The ongoing spat between ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith and the New Orleans Pelicans escalated further on Monday, with Smith retaliating against the organization in a video posted on X.
“Since you decided to call me out on Friday, you haven’t won a single game,” Smith remarked. “Doesn’t that signal a need to reassess your priorities? Maybe focus less on Stephen A. Smith.”
The Pelicans wasted no time in hitting back at Smith’s remarks, once again resorting to humor at the expense of the ESPN personality:
On Friday, the Pelicans had initiated the exchange by sharing a graphic detailing Smith’s basketball career at Winston-Salem State University alongside a compilation of some of his on-air mishaps over the years.
You got my attention, Pelicans pic.twitter.com/Gq4405HWc9
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) February 27, 2024
This seemed to be a direct response to Smith’s persistent criticism of Pelicans’ star Zion Williamson’s physical condition. During Friday morning’s episode of Get Up, Smith had aired his concerns regarding Williamson’s fitness.
“Zion Williamson, it’s not about his skill on the court,” he remarked. “It’s about his lifestyle choices. Will he prioritize his fitness or continue indulging in unhealthy habits?”
Christian Clark of The Times-Picayune highlighted on Dec. 8 that Williamson’s dedication to training and his diet had been a point of contention for the Pelicans, given his struggles with injuries throughout his early career.
Nonetheless, Williamson seems to have overcome these obstacles during the Pelicans’ commendable 2023-24 campaign. With 47 starts under his belt, he’s boasting averages of 22.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, shooting an impressive 58 percent from the field.
The Pelicans currently hold a 34-24 record, securing the No. 7 seed in the competitive Western Conference.
Williamson is on track to feature in 71 games this season, which would mark a career-high appearance rate. However, if the Pelicans’ losing streak persists, Smith is likely to continue his critiques of the team’s performance.
