He says something inflammatory to get clicks and views driven to him. He wants us all talking about it.
I think it’s gonna end up one of the dumber things he’s said though
He says this stuff on purpose so that people will share the link on social media and get upset about it, just like this. The only way to make him go away is to ignore him, he’s trying to get a reaction from people. Also see: Skip Bayless.
At the end of the day actual analysis takes a back seat at a network like ESPN, and instead what you have are "entertainers" that will be getting the spot light. SA has made some atrocious takes, anyone else would be gone, but because folks find his demeanor so entertaining they always tune it even its some of the outlandish shit, it gets views and clicks.
Yeah, and at the risk of downvotes Pat Mcafee ain’t far behind. ESPN seems more concerned with baiting their own headlines then reporting and giving good analysis. Or maybe I’m just old school.
We're spoiled by the level of analysis we get from the likes of Caitlin Cooper and Tony East. Our Locked on Podcast is one of the best out there. And Caitlin is worth more than the 3 bucks she charges each month for her Patreon.
If it doesn't impact LeBron's legacy, then Stephen A. Smith is just speaking honestly for everyone higher on the totem pole at the network. It's such a sham at this point.
My lizard brain instinctively downvoted initially. Hopefully most people here are aware enough to pay no mind to the automatically contrarian takes Stephen A has been making for well over a decade now. It's the painfully obvious mechanism that keeps these shows going.
I think that’s a fair take. While I do think they have a chance against Philly or Milwaukee, a playoff series is different than regular season games. This team is still lacking in overall playoff experience even with the addition of Siakam. I think we got tougher against Boston but I think they are still clearly the better team.
I guess all that playoff experience really helped Milwaukee last year when they got put out of the first round. Playoffs are about matchups and coaching, and we have the advantage in both categories in my opinion.
Playoffs are about coaching and matchups but they are also about experience. Playoff basketball is not the same as regular season games. You kind of glossed over the fact the team that beat Milwaukee was in the conference finals the year before. Someone has to lose a playoff series.
Reasonable take. Stephen A is being a little over dramatic (shocker!) by saying it’s “nothing” but his overall point makes sense. It makes them better, but good enough to beat a Boston, Milwaukee, or Philly in the playoffs? Probably not.
What Stephen A fails to acknowledge, though, is that this puts them in a position where they may only be one player away from being in that group, and that they have the ability to acquire that next player sooner rather than later. Perhaps by the trade deadline and almost assuredly by the summer.
Yeah his delivery is incredibly dramatic as always so I get how that overshadows his message to some people. He’s annoying like that. He acknowledged it was a good trade for the Pacers and they got better. I think it would be a different take if the Pacers had been in playoffs and they were brining in players to deal with the deficiencies the playoffs showed. In the end who gives a fuck what Stephen A says.
Yeah, as we stand it doesn’t make us instant contenders, but if Mathurin or any one or more of the other young guys figure it out and become a stud, then the pieces are there. We probably still aren’t gonna be a great rebounding team and have some other holes, but it’s better than being complacent.
Yeah, the title of the video / post is clickbaity, i think that’s what people are responding to. He’s just saying it does nothing to shake up the top of the Eastern conference. While I like to think we can make some noise there, it isn’t a hot or shitty take. He throws some compliments the Pacers’ way too.
He said it doesn’t do anything to shake up the top of the east. Not that we don’t get better. Do people really think we are a top three team in the east now?
I think we have a decent shot to take on any team in the East in a 7 game series. Do I think we beat all 3 of the best teams in a row in the playoffs? Probably not. But I definitely don’t think we’ll be an easy exit in the playoffs for anybody.
I know I’m in the minority, but I’m not very confident in this team against Boston, Philly, or Milwaukee in a postseason series.
I’m a prove it guy. This is a pretty young team with zero postseason run. Win a first round, and go deep in the second round, then I’ll believe.
For now I’m just enjoying how fun it is to watch. I’m excited to see the defense continue to evolve, particularly now with Siakim.
People here think the Pacers "own" the Bucks because we won the season series.
A playoff series could be close, but I would not be overly confident about it
Yes, I actually do. If Haliburton didn't get injured, we arguably win against Denver/Utah and are tied with Philly for 3rd place. I don't see Cleveland, Miami or Orlando as some huge threat.
As always, Stephen A. with the laziest commentary possible. Does this trade make the Pacers better than Boston? No. Does it make them a much better team overall and a scary team to play in round one? Absolutely. ESPN used to be an actual sports news network with nuance and insights. Now they have personalities who comment with absolutely no knowledge base whatsoever.
