Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show – "Stephen A's Get@Me!: Stephen A answers Fans questions!"

Episode Information:

• Title: Stephen A's Get@Me!: Stephen A answers Fans questions!
• Release Date: April 3, 2025
• Host: Stephen A. Smith
• Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Overview: In this engaging episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith dives deep into various fan-submitted questions, offering his unfiltered perspectives on pivotal moments in sports history, his ubiquitous presence in media, team strategies, and player performances. Skipping over promotional segments and advertisements, the episode focuses on robust discussions that entertain, inform, and provide insight into the current sports landscape.

1. Impacting Sports Legacies: A Hypothetical Game Change

Timestamp: [00:12:30]

One of the standout questions posed to Stephen A. revolves around the hypothetical alteration of a single game in sports history to affect a player's legacy. The fan asks:

"If you could change the outcome of one game in sports history not just for the result, but for the impact it would have on a player's legacy. What game would you choose and why?"

Stephen A.'s Response: Stephen A. reflects on Game 7 of the NBA Finals featuring LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Golden State Warriors. He emphasizes the critical moments that defined player legacies, particularly highlighting:

• Draymond Green's ejection in Game 5: Stephen A. remarks, "Draymond Green should have never been ejected for game five. That was a stimulus package the NBA gave LeBron James" ([00:13:45]).

• LeBron James and Kyrie Irving's performances in Games 5 and 6: He notes, "LeBron James and Kyrie Irving went ballistic in games five and six, both dropping 41 points each" ([00:14:10]).

• Key plays in Game 7: Stephen A. underscores the significance of LeBron's block on Andre Iguodala and Kyrie's clutch three-pointer, stating, "Kyrie with the sidestep three over Steph Curry won the championship for Cleveland" ([00:15:00]).

He concludes that altering this game's outcome could shift the entire narrative around LeBron James and the Cavaliers' legacy, potentially diminishing discussions around GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debates.

2. Stephen A.'s Ubiquitous Presence and Criticism from Fans

Timestamp: [00:20:00]

Another compelling segment addresses a fan's critique regarding Stephen A.'s extensive involvement across various media and public spheres. The fan's question is:

"Why do I just have to see you everywhere, man? Like involved in politics, involved in the sports stuff, involved in everything. You're not a journalist. You're just an influencer. And yeah, your political career is laughable..."

Stephen A.'s Response: Stephen A. responds assertively, challenging the fan's perception of him as merely an influencer. He states:

"I have been a journalist. I'm a journalist that transitioned to a pundit commentator. Why? I have a resume, my brother, spanning 30 years. New York Daily News, Philadelphia Inquirer, CNN, SI, Fox Sports, ESPN. Now owning my own platform." ([00:21:30])

He defends his credibility and experience, emphasizing that his presence in multiple arenas is a testament to his professional journey rather than a superficial influence. Stephen A. adds a touch of humor and defiance:

"You can hate. You can do what you want to do, but I do this for a living. Now, clearly, you have a problem with that. There's a simple solution. Don't watch. But the reason why you can't stop watching is because, you know, you hate it. But you like what you see." ([00:22:15])

He concludes by thanking the fan indirectly for their continued viewership despite their criticisms.

3. Caller Insights and Discussions

The episode features insightful conversations with various callers, each bringing unique perspectives to the table. Below are the key discussions:

a. J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings

Caller: Zach from Wisconsin
Timestamp: [00:25:00]

Question:
"J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings. If J.J. McCarthy can play at an above-average level with the talent around Minnesota, how far do you see them going?"

Stephen A.'s Analysis: Stephen A. expresses skepticism about the Vikings' reliance on J.J. McCarthy, highlighting:

• Team Composition: "Their defense is big time. Flores is no joke as a defensive coordinator. O'Connell is no joke as a head coach and a quarterback coach." ([00:26:10])

• McCarthy's NFL Readiness: He questions the optimism surrounding McCarthy, noting the quarterback's limited NFL experience due to injuries: "He was injured his rookie year before he ever played the game. And yet they gonna say, you know, Sam Donald, you can leave." ([00:26:50])

Nephew Josh's Input:
Josh, identifying as a Giants fan, adds minimal commentary, simply wishing Zach good luck for the upcoming season.

b. Dallas Mavericks' Championship Prospects

Caller: Ben
Timestamp: [00:30:00]

Question:
"With the recent trades and setbacks for the Mavericks, where do you think we'll be in two years, long-term? How do you view Anthony Davis's role?"

Stephen A.'s Perspective: Stephen A. is optimistic about the Mavericks' potential, stating:

"Within the next two years, I think Dallas Mavericks have a shot to win a championship. If Kyrie, Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Derrick Lively, P.J. Washington, and the rest of the crew with Jason Kidd coaching them are healthy..." ([00:31:20])

He believes that the combination of star players and coaching could lead the team to compete against any top-tier opponents, provided health remains intact.

Josh's Contrasting View:
Josh counters the optimism, expressing doubt about the feasibility of such an outcome:

"No, no. I'm saying over the next two years, meaning next year or the year after, they got a chance." ([00:32:10])

He downplays the likelihood, citing player names he considers less impactful and questioning the sustainability of the team's success.

c. Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns' Future

Caller: Christian from Atlanta
Timestamp: [00:35:00]

Question:
"How do you feel about the old Deshaun Watson situation, and where do you see the Browns going from there? Do they disrupt the team structure or try to rebuild?"

Stephen A.'s Analysis: Stephen A. criticizes the Browns' handling of Deshaun Watson, highlighting the complexities of large contracts amid controversies:

"You gave this brother a guaranteed $230 million deal, every penny guaranteed, when he had 27 lawsuits against him. He steps on the field and looks nothing like he looked when he was a quarterback for the Texans. That's just messing with your method." ([00:36:30])

He emphasizes the detrimental impact such situations have on team chemistry and performance, questioning the Browns' strategic decisions in maintaining major contracts amidst off-field issues.

Josh's Commentary:
Josh agrees with Stephen A., noting:

"Deshaun Watson has been looking bad. So bad that I'm in, making my neck hurt." ([00:37:15])

He adds a humorous remark about needing a massage, lightening the conversation after the heavy critique.

4. Concluding Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Stephen A. Smith maintains his signature blend of passion, candor, and analytical insight. He skillfully navigates through fan inquiries, delivering thoughtful commentary backed by his extensive experience in sports journalism. Whether dissecting pivotal game moments, addressing personal critiques, or evaluating team strategies, Stephen A. ensures that each discussion is both informative and engaging for listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• "I have been a journalist. I'm a journalist that transitioned to a pundit commentator. Why? I have a resume, my brother, spanning 30 years." ([00:22:00])
• "Within the next two years, I think Dallas Mavericks have a shot to win a championship... if they're all healthy." ([00:31:20])
• "That's just messing with your method." ([00:36:45])

Final Thoughts: This episode exemplifies Stephen A. Smith's ability to engage with his audience authentically, providing in-depth analyses while addressing both praise and criticism. His interactions offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of current sports dynamics and his personal viewpoints on pressing issues within the athletic community.