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5d ago

Udonis Haslem's 'Rosh Hashanah' Slip on NBA Today Draws Social Media Criticism

An on-air apology followed Haslem's repeated mispronunciations of the Hawks forward's name, highlighting the need for analysts to master correct pronunciation.

Apr 10, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) sets for a three point shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Overview

  • On the August 14 edition of ESPN’s NBA Today, Haslem stumbled over Zaccharie Risacher’s name, calling him “Rosh Hashanah” before settling on an incorrect approximation.
  • He apologized live, saying “I messed up his name. I am sorry,” and quipped that he “took a page out of [Kendrick Perkins’] book.”
  • Social media users seized on the clip to criticize former players-turned-analysts for appearing unprepared and unprofessional when handling player names.
  • Coverage compared Haslem’s gaffe to Kendrick Perkins’ earlier on-air name-fumble, framing it as part of a broader pattern of viral analyst mistakes.
  • Risacher, the Hawks’ 2024 No. 1 draft pick who averaged 12.6 points per game and scored 30-plus points three times as a rookie, now has his name correctly pronounced “Ree-Zah-Shay” emphasized across outlets.