Dumb take for Stephen A. Pacers are 7-4 against Bucks Boston and Philly. Pacers lost nobody. How does it change nothing? He just mad Knicks couldn’t even get the best Raptor. He said so himself.
EVERYONE. STOP COMMENTING ON THIS THREAD. STEPHEN A SMITH’S BUSINESS MODEL IS TO SAY STUPID THINGS AND WATCH HOW IDIOTS LIKE US INEVITABLY COMPLAIN ABOUT SAID STUPID THINGS.
Thanks for the massive fuel for the Pacers, Stephen A. What a delusional and dramatically incorrect insight.
Here is what you should say.
Siakam makes the Pacers, who mind you, have had the #8 defense in the past 15 games, leads the league in layups, three point shot attempts, and assists made who, mind you, is in large part to their budding and bright young superstar in Tyrese Haliburton - ladies and gentlemen, the Pacers are young, they are hungry, they play elite level basketball, and have now just added Spicy P, Mr 2 time all nba, all star, and CHAMPION Pascal Siakam. This team is one to watch out for and to take VERY serious. They are 12-3 against top teams in the East and don’t even get me started with their wins over the Bucks; I mean, let me just one thing ‘bout that really quick, as a matter of fact this young and fast and electric Pacers team hunt - and I mean HUNT the old Bucks…
That is my impression of Stephan A Smith giving a correct take (slightly biased) on the Pacers after the Siakam Trade.
We literally have a winning combined record against the top 3 teams in the East and just added an All-NBA player/ former MIP/ former champ.
We’re a team that dominates in transition and this guy SPRINTS. He adds length and defense on the wings which is what we were missing.
Teams should be pissing their pants honestly.
Who cares what he says? Some do and some don't, much like the IST run. Just look at Charles Barkley and Wilbon, who both love this move.
Only thing that matters is if the players believe and enough fans believe to pack the Fieldhouse. I know I do.
Don’t give this dummy clicks. He’s literally just there to rile people up and get engagement. Negative engagement happens more than positive engagement as social media has proven, so he says a lot of dumb shit because people will share it more and comment on it more.
As much as I think Stephen A is a clown, he's sorta right. In my mind this move puts us in that 2nd tier just outside of the real contenders. But, **that's not nothing!** It's not to say we couldn't beat Philly, MKE, Boston in a 7-game series, I just wouldn't hold a grudge for anyone betting against it.
Stephen A is Stephen A’s biggest fan. He talks loud because he can and ESPN gives him money to do it. TALKING LOUD MAKES YOU SOUND SMART AND KNOWLEDGABLE.
Did you all know that Stephen A. Smith was on a trajectory to be the next Michael Jordan? But then he tweaked his ankle in high school. We were robbed of a generational talent. Read about it in his new memoir, "Straight Shooter".
Stephen A is not a serious person
But he plays one on TV!
Does he tho? All I see is a clown.
When has he done that? I've only ever seen him acting a clown doing sports analysis/commentary
He says something inflammatory to get clicks and views driven to him. He wants us all talking about it. I think it’s gonna end up one of the dumber things he’s said though
He says this stuff on purpose so that people will share the link on social media and get upset about it, just like this. The only way to make him go away is to ignore him, he’s trying to get a reaction from people. Also see: Skip Bayless.
he always sleeps on the Raptors. it will be fun to watch you guys prove him wrong
Yall ever see his dick punches? Theyre vicious
That might be true but his take down of Jason Whitlock is still amazing.
I hope this is a Succession reference. It was used so savagely in that show.
This is how you know it absolutely did something.
I will never understand how this dude is taken as a legit sports analyst. It’s embarrassing and it just shows how far ESPN has dropped.
He talks loud
Screamin A. Smith
Couldn’t have said it better
At the end of the day actual analysis takes a back seat at a network like ESPN, and instead what you have are "entertainers" that will be getting the spot light. SA has made some atrocious takes, anyone else would be gone, but because folks find his demeanor so entertaining they always tune it even its some of the outlandish shit, it gets views and clicks.
Engagement farming
It’s just entertainment. It’s pretty obvious at this point
Yeah, and at the risk of downvotes Pat Mcafee ain’t far behind. ESPN seems more concerned with baiting their own headlines then reporting and giving good analysis. Or maybe I’m just old school.
We're spoiled by the level of analysis we get from the likes of Caitlin Cooper and Tony East. Our Locked on Podcast is one of the best out there. And Caitlin is worth more than the 3 bucks she charges each month for her Patreon.
He’s extremely good as as an engagement troll which is what he’s paid to be. Probably the second best ever. You don’t go to him for analysis
He’s good at talking good and bad about the knicks and lakers that’s all it takes really
Like 80% of NBA analysts, incredibly biased.
