Amid the world-class athleticism and exceptional skills on display, the NBA world comes across several controversial moments frequently. Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been one of the most controversial players this season and he recently found himself in trouble again. On the other hand, New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has also been under the scanner over his fitness issues. With the top two picks of the 2019 NBA Draft not having the best of time, veteran NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith dragged a New York Knicks star into the conversation while slamming Ja and Zion.
ESPN’s veteran NBA analyst has been part of the NBA world for a long time, covering the sport over several decades and various generational talents. Notably, he is infamous for his frequent blunt statements on Live TV. He trashed the Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden on TV before yanking the 22-year-old Knicks star on Sunday.
Stephen A. Smith roasts Ja Morant after his recent controversy
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Grizzlies star, Ja Morant, found himself in trouble again after the team’s front office suspended him from all team activities indefinitely for flashing a gun again on social media. The league is yet to make a decision on the issue. Following the update, sports commentators and fans made several harsh criticisms of the 2x NBA All-Star. Moreover, Smith rode along the bandwagon with his unique take on the issue.
Addressing Morant’s issue on TV, Smith dragged Zion Williamson and the 22-year-old Knicks star RJ Barrett into his statement to trash the 23-year-old Grizzlies guard. He said, “Between Zion Williamson’s body and Ja Morant’s stupidity, RJ Barrett might end up being the best pick.” Barrett was the 3rd pick in the 2019 Draft but Williamson and Morant have always been considered as superior players to the Knicks star.
Stephen A. Smith:
“Between Zion Williamson’s body and Ja Morant’s stupidity, RJ Barrett might end up being the best pick.”
(h/t @ClutchPointsApp)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 14, 2023
Notably, Smith, who claimed himself to be a loyal Knicks fan, took a dig at Barrett as well over his poor field goal percentage after they got eliminated from the postseason. Amid Knicks’ poor Semifinal series, Barrett raised his concern over the growing criticisms of his team. However, the team continued to display poor performances in the following games. Eventually, it prompted Smith to slam him.
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He said, “R.J. Barrett 1-10 shooting from the field, really? Really!!? And you got the nerves to be sensitive about criticism?” The 55-year-old has been critical of Pelican star Zion Williamson previously as well. However, his fitness concerns haven’t helped him gain any fans.
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Zion Williamson’s fitness update
After entering the league as the No.1 pick of the 2019 NBA draft, Williamson has been under the scanner for his frequent injuries on the court. The star only played 29 games this season and the team crashed out in the Play-In tournament. While the star faced criticism across the NBA world, Pelicans’ Vice President, David Griffin, also pinned the blame on Zion in his recent statement. He said, “I wish I could immediately pinpoint the answer. I think a big part is on him,” reported Marca.
Griffin also stated that Zion could do a lot better to take care of himself. Amid the growing criticisms, fans expect the star to bounce back to full fitness in the upcoming season.
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What do you make of Stephen A. Smith’s controversial statement about Ja Morant and Zion Williamson? Let us know in the comments below.