The Stephen A. Smith Show
Episode: Full Show: Stephen A's Get@Me Special - Fan Phone Calls, Social Media, and Video Questions
Release Date: December 27, 2024
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction and Setting Up (01:11 - 02:27)

In this special edition of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith welcomes his audience with his signature energy. He introduces his nephew, Josh Smith, humorously dubbing him a "knuckleheaded" addition to the studio. The dynamic between Stephen A. and Josh sets a lively tone for the episode, blending insightful commentary with playful banter.

Notable Interaction:

• Stephen A. Smith [01:11]: "I'm a man of the people..., but I got my nephew, my knuckleheaded nephew, here in studio with me."

NBA All-Star Game Format Discussion (02:27 - 04:40)

The first caller, Duke Tong, inquires about the new NBA All-Star Game format and its potential impact on viewership. Stephen A. vehemently opposes the revamped four-team tournament structure, criticizing its complexity and the financial incentives it introduces.

Key Points:

• Stephen A. decries the new format as "ridiculous" and an "embarrassment to the NBA players."
• He questions the logic behind allocating a larger prize pool to the in-season tournament compared to the All-Star Game itself.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith [02:46]: "Hell no. I don't believe that for one second, Josh. I think the new format is ridiculous."
• Stephen A. Smith [03:29]: "How could you have more for the winner of the in-season tournament than the winner of the All-Star Game? See, that makes no sense."

Work Ethic and Personal Insights (04:40 - 06:14)

Caller two compliments Stephen A. on his renowned work ethic, prompting a heartfelt response. Stephen A. attributes his drive to his late mother, emphasizing her role in instilling a strong work ethic. However, Josh interjects with playful skepticism about where Stephen A. truly draws his inspiration.

Notable Interaction:

• Stephen A. Smith [05:08]: "I get it from his grandma. My mother, God rest her soul, she worked tirelessly."
• Josh Smith [05:33]: "I grew up on the other side of Rich. So that's where your hard work and ethic comes from."

Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Analysis (06:14 - 07:19)

Caller three seeks Stephen A.’s opinion on the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback situation, questioning the viability of Cooper Rush and proposing alternatives like Sam Darnold or a trade for Kirk Cousins. Stephen A. dismisses Cousins due to his recent performance and remains skeptical about Prescott's prospects leading the team to a Super Bowl.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith [06:40]: "Dak Prescott's not gonna go anywhere. He's gonna be in the lineup. They're gonna lose. They ain't gonna win no damn Super Bowl."
• Stephen A. Smith [06:40]: "You don't need to do that. Let me get another video, please."

Jacksonville Jaguars Draft Picks Opinion (07:19 - 10:55)

Caller four from York, Pennsylvania, asks for advice on the Jaguars' upcoming draft, specifically advocating for Travis Hunter. Stephen A. agrees, highlighting Hunter's versatility and potential impact. However, Josh remains critical, questioning the wisdom behind supporting Hunter.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith [07:49]: "I think Travis Hunter should be the way they go. The Heisman Trophy winner out of Colorado."
• Josh Smith [08:05]: "He might have seemed high."

Social Media and Twitter Reactions (11:01 - 17:27)

Stephen A. transitions to addressing tweets and social media comments from listeners. Topics range from hypothetical matchups with LeBron James to opinions on Liv Morgan. The interaction showcases Stephen A.’s candid and often blunt responses, intertwined with Josh’s humorous interruptions.

Key Highlights:

• LeBron James Hypothetical Matchup:

  • Stephen A. Smith [11:11]: "Stephen A. Smith would beat LeBron James to a game of 100 if he spotted me 99. Now if he spotted me 90, I'd lose."
  • Josh Smith [12:04]: "What is it, loser's ball?"

• Opinion on Liv Morgan:

  • Stephen A. Smith [16:53]: "She's a cutie. Okay. That's just me."
  • Josh Smith [17:15]: "She's wearing a belt."

3v3 Basketball Matchup with Iconic Players (18:24 - 20:56)

During phone call interactions, Michael from Virginia poses a hypothetical 3v3 basketball challenge against a team comprising LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, and Steph Curry. Stephen A. proposes facing them with legends like Michael Jordan and Kevin Durant, sparking a lively debate with Josh over the best lineup.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith [18:42]: "Hakeem because Akeem has a psychological effect on Shaq."
• Josh Smith [20:33]: "I'm taking him over. Jordan can't go left."

NBA In-Season Tournament Proposal (20:56 - 23:42)

Caller six from Minnesota suggests improvements to the NBA's in-season tournament by canceling specific regular-season games to alleviate scheduling conflicts. Stephen A. expresses skepticism, arguing that reducing game intensity and discipline is counterproductive.

