Stephen A's Take: Despite his legendary NBA contributions, Lebron James ruined the Slam Dunk Contest.

Summary

Summary of "Stephen A's Take: Despite his legendary NBA contributions, Lebron James ruined the Slam Dunk Contest"

Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into the recent NBA All-Star Weekend, critically analyzing the events and highlighting significant issues plaguing the festivities. Co-host Max Kellerman joins Smith to discuss the implications of player participation and the evolving dynamics of All-Star events, particularly focusing on the Slam Dunk Contest and LeBron James' impact on it.

NBA All-Star Weekend Highlights

The episode begins with Smith praising Steph Curry's performance during the NBA All-Star Weekend. Curry earned the second All-Star Game MVP with 12 points, leading Team Shaq’s OG to a 4,125 victory over Charles Barkley's Global Stars in the inaugural round-robin tournament. Smith acknowledges the mixed reviews of the new format, noting that while some players appreciated the increased competitiveness, the overall reception remained divided.

Notable Quote:

"Steph Curry captured the second All Star Game MVP... In the first to 40 finale... led to a more competitive product, but it was met with mixed reviews overall." – Stephen A. Smith [01:02]

Criticism of the New All-Star Game Format

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Draymond Green’s outspoken criticism of the new All-Star Game format. Green expressed his dissatisfaction by rating the format a "zero" during TNT's broadcast, questioning the inclusion of rookie All-Stars and lamenting that it detracts from the essence of basketball.

Notable Quote:

"Draymond Green... gave it, quote, a zero. He questioned the addition of the rising stars... quote sucks. End quote End quote. It ain't basketball. End quote" – Stephen A. Smith [01:55]

Smith concurs with Green, emphasizing that the purpose of All-Star Weekend is to celebrate basketball rather than dilute it with auxiliary events that don't align with the sport's core values.

Player Commitment and the Rise of Rookie All-Stars

Smith and Kellerman discuss the declining effort of NBA stars during All-Star Weekend, attributing the addition of rookie All-Stars to the need for maintaining competitive intensity. They argue that veteran players' lackluster participation has necessitated the introduction of rookies to ensure the games remain engaging for fans.

Notable Quote:

"They have flat out sucked. You haven't given a damn... coupled that with the load management issues..." – Stephen A. Smith [03:24]

Kellerman adds that players' reluctance to commit fully has driven the league to implement changes aimed at revitalizing the event's appeal.

LeBron James' Influence on the Slam Dunk Contest

A central theme of the episode is Smith's critique of LeBron James' role in diminishing the Slam Dunk Contest's prestige. Smith argues that LeBron's absence and lack of participation have "ruined" the contest, drawing a stark contrast between his legendary status and his disengagement from this fan-favorite event.

Notable Quote:

"LeBron James single-handedly ruined this competition. Ruined it, ladies and gentlemen." – Stephen A. Smith [13:08]

Kellerman challenges this viewpoint, questioning whether it is fair to place the blame solely on James and highlighting other factors contributing to the contest's decline.

The Rise of Mac McClung and the Current State of the Dunk Contest

Smith highlights Mac McClung's remarkable achievement of winning the Slam Dunk Contest three consecutive times, despite his limited NBA experience. He uses McClung's success to underscore the depth of talent outside the NBA and to criticize the league's current approach to the contest.

Notable Quote:

"Mac McClung has three slam dunk championships... he's actually played in his NBA career... five NBA games... three slam dunk titles." – Stephen A. Smith [12:10]

Kellerman responds by acknowledging McClung's talents but maintains that the contest still lacks the flair and excitement of past legends like Vince Carter and Michael Jordan.

Proposals for Revamping the Slam Dunk Contest

Addressing the contest's shortcomings, Smith proposes a nationwide search for top dunkers, sponsored by All-Star players. He suggests substantial monetary prizes to incentivize participation and elevate the competition's standard.

Notable Quote:

"I would personally attach my name to a nationwide contest... first prize, a million dollars. Second prize, half a million dollars. Third prize, $100,000." – Stephen A. Smith [16:14]

Kellerman supports the idea, emphasizing the potential for such initiatives to attract genuine talent and restore the contest's luster.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Smith reiterating his discontent with the current direction of NBA All-Star Weekend, particularly the Slam Dunk Contest. He underscores the importance of player commitment and the need for the league to innovate to maintain the event's relevance and excitement. Smith's passionate critique serves as a call to action for both players and organizers to honor the traditions of basketball while embracing necessary changes.

Final Notable Quote:

"NBA All Star Weekend was in danger to being canceled. I'm not guessing. I'm telling you what I know." – Stephen A. Smith [06:53]

Takeaway

Stephen A. Smith offers a fervent examination of the NBA All-Star Weekend, highlighting significant issues like player disengagement and the diminishing appeal of iconic events such as the Slam Dunk Contest. Through his candid discussions with Max Kellerman, Smith advocates for substantial reforms to revitalize the festivities and preserve the integrity of basketball's most celebrated week.

Transcript

[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.

