green. Mr. Draymond Green, welcome to the Daily Show.

[Stephen Colbert]

Thanks for having me. I appreciate it.

[Tom Brokaw]

Are you kidding? I'm shocked that you have time to do anything after winning your fourth NBA championship. Does it ever get old?

[Stephen Colbert]

You know, this one feels different than any other one.

[Tom Brokaw]

In what way?

[Stephen Colbert]

It's like the ultimate.

[Ronny Chang]

You.

[Stephen Colbert]

It's the best.

[Tom Brokaw]

Let's talk about it. Let's jump straight into it. This is what I love about you. You know, there was an era in sports where, you know, people would sort of say what they mean on the court, but then when they would come off the court, they'd an interview. What do you think about this? They'd be like, oh, it was a good game. Oh, it was a fun game. Draymond Green says what he feels. Draymond Green says what he means. The fans love you because of this. I love watching the post game interviews because of you. So let's, let's talk about that, that aspect of the game. You've been honest about it from the beginning. People wrote your team off. People said Golden State was done for. Does this feel like vindication? In the biggest way it does.

[Stephen Colbert]

I felt like people doubted us more this time than they did prior to 2015 when we had never won anything. And I think that's ultimately, you know, everybody's like, oh, why? Why in the parade are y' all saying F everybody and shut up? And that's because the reality is they, they disrespected the work we've already done.

[Tom Brokaw]

Right.

[Stephen Colbert]

You know, to disrespect us as if we aren't champions and just write us off like we hadn't done it before. That's why I said them simple.

[Tom Brokaw]

Can I tell you what I also like?

[Trevor Noah]

This is what I like.

[Tom Brokaw]

There's an element to. Of. Of danger that's been infused into the team. Cause I think you know this, the Golden State warriors are an amazing team, but you guys have like a bit of a, like, like a, like a Christian youth group vibe about you. Do you know what I mean? No. I mean, especially like Clay and Steph, like you're the bad boy of the group. But like Clay and Steph, it's very much like, I'll see you guys on Sunday. It's like a nice thing. And I think there was this attitude in the league where people were like, man, they're the nice guys. You can say anything about them. They won't do anything. I saw you in one of the post match interviews where you said, they said, what do you think happened? You said, I thought I was too soft in that game. You changed everything after that. How do you maintain being good players, being good people, but still bringing enough hardness to the game while playing, while still playing clean?

[Stephen Colbert]

Well, I think ultimately you follow your leader. And so when you call us a youth church group, that's Steph Curry to the T. Like, that's who he is. He may as well go run the ministry. But now Clay, I think everybody kind of has misunderstood Clay. Misunderstood? Yeah.

[Tom Brokaw]

In what way?

[Stephen Colbert]

Clay's a little wild. Like, okay, Clay, go off the rail a little bit.

[Tom Brokaw]

Is this pre injury Clay or post injury? Has he changed his.

[Stephen Colbert]

He's a little more tame after the injury.

[Tom Brokaw]

Oh, wow.

[Stephen Colbert]

He was wilder before the injury.

[Tom Brokaw]

Okay.

[Stephen Colbert]

But I think, you know, there's kind of this misconception of no to take this as disrespect.

[Tom Brokaw]

Yeah, yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

No, it's like light skinned guys. Like, oh, oh, that's.

[Tom Brokaw]

That's funny that you said that to me.

[Stephen Colbert]

No disrespect.

[Tom Brokaw]

Now don't get hurt. You're like, you know, light skinned guys are really something. Like, you don't get that thing out of me on my shoulder.

[Stephen Colbert]

No, but there's like this misconception of light skinned guys being soft.

[Tom Brokaw]

Huh.

[Stephen Colbert]

And I always. But like you just said, I am.

[Tom Brokaw]

Soft, by the way.

[Stephen Colbert]

But yeah, like you just said, I was the soft one. Like, we saw game one. Steph Curry was great. Yes, I was the soft one. So I think, you know, it may be time to change the misconception.

[Tom Brokaw]

Okay, okay. You. You got, you got four championships, you know, it feels like each championship has a story. You know, the first time is, who is this team? What are they doing? Steve Kerr, this who, this whole mix. I would argue that your team has almost reshaped basketball. You know, the way teams play, the way you move the ball, where people shoot from, how you defend. All of that has changed because of Golden State. Absolutely. Like, when you look at your fourth championship, how do you motivate yourself to do even more now? Cause most would go, I've won. What else do I have to push myself on?

[Stephen Colbert]

Well, LeBron has four, and if I get five, I'm the greatest ever, right?

[Tom Brokaw]

Oh.

[Trevor Noah]

Oh, no, man.

[Stephen Colbert]

Honestly, like, that's the challenge. Like, can you do it again? Like, the moment we finish, I'm standing up on a podium and I'm like, this. This is crazy. Like, it's wild. How do we get back here?

[Tom Brokaw]

I like that.

[Stephen Colbert]

It's feeling like my biggest fear when we won the first one was that this feeling is so great. I'll never feel this again in my life.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

Wow.

[Stephen Colbert]

And so you're just chasing that feeling again. And quite frankly, like I said before, this season, nobody has proven that they can beat us. It's still happening.

[Tom Brokaw]

So you're going into another season. The team is looking good, the spirit, and just in the city, like, if you. In Oakland, you know, even around San Francisco, you can feel there's a pride in and around the team. I. I feel a change in you as well, in that, you know, there were some moments where it felt. It felt like Draymond Green was angry. You know, people weren't giving you the respect that you deserved. Now it seems like you play with the anger, but you have, like a. You have, like, a different swag to you as a person now. You. You. You laugh at people's doubts. You know, You. You enjoy those moments. On your podcast, for instance, you put it all out there. What do you think changed in your life?

[Stephen Colbert]

I think a having the fiance that I have, she's incredible. She's changed me.

[Tom Brokaw]

I love that. Thank you.

[Stephen Colbert]

And also my children, they've changed me. And like, my mom constantly reminds me, hey, them baby's watching you. Like, make sure you're on your best behavior. The babies are watching you. And so I think that's changed me, and it's helped me channel it a lot now. Another thing that's helped me is when you have that fire and that chip as a second round pick, everybody loves it. It's great. But when you carry that same chip as a four time, all star as a four time champion, it's then distasteful because you're not the underdog anymore.

[Tom Brokaw]

That's interesting.

[Stephen Colbert]

And so what I realized was that I was carrying that same chip that allowed me to remember the 34 guys that was drafted before me in the year five and six. And people are starting to look at it like, man, that's nasty. That's distasteful. And I knew that I wanted to change that. I don't want the perception of me to be a bad taste in someone's mind.

[Tom Brokaw]

I hear what you're saying. You weren't trying to be the villain. You were just trying to be somebody who's driven. And it changes with your position of power. I hear you. Before I let you go, there's one thing I've always wanted to know about that element of the game with the players and the teams and the fans and all of that, is you have this camaraderie. You guys have this drive. You, you, you, you have this, this world that we don't know about as the fans. And when the fans are cussing you guys out from the sides, on the one hand, fans are there to throw you off your game. They want to say whatever to. To get at you, and that's part of being their life. On the other hand, you're human beings. You have families, you know, you, you, you, you have emotions. How, how do you think we find that balance between what fans can say at a game and. And what you should or shouldn't respond to as an athlete?

[Stephen Colbert]

Well, I used to feel like fans should be stopped from saying some of the things that they say.

[Tom Brokaw]

Uh huh.

[Stephen Colbert]

Then Commissioner Silver comes out and say, hey, man, those Boston fans are great. As they're saying, you, Draymond. So I'm like, all right, Commission's the best commissioner. Like I said on my tweet, he's probably one of the best CEOs in America, let alone commissioner of a sports league. But he's like, oh, that's great. So my response to that is, great. Cool. Can I turn and yell them? Because if I can, then no problem. Let them yell what they want to yell. I yell what I want to yell, and I continue down the court. And so I think the thing for me is, like, at some point, you're kind of allowing them to do this and encouraging it in a way, because they know if I yell that to Draymond and he says that back to me, he's getting fined $25,000. He's getting fined $50,000. So what I'll say to commissions? No problem. That was fun. Let them do their thing, but let me do my thing. And don't hit my pocketbook.

[Tom Brokaw]

Yo, man, I could talk to you forever.

[Lester Holt]

But that's what the podcast is for.

[Tom Brokaw]

Be sure to check out his podcast, the Draymond Green show and the sessions. Draymond Green is now available on Prime Video. We're taking a quick break. We'll be right back.

