Ex-ESPN host doubles down on Trump-Harden take: Sorry, ‘but that’s the idea’

Former ESPN host Max Kellerman didn’t mean it.

On their podcast, “Game Over,” their podcst on Netflix, Kellerman and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul addressed recent comments made by Kellerman that went viral.

After the Cleveland Cavaliers blew a 22-point lead to the New York Knicks to lose Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Kellerman took a shot at guard James Harden.

“Bringing in James Harden to win a championship is like electing Donald Trump to fix your country,” Kellerman said, via X/Twitter.

On Thursday, the former “First Take” co-host walked back his comments, easing up on Harden while doubling-down on President Trump.

“I shouldn’t have said that because it’s not fair to James Harden. I did not mean to insult him publicly in a way that was going to go viral. It was too severe. I don’t think it’s as bad as all that. I was just using... hyperbole,” Kellerman said in a clip shared on X/Twitter. “I don’t think it’s as bad as electing Trump to fix your country, obviously, but that’s the idea. That’s the opposite of what you’d do if you’re trying to get a certain result.”

It’s been a difficult week for President Trump and Harden’s Cavs.

With gas prices continuing to soar amid a U.S. conflict with Iran, the latest New York Times/Siena College poll has Trump’s approval rating sliding to 37%, the lowest rating he’s recorded since winning the presidency in 2016.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers dropped Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks on Thursday. They now trail in the series 2-0 and are headed back to Cleveland for Game 3 on Saturday.

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