(AllHipHop News) Controversial NBA basketball star Charles Oakley may not be welcomed by The New York Knicks or Madison Square Garden, but he has found a home with rapper Ice Cube.
Charles Oakley, who played with the New York Knicks for 10 seasons, has joined The BIG3 professional basketball league and will serve as a coach of a new team this summer.
“I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this league,” said Oakley. “Everyone seems to realize we are about to make history together as players. What an exciting opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the best ever.”
Ice Cube made the announcement as 2017 All-Star Weekend in New Orleans takes place.
The N.W.A. founding member-turned-director/actor, wasted no time checking the Knicks over their treatment of Charles Oakley, just days after the NBA player was arrested and banned from Madison Square Garden, after a courtside altercation with team owner James Dolan.
“The players and coaches are our central focus at the BIG3. Charles Oakley is an NBA legend, who deserves and has earned respect, and will get just that in our league,” said Founder Ice Cube, taking a shot at the Knicks’ treatment of the basketball great.
Ice Cube’s league already has a number of seasoned professionals attached as talent, including players Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups, Gary Payton, Kenyon Martin, Stephen Jackson, Jermaine O’Neal, Rashard Lewis, Jason Williams, Bonzi Wells and Mike Bibby.
Coaches include Rashard Lewis and Jason Williams, who will lead the 3 Headed Monsters, while Kenyon Martin and Al Harrington will captain the Trilogy.
Charles Oakley, Chauncey Billups and Stephen Jackson will captain the Killer 3s.
Roger Mason Jr., former Deputy Executive Director of the NBA Players Association, has been tapped to serve as President & Commissioner of the new professional basketball league.
Beginning this summer, fans can catch The BIG3 league in different arenas and cities across the country.
A full schedule of dates and venues will be announced on March 12, 2017.