[Lester Holt]

This episode is brought to you by WhatsApp. You know, privacy isn't just a feature on WhatsApp. It's built into everything WhatsApp does. Your personal messaging is also your personal space. Completely private. That's why it's nice to know that no one can see or hear your personal Messages, not even WhatsApp. So the calls with your mom, chats about the latest work drama, late night voice messages, and all those photos and videos of your dog. Every personal message and call stays private like they should between you, your friends and your family. Because no one, not even WhatsApp, can see or hear your personal messages. WhatsApp message privately with everyone. The NBC Nightly News legacy isn't handed.

[Tom Brokaw]

Down or NBC News.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'm Tom Brokaw.

[Tom Brokaw]

We hope to see you back here.

[Tom Yamas]

I'm Lester Holt. It's carried forward.

[Tom Brokaw]

Tom Yamas is there for us.

[Tom Yamas]

Firefighters are still working around the clock. As the world changes, we look for what endures. We are to going coming on the air with breaking news. Right now, we look for a constant and from one era to the next. Trust is the anchor for NBC Nightly News. I'm Tom Yamas. A new chapter begins NBC Nightly News with Tom Yamas. Evenings on NBC.

[Stephen Colbert]

Balancing work, family and education isn't easy. But American Public University makes it possible with online courses, monthly start dates and flexible schedules. APU's designed for busy professionals who need education that fits their lives. And Affordability matters, too. APU offers the opportunity grant, giving students 10% off undergraduate and master's level tuition, helping you reach your goals without breaking the bank. Plus, they provide career services and 247 mental health support at no extra cost. Visit Apu Apus edu to learn more. That's Apu Apus.

[Tom Brokaw]

The NBA, 29 of the world's best basketball teams, and also the Knicks. The regular season hasn't even kicked off yet, but there's already been a ton of drama. Now, if you haven't been keeping up. Last week, the general manager of the Houston Rockets posted a tweet in support of the pro democracy protests in Hong Kong and the NBA quickly put out a statement distancing themselves from that tweet. What was funny about this, though, was that the English version of the statement was very different from what it was being translated to for the Chinese Internet. So, like, in English, the statement was basically like, hey, China, we're sorry you're offended. But then the Mandarin one was like, rest assured, China, we will feed this man to the wolves. But then here in America, people were pissed that the NBA was. Was kowtowing to China, right? So yesterday, they went into damage control mode, and things have only escalated from there. There's new fallout this evening in the NBA's firestorm with China. The NBA tonight fighting back after being blasted for caving to China's communist government. Commissioner Adam Silver, defending Houston Rockets GM Darrell Morey.

[Ronny Chang]

We are not apologizing for Darryl exercising his freedom of expression.

[Tom Yamas]

Shortly after Adam Silver voiced the league's.

[Tom Brokaw]

Support for free speech. Fresh backlash from the communist regime in Beijing. China's government tonight. Digging in. Canceling a Brooklyn Nets event at a Shanghai school.

[Draymond Green]

In the last few hours, China has started pulling down Lakers and net signage.

[Tom Yamas]

At least two major Chinese retailers have.

[Tom Brokaw]

Pulled Houston Rockets merchandise from their websites. China's state TV said it won't broadcast.

[Tom Yamas]

Or stream NBA preseason games in China.

[Trevor Noah]

Oh, no.

[Tom Brokaw]

Not the preseason. No, nobody cares about the preseason games. Fans in America are like, can you ban them here as well? Can you? Yeah, the preseason is just like the boring stuff we're forced to sit through before the main event. Like, China banning preseason is like Disney getting rid of its lines. Just like, I'm sorry, but you'll have to go straight to the rides from now on. I wish it didn't come to this. Oh, no. Still, though, China is seriously pissed off about the tweets. Right? And they're also pissed off about the response from the NBA. And they aren't just taking pre season games off the air. They're also canceling NBA events. They're ripping down NBA signs everywhere. In fact, like, everything NBA related is basically banned. Yeah, no basketball, no LeBron. In fact, no jumping. Yeah, you see a puddle, you just walk right through that shit. You can have donuts, but no dunkin' and all office workers in China, if you need to throw something in the trash, none of this. No buzzer beaters. You get out and you just place it gently in the bin. So China is basically going to war with the NBA, all because of a single tweet. And as surprising as that may seem to some people, the truth is this kind of Thing has been happening between China and American companies a lot.