Notable Quotes:

• Caller [20:00]: Proposes canceling games against tournament opponents.
• Stephen A. Smith [21:54]: "I just don't think there's a... The game has been called tighter, and that's the problem."

College Basketball Team Preferences (21:54 - 23:42)

Maddox from Illinois asks Stephen A. which college basketball team he would play for. Stephen A. expresses admiration for Duke and North Carolina but ultimately aligns with Kansas for their coaching and dynamic playstyle. Josh interjects with criticism, highlighting his desire to be a standout player rather than a team-oriented athlete.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith [22:15]: "It would be Kansas with Bill Self."
• Josh Smith [22:43]: "I'm going to Rutgers because I don't like to pass the ball."

Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson: Super Bowl Predictions (23:42 - 27:01)

Marcus from New York City queries Stephen A. on whether Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson will lead their teams to Super Bowl victories. Stephen A. expresses confidence in both but leans towards Josh Allen due to Buffalo Bills' strong performance. Josh counters by supporting Lamar Jackson, citing his potential to elevate his team in critical moments.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith [24:07]: "It's a toss-up between them and Baltimore."
• Josh Smith [25:00]: "I would actually go with Lamar Jackson."
• Stephen A. Smith [26:13]: "I think whoever wins the Super Bowl first... I am throwing respect."

Aaron Rodgers and New York Jets Analysis (27:01 - 28:17)

Joe from New York City inquires about Aaron Rodgers' potential return to the Jets. Stephen A. criticizes Rodgers' performance during the season, attributing it to the team's instability and coaching changes. He emphasizes that Rodgers deserves a better exit narrative given his illustrious career.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith [25:19]: "I think it's an atrocity. I think it's been very, very bad."
• Josh Smith [26:33]: "Well, I had texted my uncle two years ago... Aaron Rodgers didn't have a down year."

Conclusion (27:59 - 28:17)

Wrapping up the special edition, Stephen A. reflects on the interactions with fans and his nephew, ending the show on a humorous note about their relationship. The episode concludes with promotional segments for upcoming podcasts, maintaining the show's blend of sports analysis and entertainment.

Notable Interaction:

• Stephen A. Smith [27:59]: "That's it for this edition of the Stephen A. Smith Show. Hope y'all enjoyed it. I'll holla at you in the new Year."

Key Takeaways

• NBA All-Star Format Criticism: Stephen A. strongly opposes the NBA's new All-Star format, citing lack of logic in prize distribution and its potential negative impact on player motivation.
• Personal Work Ethic: Attributes his drive to his late mother, despite playful jabs from his nephew.
• Football Analysis: Skeptical views on the Dallas Cowboys' quarterback prospects and critical of Kirk Cousins' recent performance.
• Draft Insights: Supports Travis Hunter for the Jaguars' draft, highlighting his two-way capabilities.
• Social Media Engagement: Candid and often blunt responses to fan tweets, maintaining an engaging and no-nonsense approach.
• Hypothetical Matchups: Enthusiastically debates 3v3 basketball scenarios featuring legendary players, showcasing deep sports knowledge.
• In-Season Tournament Solutions: Dismisses proposed solutions for the NBA's in-season tournament, emphasizing discipline and competitive integrity.
• College Basketball Preferences: Balances personal preferences with critiques of nephew's team-oriented mentality.
• Super Bowl Predictions: Engages in friendly debates with his nephew over top NFL quarterbacks, demonstrating analytical prowess.
• Aaron Rodgers Critique: Highlights the importance of a dignified exit for star players, critiquing current team dynamics affecting performance.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stephen A. Smith [02:46]: "Hell no. I don't believe that for one second, Josh. I think the new format is ridiculous."
• Stephen A. Smith [05:08]: "I get it from his grandma. My mother, God rest her soul, she worked tirelessly."
• Stephen A. Smith [06:40]: "Dak Prescott's not gonna go anywhere. He's gonna be in the lineup. They're gonna lose. They ain't gonna win no damn Super Bowl."
• Stephen A. Smith [11:11]: "Stephen A. Smith would beat LeBron James to a game of 100 if he spotted me 99."
• Stephen A. Smith [16:53]: "She's a cutie. Okay. That's just me."
• Stephen A. Smith [24:07]: "It's a toss-up between them and Baltimore."
• Stephen A. Smith [25:19]: "I think it's an atrocity. I think it's been very, very bad."

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a comprehensive blend of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and interactive fan engagement. Stephen A.'s unfiltered opinions and dynamic interaction with his nephew Josh make for an entertaining and informative listening experience, catering to both avid sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.