NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith has built a reputation as one of the league’s most outspoken critics when the cameras are rolling. His commentary often comes down hard on players who leave their talent on the court. But when the lights go off and microphones are muted, Smith becomes all camaraderie and friendliness.
This “dual personality” unsettles several NBA professionals. That very dynamic became a central topic in the latest episode of Shaquille O’Neal’s podcast.
The Morris twins visit The Big Podcast
Markieff and Marcus Morris recently appeared on “The Big Podcast,” hosted by Shaquille O’Neal. During their conversation with the NBA legend-turned-successful businessman – who remains deeply connected to basketball – the twins didn’t hold back when it came to discussing Smith.
Both openly admitted their dislike for the analyst. Markieff said he can’t stand him, partly because Smith is a Dallas Cowboys fan and also due to his harsh on-air remarks.
What bothers him most, he explained, is Smith’s behavior on First Take. According to Markieff, when cameras are off, Smith is the nicest guy in the room, but once the show starts, he flips into a different persona.
Stephen A. like everybody else, like everyone else outside of that, man, great guy, man, unbelievable.
O’Neal – who will soon work alongside Smith at ESPN – noted that all analysts act differently off-camera, except him. He joked about having a “G14 Classification,” a special category for former NBA players turned analysts who earned the right to critique because they actually played in the league.
Shaq then asked the Morris twins if they felt Smith’s lack of playing experience undermined his criticism. Markieff responded:
I think, I think he get paid to do that,” he said. “That’s what he, he told us like, ‘I don’t get paid to like be reasonable.’ Yeah, ‘I get paid to talk about y’all. That’s what they pay me for, so that’s what I do. Like, you know what I mean? Rightfully so, it’s a job just like how y’all go and y’all play basketball as a job. Y’all don’t like it, but that’s just what I get paid for.’
Smith recently signed a $100 million contract extension. For the Morris twins and other players unhappy with his commentary, enduring it may be their only option.
Soon, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny “The Jet” Smith will share a set with Stephen A. Smith. It remains to be seen how their chemistry unfolds – especially since three of them meet Shaq’s “G14 Classification,” and Stephen A. never played professionally.
Marcus Morris summarized it best:
He literally does that well. Like when TV come on, he’s switching to a whole different character… then when it goes off… I don’t hate you… I was just saying that… how’s your kids doing, man?
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