If you remember Stephen A. Smith’s first pitch at a Yankees game, it will be good to know that he is getting back to some action, this time on the basketball court. And that too, against an NBA on TNT member. The ESPN analyst is all set to battle it out in a three-point contest at the NBA Emirates Cup semi-final pregame show in Las Vegas. And he is putting in all the blood, sweat, and tears into practice. But his potential opponent isn’t letting him have it easy. 

Smith played basketball briefly at Winston-Salem State University, before a knee injury cut short his stint. But it’s time for him to recall all that he learned from coach Clarence Gaines as he takes back to the court now, with NBA shooting coach Chris Matthews. “Stephen A. Smith is dedicated to the game! He understands it now!” the coach wrote on IG. Well, what’s a rivalry without some leg-pulling?

The ESPN analyst was quickly called out by Kenny “The Jet” Smith for starting too late. Mocking his efforts and trash-talking a bit, the basketball legend declared that they haven’t rested in all these 40 years, while Smith has just started. He shared a snap of Smith’s practice on his IG handle and wrote a message.

“I hear you on the gym while everybody sleep? @stephenasmith ? You been sleep 🛌 💤 last 40 years too late to catch up ! I’ve been up my whole life @lethalshooter .. it’s too late my dude !! Goodnight 🌙” he concluded. But one cannot be sure. Stephen A. replied, “Dammmmnnnn, Kenny!”

The Jet is serious too. As soon as he heard about the battle from host Ernie Johnson, he admitted to rather train the Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal in free throws so he could beat Stephen A, suggesting he was too good for the ESPN analyst. The Big Diesel’s knowledge and grip on free throws isn’t quite commendable, with his average FT percentage being 52.7 percent, while Charles Barkley is good with 73.5 percent.

But the real free throw star among them is Smith himself, who has an average of 82.9 percent. He even finished in the NBA’s top ten three times for three-point percentage, and in the NBA’s top ten twice for free throw percentage. Now, this was a bit unsettling for the ESPN analyst.

Risking loyalty, Kenny Smith becomes coach to Shaquille O’Neal 

As a fellow Queens native, Stephen A. Smith likely expected support from the basketball legend, but that hope proved futile. “You know, I’ve been thinking about something regarding my man @TheJetOnTNT — swearing he’s going to train @SHAQ to outshoot me on FT’s: WTH happened to “Queens In The Building?” Where is your loyalty, Bro,” the analyst wrote on X.

The competition is fierce, and both parties seem ready to embrace it. Just days ago, Smith and Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith were spotted posing together at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It’s also possible that Smith himself might step into the battle. The possibilities are enticing, and it seems none should be underestimated. The contest seems to stem from the recent announcement that Inside the NBA will move to ESPN following the 2024-25 season under a new deal.

There were also rumors of Stephen A. joining the show. However, ESPN President Burke Magnus swiftly dispelled those notions before they gained traction. Smith is one of the most renowned veterans in the media industry. He began his career in print journalism, working with the New York Daily News. From his tenure at the Philadelphia Inquirer covering the Philadelphia 76ers to his time at Fox Sports Radio and more, Smith has built an illustrious career. Now, this might be his moment to show another side of his talent.