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via Imago

via Imago

“Is a change in the All-Star Games essential?” Throw this question in public and you’ll see a full-blown debate. Some people are inviting the revamped version of the game, and that’s good news for Adam Silver. However, a majority firmly oppose the idea, and the NBA authorities find that beyond concerning. Especially for Stephen A. Smith, the changes seem a “complete waste of time.” But, who do we blame for such rigorous alterations? LeBron James and Stephen Curry?

Let’s just say subtly that SAS isn’t happy with the new All-Star Games format. That’s just a way to put it out, but the veteran NBA analyst is simply angry. He’s upset and finds the idea somewhat useless. On FirstTake, Stephen A. Smith fumed with rage when asked about his thoughts on the ASG changes.

Stephen A. Smith gives his unfiltered verdict on Stephen Curry’s All-Star Dreams

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The NBA analyst bluntly stated: “I abhor it. I think it’s an insult and it’s a disgrace to pioneers who have helped elevate the NBA product to what it is.” Smith added: “I think it’s a blemish on NBA players. I personally have no interest in even being there. And I never speak against the NBA this way. I’m not where I am in my life if it were not for the NBA. The NBA has done wonders for me.” Stephen A. Smith has been around the NBA scenes for the last three decades and surely you’ll never hear him spew out such frustration about his source of income.

However, SAS doesn’t blame the leaguer officials, instead, it’s the players who are at fault. Why? “This is on the players, man. I’ve said this on a thousand occasions and I’ll say it again. This is the ultimate indictment against the NBA players,” Smith complained. “They play harder practicing in the summer league.” He further questioned: “Now, what possible excuse could you have for playing harder and practicing amongst yourselves in the summer league than you are in an exhibition game?”  Stars descend from all over the country if not all over the world, to come and watch you play in an exhibition!

In the Summer League, the players play against each other like playing in the NBA Playoffs. But, there seems to be no semblance of effort when it comes to the All-Star games. This is indeed disheartening for the fans who eagerly wait for the games to unfold every year. Back in 2018 when the whole Team LeBron vs. Team Steph happened. Bron’s side won 141-145. And LeBron put on the show and scored that with a left hook in the lane for him. And KD trapped Steph.

“You saw the energy, the adrenaline, and all of that other stuff. They cared and everybody applauded them. And what did they do? They went about the business of rewarding the fans after that by basically figuratively speaking, giving them the finger. They haven’t given a damn about the NBA All-Star and Adam Silver in the NBA,” Stephen A. Smith added.

Most importantly, the league officials have tried everything in their power to talk with “everybody and their grandmothers.” But everyone seems to oppose the idea. Even the commissioner is so convinced with the idea. Moreover, “former players have spoken out against it. Hall of Famers have spoken out against it,” SAS informed.

Simply put, Stephen A. Smith firmly believes “It is the ultimate indictment against players who are paid generational money. And you can’t show up for an All-Star game to show a modicum of effort. It’s a disgrace.”  Meanwhile, his reaction comes days after taking a jab at his old “friend” LeBron James for his role as a father in Bronny’s NBA career.

SAS hits back at LeBron James for putting Bronny under the microscope

Well, Stephen A. Smith isn’t on board with the NBA’s idea of having a pickup-style “tournament” for the All-Star Games. Besides, the veteran analyst also doesn’t approve of LeBron James’ fatherly role in Bronny James’ career. Just not long ago, the King took a break from social media and everyone blamed SAS for the happenings. However, hitting back at the detractors, he gave a blunt response to the detractors.

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“Something needs to be added to that, especially when it is of your doing because of what he said about Bronny before he got to the NBA. I wanna play with my son. My son is better than some of these NBA players in the league right now. These are things he said…But it’s another thing when you instigated it arguably because of the things you were saying about your son in comparison to others, and you put your son unintentionally.” As you can tell, Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back, as always!

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Now, only time will tell how Stephen A. Smith’s hit at Adam Silver’s plans will season. Moreover, his constant rift with LeBron might never settle down. But one thing’s for sure, the analyst isn’t a fan of the changes.