Stephen A. Smith sent fans into a mega meltdown with his latest comments on Nikola Jokic.
The 55-year-old ESPN personality shockingly and disrespectfully branded the Nuggets star a “big tub of lard” during a passionate rant on Tuesday’s First Take.
Smith was in the middle of debating with panelists Monica McNutt and Brian Windhorst whether Joker is the toughest to play against in the NBA. The Serbian has been virtually unguardable as he can kill you with his scoring or his passing ability as he racks up assists.
He scored 41 points and recorded 11 rebounds as the Nuggets narrowly went down 111-108 in Game 2 against the Miami Heat.
Smith chose Stephen Curry as the hardest guard with his rough comment.
“I understand that this big tub of lard that can’t jump onto a curb is unstoppable,” Smith said. I love Nikola Jokic, It’s unbelievable to watch him… He ain’t harder to guard than Stephen Curry.”
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Windhorst argued that Jokic is one of the “most deadly percentage shooters we’ve seen in the history of the game.”
Of course, Stephen A. stated, “I do disagree with [Windhorst] on this.
“I love this guy, I really do. Love him on First Take, love him as a colleague.
“But come on, man. I understand that this big tub of lard [Jokic] that can’t jump onto a curb is unstoppable.”
McNutt joined in and said, “I love Nikola Jokic. Love him. It’s just unbelievable to watch him, it really is.
“[But] he ain’t harder to guard than Steph Curry.”
Curry averaged 29.4 points per contest during the regular season as he continued to show not many people can stop him from scoring, let alone contain him to not go off every night.
Stephen A. is currently in Miami as Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets series is set for Wednesday at 8.30 pm ET.
