The Stephen A. Smith Show: "Stephen A's GET@ME: Stephen A. Answers Phone Calls from Fans"

Episode Overview Released on December 28, 2024, The Stephen A. Smith Show hosted by Stephen A. Smith in collaboration with iHeartPodcasts, delves into a dynamic interaction between Stephen A. and his listeners. In this special edition titled "GET@ME," Stephen A. engages directly with fans through phone calls, addressing a range of topics from basketball and football to personal anecdotes, all while maintaining his signature unfiltered and passionate commentary.

Listener Interactions and Discussions

1. 3v3 Basketball League Strategy

   Caller: Michael from Virginia
   Timestamp: [01:43] - [04:11]

   Michael initiates the conversation by posing a hypothetical basketball scenario: selecting a three-player team to compete against a formidable trio consisting of LeBron James, D'Aquille O'Neal, and Steph Curry. Stephen A. responds with his choices:

   • Stephen A. (01:57): “LeBron, Steph, and Shaq.”
   • Michael's Question (01:43): Michael asks, "You're a coach of a 3v3 league. Who are you taking with your big three against Prime LeBron James, D'Aquil O'Neal, and Steph Curry?"

   Stephen A. elaborates his strategy by selecting Kevin Durant and Michael Jordan to complement Shaquille O'Neal, emphasizing the psychological edge Hakeem Olajuwon holds over Shaq:

   • Stephen A. (02:04): “I gotta come up with a three to go against them... Hakeem the Dream Olajuwon between him and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Hmm. I'm gonna say Hakeem because Hakeem has a psychological effect on Shaq.”

   The discussion further explores defensive matchups, particularly guarding Steph Curry, with Stephen A. asserting the advantage of taller defenders:

   • Stephen A. (03:19): “Well, the combination of Jordan and KD... when you put a taller guy on him, certainly nobody as tall could guard him.”

   Additional Insights:

   Another caller, Josh, challenges Stephen A.'s selections by advocating for Kyrie Irving over Michael Jordan, highlighting Irving's superior handling and finishing skills. This sparks a light-hearted debate, showcasing Stephen A.'s willingness to engage and challenge caller opinions.

2. Proposed Solutions for the NBA In-Season Tournament

   Caller: Mitchell from Minnesota
   Timestamp: [04:11] - [05:09]

   Mitchell shares his thoughts on improving the NBA's in-season tournament, which had recently concluded. He identifies two primary issues:

   • Mitchell (04:15): “The two primary issues... the rest that you forego or lose by being good in the tournament, that is advancing to the finals. And secondarily, I think it's that it doesn't count for stats, wins or losses.”

   His solution involves canceling specific regular-season games against tournament opponents to address the lack of impact on regular standings and to balance the schedule:

   • Mitchell (04:15): “I propose canceling the games later in the season against the opponents you faced in the semifinal or the final of the end season tournament.”

   Stephen A.'s Response:

   Stephen A. expresses skepticism about Mitchell's proposal, criticizing the notion that rest could be a solution, and emphasizes the importance of consistent effort:

   • Stephen A. (05:09): “When you talk about giving cats rest or what have you... The more time they have off the court... the more lackadaisical they'll come across when they're finally obligated to get on the basketball court.”

3. College Basketball Team Preference and Banter

   Caller: Maddox from Illinois (accompanied by his nephew, Josh)
   Timestamp: [05:48] - [11:25]

   Maddox engages in a conversation about his preference for college basketball teams. Stephen A. shares his admiration for Duke and North Carolina rivalries but ultimately favors Kansas under coach Bill Self for their athleticism and proactive gameplay:

   • Stephen A. (06:07): “If I was a college basketball team today, in terms of strictly their coaching and their style of play, it would be Kansas with Bill Self. They always have athletes... they're always getting up and down the court.”

   Josh interjects with a contrarian view, expressing a desire to prioritize personal stats over team success by choosing Rutgers for its suitable environment for a "ball hog" playstyle:

   • Josh (06:34): “I'm going to Rutgers because I don't like to pass the ball. I want to be the best player and I'm going to be a ball hog.”

