“Salty” Stephen A. Smith’s Anti-JJ Redick Agenda Exposed, as He Urges Jeanie Buss to “Find the Right Person” for Lakers Job
Throughout the years, ESPN has been known for its insightful and entertaining sports coverage. However, when it comes to veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith’s relationship with former NBA player JJ Redick, things have been anything but smooth.
As a key analyst for ESPN, JJ Redick has been able to share his extensive knowledge of the game and provide insightful commentary on various NBA games. However, ever since JJ joined the ESPN team, Stephen A. Smith has been noticeably hesitant towards him. In fact, some may argue that he even has a bit of a “salty” agenda against the former NBA player.
But why does Stephen A. Smith seem to have a chip on his shoulder when it comes to JJ Redick? Let’s take a closer look.
Firstly, it’s important to note that Stephen A. Smith is not only a renowned analyst, but he is also known for his outspoken and bold opinions. He is not afraid to speak his mind and has often caused controversy with his statements. However, when it comes to JJ Redick, it seems like Smith’s opinions are clouded by personal bias.
Back in 2015, when Redick joined the ESPN team, Smith raised eyebrows with his comments about the then-new analyst. He stated on his radio show, “I think JJ Redick is even more annoying than the guy that passed on him at Duke. And that’s saying a lot.” This statement was in reference to Redick’s college career, where he played under Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NCAA history.
This statement shows that Smith’s opinion of Redick was already formed before the former NBA player even joined ESPN. It’s clear that he holds some sort of grudge against Redick, perhaps stemming from his college days.
Moreover, Smith’s reluctance towards Redick has been evident on multiple occasions. In a segment on ESPN’s “First Take” in 2019, Smith and co-host Max Kellerman discussed potential candidates for the Los Angeles Lakers’ head coaching job. When Redick’s name was brought up, Smith, without hesitation, stated that the Lakers should “find the right person.” This statement shows that even though Redick has proven himself as a knowledgeable analyst, Smith still believes he is not the right fit for the job.
In addition, Smith has also expressed his disapproval of Redick’s shooting form and has criticized him for not being able to perform in the clutch. While it’s understandable that he may have some criticisms towards Redick’s game, it’s clear that Smith’s comments are fueled by something other than objective analysis.
It’s also worth mentioning that Smith’s attitude towards Redick stands in stark contrast to his relationship with other ESPN analysts, such as Jay Williams and Jalen Rose. While he often engages in friendly debates and discussions with these colleagues, his interactions with Redick have been noticeably different. This further emphasizes the tense relationship between the two.
It’s not clear why Stephen A. Smith holds a grudge against JJ Redick. It could be due to his college career, his shooting form, or simply a clash of personalities. Regardless of the reason, it’s important for Smith to put aside any personal biases and focus on providing objective and fair analysis as an ESPN analyst.
While JJ Redick may not have had the most successful NBA career, he has certainly proven himself as a knowledgeable and well-respected analyst. His insights and commentary have been well-received by fans and critics alike. Therefore, it’s imperative for Smith to give credit where credit is due and not let his biased opinions get in the way of fair analysis.
In the end, it’s important for both Stephen A. Smith and JJ Redick to put their differences aside and focus on providing the best sports coverage for viewers. As the saying goes, “teamwork makes the dream work.” And as part of the ESPN team, it’s crucial for these two to work together in harmony and provide the best sports content for their audience.
So, whether it’s Stephen A. Smith’s personal agenda or just a clash of personalities, it’s time for him to let go of any animosity towards JJ Redick and give credit where it is due. After all, as someone who has been
