The BIG3 isn’t playing around this season. Ice Cube’s been out here making power moves, like a guy who owns a sports league and also dropped an album that still slaps. The latest flex? NBA insider Chris Haynes is joining the squad as a sideline reporter for season eight, and that’s not even the half of it. They’re stacking the deck with city-based teams, Hall of Famers, and some serious TV exposure. This is what happens when you mix hoops, culture, and Ice Cube’s relentless hustle.

Chris Haynes, the guy who’s broken more NBA news than most players can rack up double-doubles, is making the jump to the BIG3 as a sideline reporter. And no, this isn’t some random “who’s that?” hire. Haynes has been around the block—covering LeBron’s Cavs, KD’s Warriors, and dropping “Haynes Briefs” like they’re hot. But now? He’s bringing that insider edge to Ice Cube’s basketball playground.

Starting June 14, Chris Haynes will join Rachel DeMita for live coverage across CBS and VICE Sports. And before you get all “who cares about sideline reporters,” let’s be real: having someone who gets it on the mic is crucial. Haynes isn’t just gonna be shouting out generic “great play” lines. Nah, he’s gonna drop the kind of takes that’ll make you second-guess your fantasy draft.

Ice Cube was hyped about the move: “Chris is the best in the business… he’s got the perfect balance of hot takes and insight.” Yeah, Cube, we get it, you’re putting the whole league on a pedestal. But let’s be real—this hire actually makes sense. Haynes knows the game. He’s been in the trenches, covering everything from the Portland Trail Blazers to NBA Finals action, and now he’s ready to chop it up with legends in a league that doesn’t just play hoops—it redefines them.

Dwight, Kemba, Trez — the BIG3 roster is starting to look like a 2019 All-Star reunion

So yeah, Chris Haynes is pulling up to the BIG3, mic in hand, but let’s not act like he’s the only headline. Dwight Howard just joined the party. Kemba Walker, too. Montrezl Harrell? Yup, he’s in there like a sixth man with a chip on his shoulder. At this point, the BIG3 is looking less like a retirement home and more like your favorite team’s 2K bench unit from a few seasons ago.

These aren’t just washed names looking for one last run — these are hoopers who can still go. Dwight’s still built like a comic book character. Kemba’s crossover still makes ankles disappear. And Trez? Man’s got that “get a bucket, then bark at the rim” energy. Add them to a league that’s already built for highlight reels and jawing after buckets, and you’ve got fireworks waiting to pop.

And let’s not forget the 2025 BIG3 Draft is right around the corner. Ice Cube and co. are about to start stacking squads like kids with MyTEAM cards. If you thought the NBA offseason was drama-filled, wait till Trilogy drafts another bucket-getter and Stephen Jackson starts talking spicy on the bench.

Chris Haynes is gonna have the best seat in the house, and this time, he’s not tweeting out “Per league sources” — he’s right there, mic in hand, giving us the real-time goods. Expect sideline interviews with sweat still dripping and quotes that’ll hit your feed before the postgame pressers even start.

In the end, BIG3’s coming with names, games, and just enough nostalgia to make you re-download NBA Live 10. June 14. Mark it down. This summer’s gonna be hot (and cold with Ice Cube here) — and we’re not just talking weather.