first take

Stephen A. Smith Clarifies Comments On Kawhi Leonard

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Stephen A. Smith made a big splash with comments he made last week. The media icon went scorched earth with his thoughts on the legacy of Clippers star Kawhi Leonard. Leonard has battled numerous injuries throughout his career. Including a knee injury that has him sidelined for the Clippers current playoff run. There’s no question that Leonard is one of the best players of his generation. However, Smith believes that Leonard will be remembered for being a much different player.

Last week on an edition of First Take, Smith made the comment that Leonard may be the worst superstar of all time. Those comments quickly spread through social media like wildfire. With many people wondering just what Smith meant by his words. During his remarks, Smith didn’t discredit the accolades that Leonard has acquired over his career. But instead, Smith spoke about the recent string of injuries that Leonard has dealt with. Smith claimed that Leonard’s recent availability has made his star shine a lot less than what many may conceive it to be shining.

Stephen A. Smith Stands By Recent Comments

However, over the weekend, unfortunate news was announced for Leonard’s family. Leonard’s sister was sentenced to life in prison for a murder of an elderly woman dated back in 2019. With that recent news, Smith wanted to clarify his statement from last week. “I said some things last week about Kawhi Leonard as a superstar. I meant every word of it. Having said all that, I said it unaware of some of the personal things his family has gotten into. I had no knowledge of that at the time.”

However, Smith did not apologize for his comments made toward Leonard. Smith stated that he didn’t know Leonard’s family was going through such a hard time when the comments were made. But Smith still stood strong in his statement about Leonard, the basketball player. Do you believe that Stephen A Smtih’s comments were unnecessary toward Leonard? Also, what did Smith’s statement on Monday really do for the comments he made? Let us know your thoughts on the issue in our comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Kendrick Perkins On Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Legacy

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Kendrick Perkins delivers high praise when discussing Giannis Antetokounmpo on Friday’s edition of First Take. The Milwaukee star will begin the journey of claiming his second NBA title when the playoffs begin. But for Perkins, this championship run would mean more than just a title. Perkins believes with another championship, the Greek Freak would see himself in rarified air. Claiming that Giannis’ spot on the GOAT list of power forwards to ever play would be high on that list.

“[When] I look at what he has the opportunity of doing: Leading [the Bucks] to a second championship… he will go down as the second greatest power forward of all-time [behind Tim Duncan] and I believe he’s going to do it.” The comment is high praise for the Bucks forward. There should be no argument that Tim Duncan is the greatest power forward ever to play the game. However, another championship does help build the legitimacy of what Giannis has helped build in Milwaukee.

Kendrick Perkins’ Predicting Bucks Title Run

Many people said winning in a small market in this day and age couldn’t be done. However, Giannis and the Bucks said hold my beer. The Bucks won the 2021 NBA Finals proving to everyone you can build a champion anywhere. For Perkins, he believes the Bucks can do it all over again. But the road will not be easy along the way. As teams like the Celtics and Sixers will be significant roadblocks. The Bucks are still awaiting their first-round opponent. As the eighth seed will be decided on Friday between the Bulls and Heat.

A second championship will change everyone’s perspective on Giannis. It seems that winning one just isn’t good enough anymore. However, Giannis and the Bucks are talented enough to get the job done. Also, another championship run would really stick it to fans of so-called superteams. Do you believe Kendrick Perkins is right in his opinion of Giannis? Or do you believe the Milwaukee star still has more to accomplish? Give us your opinions on the matter in the comment section. For the latest news regarding the NBA, keep it right here at HNHH.

Kendrick Perkins Sounds Off On Zion Williamson

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Kendrick Perkins is looking to the future of the New Orleans Pelicans franchise. That future may not include former number-one overall pick Zion Williamson. Williamson missed the Pelicans game on Wednesday as the star is still recovering from a hamstring injury. However, Williamson wasn’t afraid to show off his hops in pre-game warmups. The Pelicans forward was seen throwing down just moments before his team’s final game of the season. Suddenly the injured superstar didn’t look all that injured.

Perkins, like many, has taken notice of the Zion situation. A situation that the Pelicans franchise will sooner or later have to make a decision on. On Thursday’s episode of First Take, Perkins said it may be time to have a discussion about moving on from Williamson. “When I’m looking at Zion right now, the word trust comes into play. If I’m in the front office of the New Orleans Pelicans, do I trust this guy to be my franchise player? … The answer is no!” Check out the video of Perkins’ comments below.

