Stephen A's GET@ME: Stephen A. answers phone calls from Fans.

Summary

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.

Transcript

[Stephen A. Smith]

Oh, oh, oh.

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[Stephen A. Smith]

Auto Parts.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you. With all new episodes every Thursday, keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Welcome back to Stephen A. Smith Show. Before we get on outta here, this special edition of the Stephen A. Smith show where it's me with the peeps talking to the peeps via videos, via tweets, it's now gonna be via phone calls. I got some calls on the line and obviously I got my little nephew sitting next to me, so, um, it's possible you might hear from him as well. I'll see if I'll allow it or not. It depends on how ridiculous he sounds. But we gonna get to some of the phone calls before we get on out of here. Okay, let's go to Michael in Virginia. You're live with Stephen A. And his nephew. What's going on, Michael? How are you?

[Caller (Michael)]

Good, sir. How are you?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Talk to me. Talk to us.

[Caller (Michael)]

All right, so you're in. 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. Smith]

LeBron, Steph and Shaq. Those are your three. And I gotta come up with a three to go against them?

[Caller (Michael)]

Uh huh.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Okay, I'm gonna tell you Kevin Durant. Okay? I wanna tell you Kevin Durant. Michael Jordan. Okay? Michael Jordan first, always. Kevin Durant, my producer almost just got his ass fired. He got in my ear and talked to me about Hakeem. Like, I don't know. I'm just trying to decide between Hakeem and Wilt and all this stuff. He really, really thinks. Shut the hell up. Don't. I don't want to hear Another damn word from you. All right, Hakeem the Dream Olajuwon between him and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Hmm. I'm gonna say Hakeem because Hakeem has a psychological effect on Shaq. That's the one guy Shaq idolized as a big man. Those gonna be my three.

[Caller (Michael)]

Who's gonna guard Curry?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, the combination of Jordan and kd.

[Caller (Michael)]

They can't handle him.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, listen, kd, Steph Curry's gonna move it out the ball. But when you put a taller guy on him, certainly nobody as height could guard him.

[Caller (Josh)]

I pretty much had the same team. I would swap Kyrie with Michael Jordan. Cause he's more skilled. I need like Kyrie. You heard me. I need talent. No, AI first, he's a better matchup for Steph Curry. Jordan ain't never see that type of talent. You're gonna be disappointed. Oh, that's your team. Jordan's on your team.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So you would say. So what you're saying to me is that. Thank you for the call, Michael. I appreciate it. You're telling me, Josh, that you would swap out Michael Jordan for Kyrie Irving?

[Caller (Josh)]

I would keep Kevin Durant, get a center for Shaq.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But Akeem Olajuwon is a center.

[Caller (Josh)]

Yeah, Akeem Olajuwon and Kyrie Irving to be my one and match up with stuff. He shoots better than Jordan, better handle, and he finishes with both hands better, too. He's not a dunker, but kyrie's more skilled. Three on three. We're not talking about championship. 10 on 10, three on three. Kyrie Irving. I'm taking him over. Jordan can't go left.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Mitchell in Minnesota. You're live. Stephen A. Go ahead, Mitch.

[Caller (Mitch)]

Hey, Stephen A. So I've got a fix for the in season tournament with the NBA that just ended. I liked the product. I don't have too many complaints about it. I think the two primary issues facing the in season tournament are one, 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. And my proposed solution to those two problems is that you cancel the games later in the season against the opponents you faced in the semifinal or the final of the end season tournament. So in this case, the Bucks game in February against the Hawks get canceled, and the Bucs game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in March gets canceled. So then you, you know, eliminate the issue of the games not counting for wins and Losses because you apply it to the regular season and you give the team rest later in the season that they lost by being good at the end season tournament.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I just don't think there's a. Nobody was looking for a solution to the in season tournament. Everybody was looking to a solution for the season. And I think that when you talk about giving cats rest or what have you, I mean, it's not a matter of rest. As to why, you know, they, they, they're not putting forth a full throttled effort. They, they give effort when they're on the court. It's what they do when they're off the court. The more time they have off the court and away from the court, the more undisciplined they appear to be, which means the more lackadaisical they'll come across when they're finally obligated to get on the basketball court. So I don't know if I agree with that, Mitchell. I appreciate the call. I'm not gonna waste more time on that. Let's go to Maddox in Illinois. You're live with Stephen A. What's up, Maddox? How are you?

[Caller (Michael)]

Hey, Stephen A A huge fan, by the way.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm here with my nephew. I'm here with my nephew. Say hello to Joshua.

[Caller (Michael)]

Hey, Joshua, how you doing?

[Caller (Josh)]

I am good.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Go ahead.

[Caller (Michael)]

Okay. If you could play college basketball today, which team would you play for and why today?

[Stephen A. Smith]

If I could play college basketball. Hmm. I would say to you, I've always been a Duke, North Carolina fan. I love the rivalry. I think it's the best rivalry in college basketball. But 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. They're looking to make things happen. That would be my style of play. What about you, Josh?

