Fanatics developed into a …

Fanatics developed into a sports-merchandising giant and has turned into a global business, now including deals with individual players across the pro leagues within the company’s new trading card and collectibles business. Fanatics will soon launch a gambling vertical as well; another factor as to why the business became a conflict for Rubin as he served as an NBA and NHL team owner.

“Given Michael’s tremendous success …

“Michael is a visionary and innovator …

“Michael is a visionary and innovator who has played an integral role in helping us grow and position HBSE for future success,” HBSE co-founder David Blitzer said. “He has been an incredible friend and business partner over the last 11 years and his instincts, work ethic, passion, and ability to bring people together have helped establish him as one of the industry’s most influential and successful leaders. “Michael has used those same attributes to help us evolve and grow, all while becoming a driver of positive, inspiring change in our communities. As he prepares for this new chapter in his career, I’m excited to watch Michael further revolutionize the Fanatics business, unlocking its full potential by connecting sports fans from around the world through a multitude of new platforms and verticals.”

Michael Rubin’s assets are growing. The …

Michael Rubin’s assets are growing. The 76ers co-owner is part of a group that will purchase vintage team jersey maker Mitchell & Ness. Rubin, the founder and chief executive of Fanatics, will team up with rappers Meek Mill, Jay-Z and Lil Baby along with sports-marketing businessman Maverick Carter and Tik Tok’s D’Amelio family to purchase Mitchell and Ness. Multiple reports have the purchase for $250 million.

James Harden, 76ers connection raising tampering suspicions

Teams around the NBA would consider asking the league to investigate a James Harden to 76ers deal, should the Brooklyn Nets superstar land in Philadelphia, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Harden has been linked to the 76ers because of his …

Teams around the NBA would consider asking the league to investigate a James Harden to 76ers deal, should the Brooklyn Nets superstar land in Philadelphia, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Harden has been linked to the 76ers because of his relationship with president of basketball operations Daryl Morey from their time with the Houston Rockets. Harden is also friends with 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin.

Source: Chris Haynes @ Yahoo! Sports

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
James Harden isn’t on the injury list for tomorrows game at Golden State. – 4:51 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Jumped on the pod with @Chris Haynes talking James Harden/Ben Simmons and if the Lakers can save their season pic.twitter.com/pVthBwzEA24:27 PM

Kendra Andrews @kendra__andrews
Steve Kerr on the Harden/Irving, Steph/Klay backcourts: “The styles are different. Both of those guys are as tough to handle on the ball as anyone. Steph and Klay are as tough to handle off the ball … With all four guys, there’s no weakness. They’re all All-Star, HoF players.” – 4:21 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Warriors coach Steve Kerr compares Steph-Klay vs Harden-Irving pic.twitter.com/i2S0hiFJyt4:15 PM

Barbara Barker @meanbarb
“James? He look like money,” says Nic Claxton of Harden after practice today. – 4:15 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Alex Bennett, Clay’s daughter in law, gives an interview where she tabs Lu Dort as the Thunder’s best player and says the team, with Sam Presti at the helm, will use their draft picks to get back to the KD/Russ/Harden days.
youtu.be/7BJEFZWEZ4o3:59 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Steve Nash says James Harden will play vs. Warriors on Saturday. He also said it’s been “beautiful” to watch Klay on the floor again. He’s impressed how well Klay is playing after missing 2.5 years. espn.com/nba/story/_/id…2:35 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
With all the smoke the last week or so, I sat down and took a look at the merits of waiting on a Simmons deal to chase Harden this summer. Along the way, I think I convinced myself holding onto Simmons until then doesn’t help as much as you’d think: phillyvoice.com/sixers-nba-tra…2:24 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Posted Up with C. Haynes Pod featuring @Vincent Goodwill on @YahooSports. We discuss Lakers’ rough road, who’s to blame, a trade that was inquired upon and how rival executives-owners are concerned about potential tampering when it comes to James Harden.
🎧: apple.co/3AC7WOO2:13 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
New #MannixAndScal: AD saving the Lakers, Wiz with a decision on Bradley Beal and what’s the best long term fit for James Harden? youtube.com/watch?v=ntTBDM…1:48 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, right? Rival teams are pushing for a collusion investigation if James Harden does end up in Philly. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/28/tea… via @SixersWire1:25 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Double @FrontOfficeShow to get you into the weekend! First up @Trevor_Lane and I talk tampering with James Harden?, What can the Lakers really get for “The Package”?, Knicks ready to make moves and more. Watch, like & subscribe. 20K subs here we come!
youtu.be/yjYNWsNxWY81:14 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
We talked Knicks, Julius Randle, trade deadline, Tom Thibodeau, some Knicks’ reaction to Kemba Walker benching, James Harden and more on The Putback with @Stefan Bondy, @AshNicoleMoss and @CWilliamson44. Full show: https://t.co/40FXTZHxMU pic.twitter.com/Oygr4wncX51:02 PM

Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Nash says Harden is gonna play at Golden State. #bigtwo12:39 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nash says Harden went through practice today and will play Saturday against the Warriors. – 12:30 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
RPR MVP Predictor, determined by Rolling Player Ratings and team success:
1. Nikola Jokic: 16.48
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 15.32
3. Joel Embiid: 15.01
4. LeBron James: 14.86
5. Stephen Curry: 14.04
6. Kevin Durant: 13.98
7. Trae Young: 13.75
8. James Harden: 13.1 pic.twitter.com/08NlUXFoSJ10:40 AM

Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Harden, All-Stars, Ask me anything twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…8:54 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
These 7 players got as many or more votes from their peers as some All-Star starters but didn’t make the roster:
9-Zach LaVine, 22.6%
10-Devin Booker, 20.7%
11-Draymond Green, 18.0%
12-Luka Doncic, 16.7%
13-Rudy Gobert, 16.1%
14-Miles Bridges, 14.3%
14-James Harden, 14.3%
(end) – 8:45 PM

More on this storyline

But eight-time All-Star Vince Carter disagreed, believing the Nets need to do their due diligence and assess the trade market for Harden. “If you’re the Brooklyn Nets, what’s wrong with taking calls? Because if Harden chooses to go elsewhere, you’re left with nothing. So just make sure you know what’s going on or at least have an idea what the market looks like,” he said. “You want to make sure you get something in return, they want to make sure they get the right pieces to add to this Brooklyn team if they lose Harden. -via FOXSports.com / January 28, 2022

James Harden, 76ers connection raising tampering suspicions

Teams around the NBA would consider asking the league to investigate a James Harden to 76ers deal, should the Brooklyn Nets superstar land in Philadelphia, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Harden has been linked to the 76ers because of his relationship with president of basketball operations Daryl Morey from their time with the Houston Rockets. Harden is also friends with 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin.