The Stephen A. Smith Show: Detailed Summary of Episode "GET@ME: Stephen A Responds to Fans' Social Media Questions!"

Release Date: April 22, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith dives deep into his fans' most intriguing social media questions. Covering a range of topics from NBA "what ifs" to gaming preferences and hypothetical political scenarios, Smith offers his unfiltered opinions and expert analysis. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

1. Exploring NBA "What Ifs"

Stephen A. Smith kicks off the episode by addressing his listeners' curiosity about significant "what if" moments in NBA history. He reflects on how certain events and player conditions could have altered the trajectory of the league.

• Derrick Rose's Health:

  • [01:18] Stephen A. Smith: "What if Derrick Rose were healthy?"
  • Smith emphasizes the immense potential Rose had before injuries derailed his career. He speculates that a healthier Rose could have dominated the league much like his early years suggested.

• Vince Carter's Killer Instinct:

  • [02:05] Stephen A. Smith: "What if Vince Carter was a killer like Kobe?"
  • Discussing Vince Carter, Smith highlights Carter's exceptional dunking ability but ponders how a more aggressive competitive nature could have placed him in the pantheon of all-time greats alongside Kobe Bryant.

• Allen Iverson's Shooting Accuracy:

  • [02:45] Stephen A. Smith: "What if Allen Iverson had shot 66% instead of 61%?"
  • Smith muses on Iverson's scoring prowess, suggesting that improved shooting efficiency could have elevated Iverson's legacy even further.

• Greg Oden and Brandon Roy's Injuries:

  • [03:30] Stephen A. Smith: "What if Greg Oden had never gotten hurt? What about Brandon Roy?"
  • He expresses regret over the untapped potential of both players due to injuries, underscoring how their absence impacted their respective teams and the league overall.

• LeBron James' Decision to Join Miami:

  • [04:10] Stephen A. Smith: "What if LeBron James had never gone to Miami?"
  • Smith debates whether staying in Cleveland could have led to more championships for LeBron, though he ultimately reaffirms LeBron's unparalleled greatness.

2. Gaming Query: Choosing Opponents in Minecraft

Shifting gears, Smith tackles a lighter yet entertaining question about gaming preferences.

• Opponent Selection – Chicken Jockey:
  • [05:00] Stephen A. Smith: "I'm gonna go with Chicken Jockey on this one. I have no idea why... but I'm just going to take a guess."
  • Demonstrating his playful side, Smith chooses Chicken Jockey as his preferred opponent in Minecraft, despite admitting limited knowledge about the entity's capabilities.

3. Hypothetical Presidential Pardons

Responding to a more serious query, Smith delves into the realm of politics, discussing his views on presidential pardons.

• Pardoning Political Prisoners:

  • [05:45] Stephen A. Smith: "I'm the wrong person to ask that question. I don't know if I would pardon anybody. I'm a law and order kind of dude."
  • Smith clarifies his stance on law and order, indicating reluctance to pardon individuals without thorough consideration.
  • [06:10] Stephen A. Smith: "It damn sure would it be the Menendez brothers... They did kill their parents."
  • He mentions the Menendez brothers as a potential case, though he hesitates to make definitive statements without full details.
  • [06:30] Stephen A. Smith: "Political prisoners year. That's how I look at it."
  • Concluding, Smith acknowledges the complexity of political imprisonment but maintains a cautious approach to pardoning.

• Fashion Choices as a Hypothetical President:

  • [06:50] Stephen A. Smith: "I don't think I'll be wearing a red tie... Probably a mixture of both because I'm an independent."
  • Adding a personal touch, Smith humorously speculates on his presidential attire, favoring a blend of colors to reflect his independent stance.

4. Steph Curry vs. Michael Jordan: A Comparative Analysis

One of the most engaging segments features Smith's in-depth comparison between Steph Curry and Michael Jordan, two basketball legends.

• Steph Curry's Shooting Prowess:

  • [07:10] Stephen A. Smith: "Steph Curry is already the greatest shooter God has ever created."
  • Smith lauds Curry's unparalleled shooting skills, acknowledging his transformative impact on the game.

• Michael Jordan's Legacy:

  • [07:25] Stephen A. Smith: "Michael Jordan has six Finals MVPs. Jordan is a 30 point per game scorer during the playoffs."
  • Contrasting Curry, Smith underscores Jordan's superior Finals MVP count and consistent playoff scoring prowess.

• Defensive Skills:

  • [07:35] Stephen A. Smith: "Michael Jordan is a nine-time All-NBA Defensive Team player... he would just take your heart right out your chest."
  • He highlights Jordan's defensive excellence as a key factor in his all-time great status.

• Era Naming and Future Championships:

  • [07:50] Stephen A. Smith: "If Steph ends up with ring number five, it's time to stop calling this the LeBron era. We gotta call it the Steph era."
  • Smith speculates on the possible shift in basketball's narrative if Curry secures another championship, potentially eclipsing LeBron James' current dominance.

• Final Verdict:

  • [08:10] Stephen A. Smith: "No, I would not put Steph Curry above Jordan, but I do think if he wins Ring number five... which I don't think it will."
  • While praising Curry, Smith concludes that Michael Jordan remains superior overall, though he acknowledges Curry's potential to redefine basketball's current landscape.

Conclusion

Throughout this episode, Stephen A. Smith delivers a compelling mix of sports analysis, personal opinions, and lighthearted responses to his audience's questions. From dissecting pivotal moments in NBA history and comparing basketball legends to engaging in playful gaming choices and contemplating political hypotheticals, Smith showcases his trademark blend of insight and charisma. Listeners are left both entertained and intellectually stimulated, reflecting the multifaceted nature of The Stephen A. Smith Show.

Notable Quotes:

• “What if Derrick Rose were healthy?” — Stephen A. Smith (01:18)
• “Steph Curry is already the greatest shooter God has ever created.” — Stephen A. Smith (07:10)
• “No, I would not put Steph Curry above Jordan.” — Stephen A. Smith (08:10)
• “I'm the wrong person to ask that question. I don't know if I would pardon anybody.” — Stephen A. Smith (05:45)

This episode exemplifies Stephen A. Smith's ability to engage with a diverse array of topics, providing his audience with thoughtful analysis and entertaining commentary. Whether dissecting the intricacies of basketball history or navigating hypothetical scenarios, Smith remains a captivating voice in sports and beyond.