Kendrick Perkins Losing Faith In Zion

Obviously, a trade for Zion would bring many suitors to the table. The talent and potential have always been there for the former Duke star. However, his NBA career has seemed to be one injury after another. Zion has only played over 30 games in one season of his short three-year career. However, that is no reason to give up on the budding superstar. Current MVP front-runner Joel Embiid missed the entire first two seasons of his career. The Sixers were patient, and that patience has delivered. But will the same be said for Williamson?

It wasn’t a good look for the franchise on Wednesday, with Williamson putting on a dunk show before the game. The team and Williamson have been hesitant to put the star in a position he isn’t ready for. But like Perkins mentioned, where does the trust lie with Zion and the team? Was last night a crack in the relationship between Williamson and the Pelicans? Is Kendrick Perkins right in thinking the team should trade Williamson? Please give us your thoughts on the situation in the comment section. For the latest news involving the NBA, keep it locked in here with HNHH.

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Kendrick Perkins Responds To Viral Video Of His Heavy Breathing

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Kendrick Perkins became the butt of a joke recently after a viral video hit social media. The video appears to show Perkins heavily breathing during his appearance on First Take. However, Perkins says there’s a good reason behind the breathing in the video. In a reply to a fan on Twitter, Perkins claimed he is battling the flu. But the former NBA star took it even a step further. Emphatically stating that when some may take time off, that thought isn’t in his DNA.

The response seems like it was meant to be all in good fun. Dealing with something like the flu is never fun. However, Perkins powered through and delivered his segment. While it might not be like Jordan’s flu game, Perkins still delivered when asked. That;’s all you can ask from someone. Although his time on the show this morning wasn’t all centered around his battle with the flu. Perkins discussed the topic of the Dallas Mavericks sitting their stars with Stephen A. Smith. A topic that has garnered a lot of conversations.

Kendrick Perkins Doesn’t Allow The Flu To Slow Him Down

A lot has been discussed about the Mavericks decision this past Friday. The organization decided to sit star Luka Doncic while the team still had a chance at a playoff spot. However, the Mavericks didn’t hold their own destiny in regard to their playoff chances. In the end, the Mavericks wouldn’t have made the playoffs anyway. But sitting Doncic on Friday sent a strong message that the team didn’t have much faith, to begin with.

Kendrick Perkins became the target of a viral video Monday. But the moment doesn’t look like it has phased the ESPN star. Media personalities are under a microscope every time they are on the screen. It is great to see that Perkins was able to squash this situation before it got even bigger. Was it necessary to call out Perkins’ breathing on air? Should Perkins have even had to answer questions about his health? Sound off in the comment section with your opinions. For the latest NBA news, stay right here at HNHH.

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Angel Reese Reveals Where Her Confidence Comes From

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Angel Reese is continuing her media tour after helping the LSU Tigers win the National Championship. The Final Four MVP has made headline after headline with her style of play. However, not all of the headlines were for her performance. But about her style of celebration. There’s been a lot of talk about Reese’s taunting of Iowa player Caitlin Clark during the National Championship. Since the moment became an issue, Clark has come out in support of Reese and her actions.

The story of Reese’s celebration has slowly turned into just a player showing her emotions. Reese is an athlete performing at the highest level. Sometimes emotions will get involved when you care as much as Reese. On Friday, Reese made a guest appearance on ESPN’s First Take. The college basketball star discussed a few different topics. One of those topics was on the confidence she carries on the court. Reese mentioned that her confidence isn’t something that evolved. But rather something that comes naturally.

Angel Reese Thanks Mother For Confidence

“Looking at her and seeing how she never backed down to anything. She always stood her ground … Being able to just look at her and say ‘Mom, you showed me. You paved the way for me,” stated Reese. Reese gushed about how her mother was the perfect example for her growing up. The LSU star even gave her mom a special shoutout during her interview. Many in the media have had their opinions on Reese since the Final Four. However, her interview on Friday shows just how level-headed the basketball star truly is.

Angel Reese is a great story for many reasons. Firstly, as Reese has mentioned recently, she can be a shining example for younger girls who look like her. Next, she is a perfect example of how the transfer portal is beneficial to college athletes. Lastly, she has proven that sports are supposed to be fun. But yet, some want to focus on stories that should have never gotten as big as they did. Reese and Clark have proven that Women’s College Basketball has the star power to bring in viewership. For the latest news on women’s basketball, keep it locked in here at HNHH.