[Tyler Perry]

The NBA not the only one feeling the heat either. US Jeweler Tiffany also under fire after tweeting an image of a Chinese military model covering one eye, with people believing it was done in solidarity with those Hong Kong protests.

[Tom Brokaw]

Nike, bowing to pressure from Beijing, pulling a sneaker from the Chinese market.

[Tom Yamas]

Activision has suspended a professional video game player and taken away his prize money.

[Tom Brokaw]

Apple took the Taiwan emoji off its keyboard.

[Tyler Perry]

If you are in Hong Kong or Macau.

[Tom Yamas]

Marriott apologized to the Chinese government.

[Tyler Perry]

Versace, Givenchy and Coach issued apologies.

[Trevor Noah]

Mercedes Benz is offering an apology.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

The Gap issued a sincere apology.

[Tom Brokaw]

We apologize deeply for the mistake. Damn, China gets offended by a lot of shit. They're like that one guy at work who takes everything personally, just like, hey, man, I like your shoes. Like, oh, wow. So you don't like looking at my feet? Uh, no, I. I do like your feet.

[Draymond Green]

Gross.

[Stephen Colbert]

You're a pervert.

[Tom Brokaw]

Now, here's the thing. The truth is, these companies don't have to take orders from China about what to say or how to act, but they do it because nobody wants to lose access to a billion Chinese customers. It's a powerful incentive. So powerful, in fact, that China's influence is affecting how Americans can act on American soil.

[Tyler Perry]

Tonight's game between the 76ers and China's team, the Guangzhou Long Lions, went on as planned as an international firestorm hangs over the Wells Fargo Center. And on the sidelines, Sam Wachs and his wife held Free Hong Kong and Free HK signs that were confiscated by security in the first quarter. Then in the second, second quarter, both got kicked out of the game. When Wak started yelling free Hong Kong. As someone who used to live there, he supports the movement.

[Tom Brokaw]

That's right. Fans in Philadelphia got kicked out of a basketball game last night for chanting Free Hong Kong. And I didn't realize that yelling shit at a basketball game was against the rules. I mean, that must have been so confusing for all the other fans, you know? Cause this guy's there, like, free Hong Kong. And then the guy next to him was probably like, hey, Ben Simmons, suck a Kardashian. And the security's like, you get out. No, not you. No, the Free Hong Kong guy. You keep going. That stuff about the Kardashian, that was hilarious. Carry on. Next week, billions of people will celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. But this week in the NBA, one of the holiday celebrations did not go as planned on the Sacramento Kings. On Monday, the team canceled a planned.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

Lunar New Year promotional giveaway celebrating this.

[Lester Holt]

The Year of the Monkey.

[Tom Brokaw]

The monkey shirts were part of the NBA's recognition of the Chinese New Year. This decision was made after DeMarcus Cousins raised some concerns. Cousins apparently said it's insensitive to give.

[Tyler Perry]

Out those shirts on the same day as the start of Black History Month.

[Tom Brokaw]

For more on this story, we turn to senior basketball correspondent Ronny Chang, everybody.

[Ronny Chang]

Thank you.

[Tom Brokaw]

Thank you, Trevor.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

Thank you.

[Tom Brokaw]

So, Ronnie, I guess the big question. Was it okay for the Sacramento to hand out Year of the Monkey T shirts on the first day of Black History Month?

[Shaquille O'Neal]

Look, Trevor, I understand how hundreds of years of institutionalized racism might make black people a little sensitive to this kind of thing, right? But obviously this was just an unfortunate coincidence, okay? Chinese people have no beef with black people, right? Look, I know Black History Month is really important to you guys, but we started naming years after animals, like, 5,000 years ago, right? It's a set pattern, okay? Every year is a different animal. Like, I'm an ox, you're an ugly rat. The cameraman's a fat pig. Okay? We can't change that, okay? It's just science. Like, do you really think back in ancient China when they were, like, drawing up the lunar calendar, some old Chinese guy with a long white beard was like, oh, oh, you know what would be fun here? If someday there was sports league of mostly black people, and we are. We give our monkey T shirts. No, that never happened. And by the way, not every Chinese person talks like that, okay? That's racist.