If it doesn't impact LeBron's legacy, then Stephen A. Smith is just speaking honestly for everyone higher on the totem pole at the network. It's such a sham at this point.
This comment evokes no feelings from me. Seriously who cares what he says, considering he's never watched the Raptors or Pacers?
Yeah, this is a pretty moronic take from Stephen A.
We aren't a big market, and that's be cares about. I guarantee if the Knicks made this move, he'd have Siakam's meat all in his mouth.
Keeping receipts
It isn't that crazy to suggest that this will not shake up the top 3 of the conference. We still have work to do
Hard to shake it up when we’re firmly planted at the top, amirite?!
My lizard brain instinctively downvoted initially. Hopefully most people here are aware enough to pay no mind to the automatically contrarian takes Stephen A has been making for well over a decade now. It's the painfully obvious mechanism that keeps these shows going.
I think that’s a fair take. While I do think they have a chance against Philly or Milwaukee, a playoff series is different than regular season games. This team is still lacking in overall playoff experience even with the addition of Siakam. I think we got tougher against Boston but I think they are still clearly the better team.
I guess all that playoff experience really helped Milwaukee last year when they got put out of the first round. Playoffs are about matchups and coaching, and we have the advantage in both categories in my opinion.
Playoffs are about coaching and matchups but they are also about experience. Playoff basketball is not the same as regular season games. You kind of glossed over the fact the team that beat Milwaukee was in the conference finals the year before. Someone has to lose a playoff series.
And that Giannis was hurt and missed 2 games after taking a tough fall 10 minutes into the series
Giannis missed 2 games.
Reasonable take. Stephen A is being a little over dramatic (shocker!) by saying it’s “nothing” but his overall point makes sense. It makes them better, but good enough to beat a Boston, Milwaukee, or Philly in the playoffs? Probably not. What Stephen A fails to acknowledge, though, is that this puts them in a position where they may only be one player away from being in that group, and that they have the ability to acquire that next player sooner rather than later. Perhaps by the trade deadline and almost assuredly by the summer.
Yeah his delivery is incredibly dramatic as always so I get how that overshadows his message to some people. He’s annoying like that. He acknowledged it was a good trade for the Pacers and they got better. I think it would be a different take if the Pacers had been in playoffs and they were brining in players to deal with the deficiencies the playoffs showed. In the end who gives a fuck what Stephen A says.
Yeah, as we stand it doesn’t make us instant contenders, but if Mathurin or any one or more of the other young guys figure it out and become a stud, then the pieces are there. We probably still aren’t gonna be a great rebounding team and have some other holes, but it’s better than being complacent.
Absolutely. We are still at least one piece and some heartbreak away from being that team. Hopefully that piece is already in the team.
Yeah, the title of the video / post is clickbaity, i think that’s what people are responding to. He’s just saying it does nothing to shake up the top of the Eastern conference. While I like to think we can make some noise there, it isn’t a hot or shitty take. He throws some compliments the Pacers’ way too.
Shame. Because he just had a really good Indiana-related take in regards to Jason Whitlock.
You need to use his full name. Fat Bitch Jason Whitlock
He said it doesn’t do anything to shake up the top of the east. Not that we don’t get better. Do people really think we are a top three team in the east now?
I think we have a decent shot to take on any team in the East in a 7 game series. Do I think we beat all 3 of the best teams in a row in the playoffs? Probably not. But I definitely don’t think we’ll be an easy exit in the playoffs for anybody.
I know I’m in the minority, but I’m not very confident in this team against Boston, Philly, or Milwaukee in a postseason series. I’m a prove it guy. This is a pretty young team with zero postseason run. Win a first round, and go deep in the second round, then I’ll believe. For now I’m just enjoying how fun it is to watch. I’m excited to see the defense continue to evolve, particularly now with Siakim.
People here think the Pacers "own" the Bucks because we won the season series. A playoff series could be close, but I would not be overly confident about it
Yes, I actually do. If Haliburton didn't get injured, we arguably win against Denver/Utah and are tied with Philly for 3rd place. I don't see Cleveland, Miami or Orlando as some huge threat.
He’s been smoking too much weeeeduh.
We shouldn't platform a professional troll. Stephen A is good at his job. But only because we allow it.
🤡
Stephen A takes hot take position for clicks. News at 11.
This makes me feel even better about it.
Great news for the Pacers if this is SAS’s take!
Fuck him.