Stephen A. Smith Goes Off On Haters Who Believe He Ruined Sports Media

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Stephen A. Smith is someone who has a lot of haters. Overall, this is because of his broadcasting style, which some feel isn’t conducive to real sports discussion. After all, Smith is known for his hot takes and exuberant personality. Ultimately, he is a pioneer in the sports talk space. However, he has birthed a ton of clones who are trying to be just like him. Consequently, sports discussions have only gotten worse. This is not Stephen A.’s fault, although it is easy to see how some fans could come to that conclusion.

Recently, Smith was on Dan Le Batard’s show. During his visit, LeBatard noted that he hatest what Stephen A. and Skip Bayless have done to sports media. Of course, Le Batard made it clear that he loves Smith and respects everything he has done. However, he is not a huge fan of what has happened to sports media in the wake of shows like First Take. At the time, Smith pled his case for why he is a net positive to the sports media word. Over the weekend, he took it a step further as he went on Know Mercy and ripped those who question him.

Stephen A. Attempts To Set The Record Straight

“‘Obnoxious, loud, demonstrative, bombastic, not good for television’…I’ve been called it all. Hell, ESPN fired me for it!” Smith wrote on Twitter. Throughout his rant, Smith noted that he has never betrayed the core tenets of journalism. Additionally, he referenced how he was fired in 2009 but was ultimately brought back because of his hard work. Stephen A. is confident that he has contributed to the sports media world in nothing but a positive fashion. In fact, the whole segment seemed to be a response to Le Batard directly, although Le Batard made an effort to show Smith some respect. Overall, Stephen A. may have missed the Miami legend’s initial point.

Either way, there is no doubt that Smith is confident in what he does. He is never going to compromise who he is, and you have to respect him for that. Stephen A. and Skip are legends of the sports broadcasting space and if you love First Take, then you already know this. Let us know what you think of Smith’s rant, in the comments down below.

The Original Conversation

Stephen A. Smith Gets Brutally Honest About Max Kellerman

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Stephen A. Smith is the biggest name in the United States when it comes to sports talk television. Alongside Skip Bayless, Smith completely revolutionized the sports debate format. Although some don’t like what sports television has become, there is no denying Smith’s influence. Overall, he has the journalistic credentials to speak out on various topics, and he is extremely entertaining as well. This has helped propel him to where he is now, and at this point, he is keeping the lights on over at ESPN.

When it comes to First Take, Stephen A. doesn’t have a consistent debate partner anymore. Following the departure of Skip Bayless, Max Kellerman took over. However, after about five years, he began to overstay his welcome, at least in Smith’s eyes. In September of 2021, he was let go from the show, and given his own platform with This Just In. At the time, Stephen A. made it clear that it was his decision to get Kellerman off of the show. Now, Smith is getting brutally honest about the ordeal.

Stephen A. Tells All

While speaking with former ESPN employee Dan LeBatard, Smith was asked about what went wrong with Kellerman. Simply put, Stephen A. did not feel like First Take was a show he wanted to do for years to come if Kellerman were to remain employed. “I don’t want anybody to assume Max Kellerman doesn’t work hard, Max Kellerman is a bad person, Max Kellerman is not somebody anybody should want to work with. That’s not what that was about,” Smith began. “It was about that a debate show requires certain things that I believe he did not bring to the table when it came to sitting opposite of me.” Smith went on to reiterate that it was simply a chemistry issue and that Kellerman probably could have done a better job with someone like Marcellus Wiley.

Overall, this is perhaps the most in-depth analysis we have ever heard in regard to Smith’s reasonings for getting Kellerman removed from First Take. However, there is no denying that some are still upset with the decision. Kellerman was known for having great takes, especially on the political side. That said, First Take continues to thrive, and ratings prove it. Let us know what you think of Stephen A.’s remarks, in the comments below.

Stephen A. Smith Makes Interesting NBA Finals Prediction

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Stephen A. Smith has had a lot to talk about in regard to the NBA over the last few weeks. Overall, there has been a lot of player movement, especially when it comes to the trade deadline. Players like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant were traded to new teams. Moreover, franchises like the Los Angeles Lakers got infinitely better as they shed themselves of Russell Westbrook. Now, the playoffs are just a few weeks away, and all of the big sports shows are trying to figure out who can win it all.

