An unexpected clash ensued between two of the most unrelated people in the NBA. Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown and veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith exchanged a few words after a particular segment on First Take. During the live show, Smith cited a source from an ‘NBA source’ who stated Brown isn’t liked around the NBA circuits. The ESPN analysts didn’t concur, nor did he stand to say they could be true. However, Brown felt it was insulting for him to recite the anonymous tip without providing any context about the source.

It led to an online feud with Brown urging the 56-year-old media personality to reveal the name. Standing firm by his ethics, Smith denied. However, there was still a space of confusion left to be addressed. Smith attempted to hash out his differences with Jaylen Brown during his own show, which he specifically released out of schedule to address such comments.

At first, the face of ESPN clarified how he didn’t agree with his sources. He specifically denied Brown being disliked around the NBA. Secondly, the analyst revealed how Brown’s role as an activist and social warrior is largely the reason America doesn’t sing his praises enough.

“You know how a lot of people feel about conscientious observers. People who are willing to be social activists, whose hearts are in the right place, who care about the desolate and disenfranchise like Jaylen Brown does. There is a legitimate argument that could be that is what cost Jaylen Brown in the eyes of people. They don’t want him to get the shine that he deserves because of how principled, how decent, how good he is. How is that us throwing shade on him?”, said Smith when conversing with Kendrick Perkins.

Brown signed the most ludicrous deal in NBA history during the offseason signing a five-year $303.7 million extension, the first of its kind. During the presentation, Brown’s commitment ran deeper than basketball. He made promises to be at the front of a myriad of activities. One of these activities included creating a ‘Black Wall Street’ in Boston. This initiative aims to empower the wage disparity within the community. While a philanthropic initiative, Smith believes several forces are opposing his personality. These forces might have stimulated the above-mentioned reputation around him.

It’s difficult to pick sides in this cold war between Smith and Jaylen Brown. On one end it can be argued that Smith should never have read his source’s opinion aloud and created an impression around Brown’s name. Even though he directly disagreed, the idea was still introduced. On the other hand, the Celtics guard could have watched the whole segment before igniting a feud with the media stalwart.

Smith is still confused over Isiah Thomas’ defense for Jaylen Brown

One of the very first people who defended Jaylen Brown from the ‘not liked’ claims was Pistons icon Isiah Thomas. The two time NBA champion addressed the X universe and called out Smith for slandering the Celtics star’s name. During his recent show, both Smith and Perkins addressed the comments and felt bewildered by Thomas’ outcry.

Perkins spoke about both him and Smith having a robust relation with the NBA Hall of Famer. The champion with the Boston Celtics claimed Thomas hasn’t hesitated to personally call either him or Smith for matters in the past. However, Perk didn’t appreciate Thomas taking a clip of the segment out of context and forming an opinion.

“But my thing is, it was clip. It wasn’t even the full segment of the show or what we talked about because anybody that goes back and watches the full segment, there is no way in hell you could think we were talking down or slandering Jaylen Brown”, Perk declared.

Smith further said he can’t recall the 27-year-old having taken a wrong foot through his NBA career. He made an exception for his substandard performance in Game 7 against the Heat last season. There is no certainty that Brown and Smith will make peace with one another. It’s a situation born due to miscommunication. Hopefully, both parties can find commonality and get back on respectful terms.

In other news, if you want to know the status of Inside the NBA on TNT, Leonard Armato detailed the situation. This was during our exclusive conversation with him. You can find it in the video below. Make sure to check it out!