[Tom Brokaw]

Yeah, but you were. You were the one doing the.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

Well, think about it, Trevor, who was actually offended by this, like, one guy? One guy. DeMarcus Cousins. We're really gonna listen to DeMarcus Cousins? Really? That's the guy? That's the guy. This guy. He's been a leader in technical files for, like, five seasons in a row now. Yeah, he's the biggest crybaby in the NBA. Oh, that guy fouled me. Oh, I hate my coach. That T shirt hurts my feelings. Blah, blah, blah. You know what should hurt your feelings, Demarcus? Your team being in 10th place in their conference. All right, now, look, if Steph Curry complains about a monkey T shirt, look, that's a conversation.

[Tom Brokaw]

Wow. Wow, Ronny, I'm shocked right now. You know a lot about basketball, man.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

What are you talking about? Of course we know about basketball. Chinese people love basketball. There's, like, a million Chinese basketball fans. And not to mention countless NBA players of Chinese descent.

[Tom Brokaw]

Well, not countless. Isn't it just Jeremy Lin.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

Countless players, Trevor. Okay, look, the year of the monkey happens every 12 years, okay? So we need to fix this right now. This is just gonna keep on offending people, okay? And we can't move Chinese New Year because it's based on the moon, okay? There's nothing we can do about it. So I suggest you guys just move Black History Month.

[Tom Brokaw]

What? No, no, no. Whoa, Ronny.

[Stephen Colbert]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Tom Brokaw]

No, no, we can't just move Black History Month.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

Sure you can. What do you want February anyway? It's like the coldest and shortest month. Yeah, sometimes it's missing a day. It's like a bad month. Look, I can't believe you guys were suckered into taking February in the first place. All right, yeah, why don't you take something like May? It's got 31 days and there's no monkey based holidays, alright? It's beautiful.

[Tom Brokaw]

You know, Ronnie, I see your suggestion, but I wouldn't count on that happening.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

Trevor, all I'm saying is black people, listen. We're all on the same team here, okay? We're not your enemy. We've already proved we can work well together in Rush Hour, remember? Yes, that's right.

[Trevor Noah]

Yeah.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan kicked ass, conformed to racial stereotypes and respected each other's holidays.

[Tom Brokaw]

Ronnie, don't you ever touch a black man's holiday.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

Trevor, we're not trying to touch a holiday, okay? Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?

[Tom Brokaw]

Oh, nice. Nice. That's Rush Hour. That's. We did. It was Rush Hour.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

Oh, yeah, that's right. It's from Rush Hour. I didn't even realize. It's bringing us together already.

[Tom Brokaw]

It really is. That feels good. Thank you so much, Ronny Chang, everyone.

[Stephen Colbert]

Explore more shows from the Daily show podcast universe by searching the Daily Show. Wherever you get your podcasts, watch the Daily show weeknights at 1110 Central on Comedy Central and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount plus.

[Ronny Chang]

Paramount Podcasts.

[Stephen Colbert]

American Public University is the number one provider of education to our military and veterans in the country. They offer something truly unique. Special rates and grants for the entire family, making education affordable not just for those who serve, but also for their loved ones. If you have a military or veteran family member and are looking for affordable, high quality education, APU is the place for you. Visit Apu Apus Edu Military to learn more. That's Apu Apus Edu Military.

[Tyler Perry]

Let your imagination take flight with an AI powered PC from Lenovo. Whether it's creating digital art, designing new software or building a portfolio for a future career. Our PCs are powered by Intel Core Ultra processors to help students unlock smarter learning and unleash their career creativity. That's the power of Lenovo. With intel inside, all you have to do is choose the one that fits your passion. Head to Lenovo.com to shop AI PCs and find your perfect companion. Plus, get 5% off when you create an education account.

[Stephen Colbert]

Hey everybody. Tyler Perry here and I couldn't be prouder to introduce my new BET original series, Divorced Sisters. On BET Awards night. We give you a sneak peek at the very first episode. Meet Bridget, Rashida and Naomi and Tiffany in Geneva. Five friends facing the ups and downs of life after relationships.

[Tom Brokaw]

It's crazy how life is one minute everything is perfect and then you get married. You don't care for me anymore.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

You don't.

[Tyler Perry]

Tyler Perry's divorced sisters sneak peek after.

[Tom Brokaw]

BET Awards 2025 streaming June 10th exclusively on BET plus this is an I Heart Pod.