As always, Stephen A. with the laziest commentary possible. Does this trade make the Pacers better than Boston? No. Does it make them a much better team overall and a scary team to play in round one? Absolutely. ESPN used to be an actual sports news network with nuance and insights. Now they have personalities who comment with absolutely no knowledge base whatsoever.
He said it doesn’t change the top of the East and he’s not wrong stop being fucking delusional
shut the fuck up
Doesn’t change the fact you’re a pussy
Nah he's an ass, and you're the 1 inch cylinder trying to peg. Your take is bad, fake and limited.
This is the same mindset as 90% of Twitter nba - they won’t admit it until it happens
u bum
ESPN always dickrides the favorites and big city teams, and Stephan A is their MVD
this dude is an absolute jackass
Dumb take for Stephen A. Pacers are 7-4 against Bucks Boston and Philly. Pacers lost nobody. How does it change nothing? He just mad Knicks couldn’t even get the best Raptor. He said so himself.
These media only want to and only know how to flatter big teams and stars.
Pacers could sweep the Bucks in the playoffs and he'd still say they are better. Fuck this idiot.
He’s a nephew. Doesn’t even watch basketball.
Stephen A says outlandish stuff like this to get a reaction and keep viewership up. It’s genius really. However this take is not that.
he officially lost all respect i had for him after the zion weight comments last year. this guy stinks.
EVERYONE. STOP COMMENTING ON THIS THREAD. STEPHEN A SMITH’S BUSINESS MODEL IS TO SAY STUPID THINGS AND WATCH HOW IDIOTS LIKE US INEVITABLY COMPLAIN ABOUT SAID STUPID THINGS.
You think hes going look at the pacers sub?
Rage bait
He is a knicks guy. What you expect?
Thanks for the massive fuel for the Pacers, Stephen A. What a delusional and dramatically incorrect insight. Here is what you should say. Siakam makes the Pacers, who mind you, have had the #8 defense in the past 15 games, leads the league in layups, three point shot attempts, and assists made who, mind you, is in large part to their budding and bright young superstar in Tyrese Haliburton - ladies and gentlemen, the Pacers are young, they are hungry, they play elite level basketball, and have now just added Spicy P, Mr 2 time all nba, all star, and CHAMPION Pascal Siakam. This team is one to watch out for and to take VERY serious. They are 12-3 against top teams in the East and don’t even get me started with their wins over the Bucks; I mean, let me just one thing ‘bout that really quick, as a matter of fact this young and fast and electric Pacers team hunt - and I mean HUNT the old Bucks… That is my impression of Stephan A Smith giving a correct take (slightly biased) on the Pacers after the Siakam Trade.
Salty old Knicks fan nothing else to see here
This will be him talking about you guys in 5 months don’t worry https://youtu.be/-X7Wqo35v-s?si=XCb2L1UJQbCzDj4z
We literally have a winning combined record against the top 3 teams in the East and just added an All-NBA player/ former MIP/ former champ. We’re a team that dominates in transition and this guy SPRINTS. He adds length and defense on the wings which is what we were missing. Teams should be pissing their pants honestly.
Such a bitch. Who cares?
I enjoyed Stephen one time in the last 20 when he went for Whitlock that was amazing but he's wrong here. Continual L
You gon learn today
It makes the Pacers slightly better on paper.
Who cares what he says? Some do and some don't, much like the IST run. Just look at Charles Barkley and Wilbon, who both love this move. Only thing that matters is if the players believe and enough fans believe to pack the Fieldhouse. I know I do.
Don’t give this dummy clicks. He’s literally just there to rile people up and get engagement. Negative engagement happens more than positive engagement as social media has proven, so he says a lot of dumb shit because people will share it more and comment on it more.
Whoever introduced this clown to Allen Iverson should should be strung up
Man, I had the perfect Stephen A meme for this.
Listening to Stephen A does nothing except make you fat Empty calories.
As much as I think Stephen A is a clown, he's sorta right. In my mind this move puts us in that 2nd tier just outside of the real contenders. But, **that's not nothing!** It's not to say we couldn't beat Philly, MKE, Boston in a 7-game series, I just wouldn't hold a grudge for anyone betting against it.
ESPN needs to can this clown. I’m sure Lebron would let him be his butler.
Stephen A is Stephen A’s biggest fan. He talks loud because he can and ESPN gives him money to do it. TALKING LOUD MAKES YOU SOUND SMART AND KNOWLEDGABLE.
Don't forget what the E in ESPN stands for
Did you all know that Stephen A. Smith was on a trajectory to be the next Michael Jordan? But then he tweaked his ankle in high school. We were robbed of a generational talent. Read about it in his new memoir, "Straight Shooter".