The digital spat between renowned sports commentator Stephen A. Smith and the New Orleans Pelicans, an NBA team, seems far from over.
Stephen A. Smith, New Orleans Pelicans continue social media beef over Zion Williamson’s weight https://t.co/9EDZwR5jnO pic.twitter.com/HjKvXURitS
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 27, 2024
All this over concerns raised on ESPN’s Get Up about Pelicans’ top star, Zion Williamson’s fitness and form.
Stephen A. Smith expressed his skepticism around Williamson’s weight on his appearance last week on ESPN’s Get Up.
“Zion Williamson, it’s not about his game,” said Smith. It’s about how many burgers he’s eating. 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.”
"Zion Williamson, it's not about his game. It's about how many burgers he's eating. 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"
— Stephen A Smith on the pressure on Zion pic.twitter.com/ot0ejoeZTf
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) February 23, 2024
Williamson’s robustness has long sparked debates, and Smith’s recent comments did nothing but add fuel to the flame.
The Pelicans responded by trolling Smith about his brief collegiate basketball career at Wake Forest University.
The organization smartly used a graphic illustrating Smith’s modest average of 1.5 points per game during the 1990-91 season.
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 23, 2024
Smith, known for his vibrant debates, took the jab to heart. He defended himself on his show, The Stephen A. Show.
Also using the opportunity to throw some jabs of his own at the New Orleans Pelicans.
Admitting he’s no match for the likes of Williamson, C.J. McCollum, and Brandon Ingram on the court.
“I couldn’t shine Zion’s shoes, nor C.J. McCollum, nor Brandon Ingram, nor any of them,” said Smith. “That’s why y’all in the NBA and I’m not. But let me tell you something about you New Orleans. Because since we want to be up here and we want to make sure that we are as thorough as we can possibly be. Let’s talk about the New Orleans Pelicans franchise for a second.
“You are in your 22nd season in New Orleans since your relocation from Charlotte. Ladies and gentlemen, do you know that by being named the Hornets and then the Pelicans, you have as many names as you do playoff series victories in 22 years. You have won two playoff series in 22 years. You have the same amount of playoff series victories as you do names! And you are talking about me? At least I’m not robbing the public by getting paid. For not doing what I’m supposed to be doing, which is win.”
Smith didn’t back down from his original comments.
He mentioned his remarks about Williamson as light-hearted banter and communicated that he had no intention of offensive connotations.
Smith’s response did not end there. He also addressed Antonio Daniels, the New Orleans Pelicans television analyst, who labeled Smith’s original comments as ‘inappropriate.’
“I was joking around about Zion Williamson not eating too much. We need him healthy, on a good diet so he is strong and powerful. I did not imply that he is not doing it now. I said it is a concern, Antonio Daniels. I said it is a concern New Orleans Pelicans. And I was half joking because I am rooting for the kid. And I’m rooting for the franchise.”
A crucial element in this lively discussion highlighted Smith caring for Williamson’s well-being.
He called for a healthy, balanced diet to ensure Zion’s strength and power on the court, underlining the significance of health in the high-intensity sport of basketball.
In a move which only further escalates the feud, the Pelicans hit back at Smith with a witty social media post in response to his show clip.
https://t.co/IlAhx3RfZe pic.twitter.com/p4ygEg0D5R
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 27, 2024
While some claim Smith’s constant criticism of Williamson is overkill, the interaction doesn’t seem to slow down any time soon.