   This remark leads to playful tension between Stephen A. and Josh, culminating in a humorous exchange about being right and portraying oneself as educated:

   • Stephen A. (06:47): “I really can't believe you said something to me, shit like that.”
   • Josh (10:23): “I just gotta be right. That's what they care about.”

4. Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson in the NFL

   Caller: Marcus from New York City
   Timestamp: [06:57] - [10:09]

   Marcus seeks Stephen A.'s insights on the prospects of Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) and Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) leading their teams to success:

   • Marcus (06:59): “I wanted to know... who do you think is really going to come out on top of this year?”

   Stephen A. analyzes both quarterbacks' performances, expressing confidence in Josh Allen's capabilities and critiquing Lamar Jackson's postseason effectiveness:

   • Stephen A. (07:23): “I think, I think, I think whoever wins the Super Bowl first... it's a toss-up between them and Baltimore. I don't trust Baltimore's defense... Josh Allen is an absolute stud.”

   Interestingly, Josh (the nephew) provides an unexpected perspective, favoring Lamar Jackson based on team dynamics and postseason performance:

   • Josh (08:10): “I would actually go with Lamar Jackson... They show their true colors when the games matter.”

   Stephen A.'s Reflection:

   Stephen A. acknowledges Josh's contrary opinion, reflecting on past predictions and the unpredictability of sports:

   • Stephen A. (10:09): “A dead clock is right twice a day. I give that to you.”

5. Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets Situation

   Caller: Joe from New York City
   Timestamp: [08:28] - [11:25]

   Joe inquires about the New York Jets' quarterback situation, specifically regarding Aaron Rodgers' potential return next season:

   • Joe (08:28): “What do you think about the Jets situation and if you think Aaron Rodgers should come back next year.”

   Stephen A. criticizes the Jets' performance and Rodgers' current form, emphasizing the need for Rodgers to salvage his illustrious career:

   • Stephen A. (08:34): “I think it's an atrocity... He hasn't been great... he has to come back.”

   The conversation takes a playful turn as Josh challenges Stephen A.'s stance, recalling a previous prediction about Rodgers' decline and leading to a humorous exchange about gifts:

   • Josh (09:48): “Got you on that one. Tell me when I'm right.”
   • Stephen A. (10:48): “You gave me some cheap hoodie.”
   • Josh (10:51): “The message is expensive.”

   The segment concludes with a light-hearted banter about future collaborations and personal dynamics.

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Engagement with Fans: The episode underscores Stephen A. Smith's commitment to engaging directly with his audience, fostering a sense of community and dialogue around sports topics.

• Passionate Commentary: Stephen A.'s unfiltered opinions provide depth and provoke thought, whether he's dissecting team strategies, critiquing league decisions, or debating player performances.

• Dynamic Interactions: The inclusion of his nephew adds a layer of personal interaction, blending professional discourse with familial banter, making the show both informative and entertaining.

• Diverse Perspectives: The variety of callers brings multiple viewpoints, enriching the conversation and highlighting the multifaceted nature of sports fandom.

Notable Quotes

• Stephen A. on Hakeem's Impact:
  “[02:04] I'm gonna say Hakeem because Hakeem has a psychological effect on Shaq.”

• Josh on Rutgers and Player Stats:
  “[06:34] I'm going to Rutgers because I don't like to pass the ball. I want to be the best player and I'm going to be a ball hog.”

• Stephen A. on Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson:
  “[07:23] Josh Allen is an absolute stud.”

• Stephen A. on Aaron Rodgers:
  “[08:34] I think it's an atrocity... He hasn't been great... he has to come back.”

Conclusion In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, Stephen A. adeptly navigates through a series of fan calls, addressing a spectrum of sports-related topics with his characteristic fervor and expertise. The blend of strategic discussions, personal anecdotes, and spirited debates not only entertains but also offers valuable insights into the current sports landscape. Whether you're a seasoned sports enthusiast or a casual listener, this episode provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of contemporary sports issues.