One of the teams that are certainly garnering attention is the Phoenix Suns. Although they are currently without Kevin Durant, they are still playing well. Devin Booker and Chris Paul have been tasked with carrying the team into the playoffs. Furthermore, with KD returning soon, this will be a superteam once the postseason begins. They have all the makings of a team that can make an impressive deep run to the Finals. As it turns out, Stephen A. most certainly agrees with that sentiment.

Stephen A. Speaks

On today’s episode of First Take, Stephen A. made it clear that he believes the Suns should be favored in the West, as long as the whole team is there. “I got [the Phoenix Suns] going to the Finals if KD is healthy,” Smith declared. As you can see in the clip above, Smith got an eye-roll from Kendrick Perkins. However, Smith maintained that there is no other team in the West that can roll with them when Durant is on the floor. Stephen A. went so far as to say that Durant is the best player on the planet, when healthy.

There are a lot of variables that go into a playoff run. Some teams go into the postseason expecting to clean up, although injuries can get in the way. Moreover, other teams tend to get hot, which throws a wrench in the plans of those at the top of the standings. This year, it feels like it is anybody’s race, which only adds to the drama. Let us know who you think is going to make it to the NBA Finals, in the comments down below.

Stephen A. Smith Questions Job Security Amid Looming ESPN Job Cuts

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Stephen A. Smith is one of ESPN’s most important employees. Overall, he has been carrying the network on his back ever since Skip Bayless left in 2016. In fact, Smith has one of the highest salaries in the network. He makes about $12 million per year, which is simply astronomical. However, when you consider the ratings that he brings to the table, you can see why he is making so much. Either way, he is a valuable member of the network that ESPN would rather not lose.

Unfortunately, ESPN is going to be the victim of job cuts very soon. The media landscape is always changing, and as it turns out, budget cuts are frequent. Consequently, there are hundreds of ESPN employees who could very well get the boot. According to Front Office Sports, Disney is cutting 7,000 jobs. Although there is no timeline for these cuts, they could be imminent. On his podcast Know Mercy, Stephen A. spoke about the situation and even joked that even he could be on the way out.

Stephen A. Speaks

Mayor Eric Adams and Stephen A. Smith attend during “In Conversation with Fat Joe” at The Apollo Theater on November 15, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

“Have you all been paying attention to the business landscape? Disney itself announced that over 7,000 employees are going to be let go,” Smith said. “ESPN is under the Disney umbrella. They’re going to have cuts coming. Hell, for all I know, I might be one of them. Now I doubt that. But it’s possible. No one knows.” At this point, it is very unlikely that they let Smith go. He is their A-list star, and it would be wild if they just decided to cut his post.

That said, it will be interesting to see who ESPN decides to lay off. There are plenty of talented individuals in the network and it would suck to see a lot of them go. However, that is the nature of the business world. There is always a ton of turnover, and that will not change anytime soon. Let us know your favorite ESPN personalities, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world.

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Stephen A. Smith Reveals He Has Personal Issues With Kyrie Irving

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If you have ever seen Stephen A. Smith do his thing on First Take, you have probably seen him get into an argument about Kyrie Irving. Overall, Smith is very harsh on Kyrie and he can be unrelenting. Consequently, fans have admonished Smith for this. They don’t like it when he goes hard on Kyrie as they feel as though he doesn’t do the same thing against white athletes or figureheads. For instance, he barely had anything to say about the Jerry Jones controversy. Of course, this was the picture in which Jerry Jones was on the evil side of a segregation protest.

Recently, Jay Williams accused Stephen A. of being personal with Kyrie. Smith was very angry about this and made it known on First Take. Subsequently, Smith got to talk about this interaction during an episode of The Mike Missanelli Podcast. As you will hear below, he was, indeed, angry with Jay Williams. However, Smith also admitted that at the end of the day, things are personal between him and Kyrie. Although, we still do not know the exact reason why this is the case.

Stephen A. Vs. Kyrie

“Now Kyrie and I have our differences on a personal level, which is none of anybody’s business and I’ll never tell why,” Smith said. “He knows why. And his daddy knows why. They know how I feel about how they’ve acted towards me and they know how I feel about them and I know how they feel about me. But I can say that to anybody out there because I know that that does not interfere with my reporting on him and my perspective based off of the facts.”

Overall, this is an admission that is going to raise quite a few eyebrows. Ultimately, people want to know what Kyrie may have done to Stephen A. There are plenty of theories out there, although there is no telling what the truth is. For now, it seems clear that Smith is keeping this all to himself. However, if Kyrie says anything else about Stephen A., then we could see this entire saga unravel. Let us know what you think of all this, in the comments below.

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