How the Beef Got Started
The feud between ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith and the New Orleans Pelicans began in December 2023 when Smith started criticizing Pelicans star Zion Williamson over his weight and diet.
Smith expressed concerns about Williamson‘s ability to stay healthy and reach his full potential if he did not get his weight under control.
On an episode of ESPN’s “First Take” in December, Smith said: “I’m worried about Zion’s weight. This is not funny to me. I’m concerned about health. I’m concerned about it long-term wise.“
Smith continued his criticism of Williamson‘s weight on ESPN’s “Get Up” in February 2024, saying: “Zion Williamson, it’s not about his game. It’s about how many burgers he’s eating. And whether he is going to be in shape or keep eating McDonald’s….. That’s what he has to prove.“
The Pelicans Clap Back at Smith
The New Orleans Pelicans franchise did not take kindly to Smith‘s repeated criticism of their young star. After Smith‘s comments on “Get Up,” the Pelicans clapped back at the analyst on social media.
The Pelicans tweeted a graphic showing Smith‘s underwhelming college basketball stats along with a video compiling clips of Smith‘s past sports blunders and bad takes. The video appeared to mock Smith‘s credentials to be criticizing an NBA player.
Smith did not appreciate being called out by the Pelicans. On his ESPN show “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” he went on a 10-minute rant defending his comments about Williamson and slamming the Pelicans franchise.
Smith Fires Back at the Pelicans
“You are in your 22nd season in New Orleans since your relocation from Charlotte. Ladies and gentlemen, do you know that by being named the Hornets and then the Pelicans, you have as many names as you do playoff series victories in 22 years,” Smith said.
He called out the Pelicans‘ lack of playoff success, saying “You have won two playoff series in 22 years. You have the same amount of playoff series victories as you do names! And you are talking about me?”
Smith stood by his assessment that Williamson needs to focus on his diet and fitness while also claiming his comments were just “joking around.”
“I was joking around about Zion Williamson not eating too much. We need him healthy, on a good diet so he is strong and powerful. I did not imply that he is not doing it now. I said it is a concern,” Smith stated.
How Has the Feud Continued?
Even after Smith‘s forceful response, the Pelicans have continued to mock him on social media. Most recently, they posted a tweet making fun of Smith’s on-air mannerisms in response to his latest rant.
Smith, in turn, has stood firm in his criticism of Williamson‘s weight and the Pelicans franchise. On a February 27th episode of his show, Smith said: “Since you called me out on Friday, you’ve lost every game since, Is that not an indication that your priorities need to get in order?“
What Does This Feud Reveal?
At its core, this feud between Stephen A. Smith and the New Orleans Pelicans reveals some key truths:
- Smith relishes controversy and harsh criticism, even if it rubs people the wrong way
- The Pelicans are ultra-sensitive to attacks on their young star Zion Williamson
- Williamson‘s weight and health remain a concern around the league
Smith is unlikely to back down from his criticism, while the Pelicans seem poised to continue trolling the famed analyst. As long as Zion Williamson‘s fitness is uncertain, this beef may keep simmering.
How Other NBA Figures Have Reacted
The ongoing feud between Stephen A. Smith and the Pelicans has elicited reactions from others around the NBA world:
Shaquille O’Neal
“I think Stephen A. should leave the kids alone. Don’t talk about Zion like that. I’ve been big, I understand. Give him time to grow up.”
Charles Barkley
“Man that back and forth is just stupid. The Pelicans need to focus on improving their roster, and Stephen A. needs something else to talk about.”
Antonio Daniels, Pelicans TV analyst
“I played with Zion and know how hard he works. Stephen A.’s comments are inappropriate. An analyst should uplift players, not tear them down.”
The reactions have been mixed, with some siding with Smith and others criticizing his harsh focus on Williamson‘s body and diet. But the attention surrounding the feud reveals how strongly many in the NBA feel about the situation.
The Bottom Line on the Smith-Pelicans Feud
It’s unlikely Stephen A. Smith will retreat from his criticism of Zion Williamson‘s diet and physique anytime soon. And with Zion representing the franchise’s hopes, the New Orleans Pelicans will probably keep firing back at Smith.
The war of words may ultimately fuel both sides. Smith draws interest by making fiery comments, while the Pelicans rally around their young star. But there is a risk if either goes too far trying to get the last word.
In the big picture, the real need is for Zion Williamson to achieve his vast potential on the court. That would quiet critiques from Smith and help the Pelicans rise to contender status.
For now though, this simmering feud makes for dramatic fodder across media forums. And Pelicans vs. Stephen A. battles on social media seem destined to continue in viral fashion.
Sources:
bleacherreport.com/articles/10110789-video-stephen-a-smith-claps-back-at-pelicans-after-social-media-troll
awfulannouncing.com/espn/stephen-a-smith-pelicans-zion-williamson-weight-criticisms.html
