The digital landscape of NBA commentary received a dose of reality TV flair this Friday as Mariah Rose, daughter of former NBA star Jalen Rose, shared her highly anticipated list of “favorite” players.
Operating under the “Hoops for Hotties” handle, the creator explicitly stated that her rankings were not based on traditional box scores or advanced analytics, but rather on the more elusive quality of “vibes.”
While the list included several rising superstars, it was her commentary on Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards that captured the internet’s attention, blending high praise for his charisma with a series of playful, unverified digs.
Mariah Rose began her breakdown by clarifying that her list was a sanctuary for positivity, though she deliberately excluded league legends like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James to focus on the new generation.
Standing at the top of her rankings was San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama, but it was her second-place selection that sparked the most conversation.
Discussing the recently crowned 2026 NBA All-Star Game MVP, Mariah Rose leaned into the magnetic personality of the player widely known as “Ant-Man,” describing him as a must-watch figure in the league today.
“Number two is Anthony Edwards. He’s spunky, he brings the drama,” Mariah Rose said.
Reality TV comparisons and the “Housewives” effect
The commentary took a sharp turn into satire as Mariah Rose addressed the various rumors and tabloid headlines that often follow high-profile athletes.
In a moment of candor that felt more like a celebrity gossip recap than a sports segment, she alluded to the alleged personal life of the Minnesota Timberwolves star with a lighthearted disclaimer.
“And yes, he impregnated like 17 women in a year, allegedly. I don’t know, he is rich as hell though. Don’t sue me,” Mariah Rose joked.
She further justified her admiration by comparing the experience of following Anthony Edwards‘ career to watching a popular Bravo franchise.
“But it’s like kinda watching the Housewives,” Mariah Rose added, illustrating her point that professional athletes provide entertainment value that transcends their performance on the court. “Like I don’t necessarily need you to be a good person, I just need you to entertain me and do what you need to do on the show.”
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