The verbal clash between Stephen A. Smith and the New Orleans Pelicans continues to escalate for NBA fans to enjoy. Following Smith’s critical remarks about Zion Williamson‘s physical fitness and weight, the Pelicans retorted by mocking Smith’s collegiate basketball average of 1.5 points per game.
The situation heated up when a Pelicans’ broadcast team member, Antonio Daniels, a former NBA player, rebuked Smith on a radio show appearance.
“I am all for objective, fair critiquing of individuals and, collectively, of teams,” said Pelicans broadcaster and former NBA player Antonio Daniels. “I felt what Stephen A. said this morning on Zion was completely inappropriate and lazy. If you have an issue, there’s a way to go about addressing that issue. You wake up this morning and this right here is the topic? To me, it’s almost gotten to the point where it’s personal.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Stephen A. Smith, Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Daniels emphasized the importance of objective and fair criticism of both players and teams, labeling Smith’s comments on Williamson’s condition as “completely inappropriate and lazy.” He suggested there are more constructive ways to address such concerns.
Daniels expressed frustration with the focus of Smith’s critique, implying it had become a personal attack on Williamson, centered not on his skills but rather on his diet.
On ESPN’s Get Up, Smith had harshly commented on Williamson’s diet and fitness, questioning whether his eating habits would impact his shape.
“Zion Williamson, it’s not about his game. It’s about how many burgers he’s eating,” Smith said on ESPN’s Get Up on Friday morning. “Whether he is going to be in shape or keep eating McDonald’s. That’s what he has to prove, that the chefs don’t love him any longer.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Stephen A. Smith, Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
In response to the jibes about his basketball skills and referencing a significant knee injury he suffered, Smith retorted by questioning the Pelicans’ achievements, highlighting the team’s lack of NBA Finals appearances or victories.
While Smith is not the only one to have raised concerns about Williamson’s condition, it’s noted that Williamson has been relatively healthy this season. He is anticipated to play in over 65 games for the first time in his career, with the Pelicans positioned as the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference.