[Caller (Josh)]

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. I'm going to be star and that's how I was going to go. Winning is not important no more. It's about getting your stats to people that prize pick like me.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I swear to God, I should throw you off this damn show right now. I really can't believe you said something to me, shit like that. Marcus in New York City, you're live with Stephen A. Go ahead.

[Caller (Michael)]

How are you, Stephen A. My man.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Go ahead.

[Caller (Michael)]

Yeah, I just have a question for you, brother. I wanted to know if you. Because I know. I heard your, your. What's it called, your podcast this week about Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yes.

[Caller (Michael)]

I just wanted to know, who do you think is really going to come out on top of this year? Not in general, like, as the dominant one, to really like, lead their team to the victory. Because, you know, Lamar State's falling short.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I think, I think, I think whoever wins the super bowl first, if you're talking about their careers, if you're talking about this season, I'm shocked at how great Buffalo has looked. It's a toss up between them and Baltimore. I don't trust Baltimore's defense, and I think in the case of Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, he's looked better in the postseason than Lamar Jackson has looked in the postseason. So I got to look at it from that standpoint. I know my man Cam Newton was talking about throw some respect on Lamar Jackson's name, but I am throwing respect. He's a two time league mvp. There's nine people that have preceded him in winning in such honors, and all of them have won super bowl championships but Lamar Jackson. So you got to be able to get that done. And Josh Allen is an absolute stud. Josh, I'll give you an opportunity to answer this question. Do you even know the answer to this question?

[Caller (Josh)]

I do know the answer to this question. I would actually go with Lamar Jackson.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Mm.

[Caller (Josh)]

Because of what you just said, we didn't expect the Bills to do much and I think that's what's gonna drag into the playoff. They'll show their true colors when the games matter.

[Stephen A. Smith]

All right, last call. Joe in New York City, you're live with Stephen A. What's up?

[Caller (Michael)]

Hey, Steven, I'm just calling to ask what you think about the jets situation and if you think Aaron Rodgers should come back next year.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I think it's an atrocity. I think it's been very, very bad. I think that Aaron Rodgers should do everything he can to avoid going out like this. He's looked bad for the most part this year, even though he's en route to throw forward for 4,000 yards. The reality is that he's been a shell of himself. He hasn't been great. Despite having Breeze hall, despite having Garrett Wilson, despite acquiring devonte Adams, despite that defense supposedly being elite. And then we learned that it wasn't because they fired their head coach and they elevated their defensive coordinator into interim head coach status. It compromised their defense severely, and as a result, they haven't looked as good. In the end, I think when you have this kind of a year, when you had the illustrious career that Aaron Rodgers has had, you don't want to go out like this. You don't want this to be the indelible mark you leave as a swan song to your career, though. He has to come back. That's how I feel about the New York Jets. What do you say?

[Caller (Josh)]

Well, I had texted my uncle two years ago during the Aaron Rodgers game and told him, Aaron Rodgers about to fall off a cliff. No Max Hellman stuff. But that's what I said. Then he went on first take the next morning and called me an idiot and said he felt like slapping me upside my head. Now we hit. Okay.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You actually. You actually got me on that.

[Caller (Josh)]

Got you on that one. Tell me when I'm right.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You actually got me. Well, I mean, a dead clock is right twice a day. I mean, it's a rare moment, but I give that to you. But at the time that you said that to me, Aaron Rodgers didn't have a down year. He had an MVP caliber year. But you said that he was gonna fall off. Cause you were a bit premature with it. But obviously he comes to the New York jets this year and we see what happens.

[Caller (Josh)]

Yeah, y'all had him. You know, everybody had the jets doing. So I'm like, they gonna be just like the Giants. Here we are.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So you feeling good about your TV camera time and stuff like that, Mr. Wright?

[Caller (Josh)]

That's what I'm saying. I got the future on here. I'm making predictions.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So you want a show? Yeah, want a show. What would you do with a show? Talk like you really not like me. I'm educated. Your ass ain't.

[Caller (Josh)]

I just gotta be right. That's what they care about.

[Stephen A. Smith]

They don't care about educated, but they're usually not right.

[Caller (Josh)]

What'd I just say about Aaron Rodgers? So he's as done as they come.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Exactly. You've been here for two hours and it's the first thing you said, right? All day. You give me anything for Christmas?

[Caller (Josh)]

Yeah, I did. With your hoodie book.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's him. I mean, I know it's after Christmas, but you didn't give me anything. You gave me some cheap hoodie.

[Caller (Josh)]

That hoodie's not cheap.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yeah, it is.

[Caller (Josh)]

The message is expensive.

[Stephen A. Smith]

The message is expensive.

[Caller (Josh)]

We Lady Smiths now sign our contract. 2025 is our year.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I told him, I ain't signing nothing until I disown you.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101 free agents, we'll have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Julie Swearbanks]

What's up everyone? Julie Swearbanks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Stephen A. Smith]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swearbanks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swearbanks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Caller (Michael)]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swearbanks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.