[Julie Swearbinks]

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

[Nate Thompson]

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

[Julie Swearbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

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

[Julie Swearbinks]

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

[Nate Thompson]

Julia's pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swearbinks]

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

[Stephen A. Smith]

I gotta get to NBA All Star Weekend in Bay Area first where hometown hero Steph Curry captured the second All Star Game mvp. To the delight of the fans at the Chase center in San Francisco, Curry scored 12 points in Team Shaqs OG's 4,125 victory Sunday in the first to 40 finale against Charles Barkley's Global Stars to win the league's new round robin tournament. The two teams had dismissed Candace Parker and Kenny Smith squads in the semifinals. Some of the players acknowledged the new format led to a more competitive product, but it was met with mixed reviews overall. Case in point, Mr. Draymond Green. The biggest headlines of All Star Weekend may have been generated by him who expressed his displeasure with the changes to the All Star Game. When asked to rate the new All Star Game format on a scale of 1 to 10 during TNT's broadcast, he gave it, quote, a zero. He questioned the addition of the rising stars to the Sunday All Star Game festivities and said the new three game format quote sucks. End quote End quote. It ain't basketball. End quote Couple of things before I get into this. Number one Draymond Green, Jalen Rose and Vince Carter were outstanding. Absolutely outstanding. No doubt about it. They did their thing yesterday. They did what pregame shows are supposed to do and in the case of Draymond Green, can't say enough. He stole the show with some of his comments, this was one of them. Now, I went on Twitter and I said, for the record, I agree with him. It's All Star Weekend. What do you mean, Rookie All Stars? Um, they're not supposed to be a part of basketball on Sunday evening for the All Stars. So I think that Draymond Green was absolutely right and I had no problem with him expressing his displeasure.

[Max Kellerman]

Well, what NBA All Star Weekend had.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Deteriorated into in terms of its main event, no doubt about it.

[Max Kellerman]

But that doesn't mean that he was.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Complete in his synopsis and his breakdown of what disgusted him about the encore for All Star Weekend.

[Max Kellerman]

Because you see when you point to the game itself and the appearance and the participation of rookie All Stars, Draymond.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Green left one thing out. One thing out.

[Max Kellerman]

He left out the fact that it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Was the fault of the players, the legitimate All Stars, who have basically snubbed their nose and given the proverbial middle finger to the league, to sponsors and advertisers, and to the fans. Because you've shown up each week over the last two to three years minimum, and you have flat out sucked. You haven't given a damn. When you couple that with the load management issues that had concerned the league and you considered the games missed and the activity of people missing games and announcing at the last minute that they were going to miss the games and.

[Max Kellerman]

Stuff like that during regular season and beyond, it became problematic. So the dereliction of duty exercised by the players on All Star Weekend and specifically the Sunday game, the main event, that stuff is what provoked Rookie All Stars being added to it. Because we knew that players were going to get their backup and they didn't want to be the one going out there losing to the rookie All Stars. And you saw that happen. You saw an extra level and elevated level of effort. You saw all of that. Why? Because they didn't want to get bounced out by rookie All Stars who they know were coming for them. That's exactly why the league did it. They did it to soak in milk every ounce of effort from All Stars who were supposed to be showing it to begin with. I will remind y'all that. Did y'all know All Star activities is.

[Stephen A. Smith]

A part of their contract? Did you know that?

[Max Kellerman]

It's a part of their contract. And for these guys to walk up, a prominent agent in the league said.

[Stephen A. Smith]

To me a few weeks ago, he.

[Max Kellerman]

Said, the problem with the All Star.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Weekend is that the players look at the league like a bank instead of looking at them like partners.

[Max Kellerman]

You know what is a bank?

[Stephen A. Smith]

It's the place that holds your money.

[Max Kellerman]

And you allowed to come get whatever.

[Stephen A. Smith]

They'Re contractually obligated to give you based on a salary that you receive and nothing more. As opposed to looking at the league.

[Max Kellerman]

As partners who helped you get an 11 year, nearly $77 billion deal with a league average salary being of over $10 million. Well, God's getting generational wealth. And what we're not seeing here is that you got cats that are making nine figures, well over 100, well over 200 million, in some cases over $300 million. And literally you got cats going out there signing their contract and playing for their next contract or protecting themselves for their next contract without honoring what the present contract that they they sign their name to and what they're obligated to fulfill before they've done anything in regards to that. Let me position myself to acquire generational wealth, but before you fulfill your obligations to earn the money you just signed on for.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Let me tell y'all something right now. NBA All Star Week is in the world of trouble. Last night was a step in the right direction because we saw some effort for the first time in a while, which was a good thing. Cause I'm here to tell you right now, had they showed up and not given any effort similar to what they.

[Max Kellerman]

Did the last two to three years, had they done that last night, I'm.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Here to tell y'all right now that NBA All Star Weekend was in danger to being canceled. I'm not guessing. I'm telling you what I know. It was on the verge of being canceled. So please understand that. That's what we're talking about here.

[Max Kellerman]

That really, really is so I was pleased what what I saw compared to what I saw for the previous two to three years. But it still wasn't anything to knock my socks off. It really, really wasn't. And I didn't blame Draymond Green one second for saying what he said. I'm just saying you got to put the onus where it belongs, which is on the players who've wet the bed in terms of their effort. By the way, we got two examples last night.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Listen how you LeBron James, and you're going to announce right before to the league that you can't participate.

[Max Kellerman]

You showed up to San Francisco and you can't play. You didn't know that beforehand. So they could have made sure to.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Have somebody like a Norman Powell or.

[Max Kellerman]

The Clippers or somebody else that was there to fill your spot. Adam Silver didn't have time to name a replacement because LeBron James let him know at the last minute, though. Any of us believe that LeBron James didn't know he was going to play. Do any of us believe for one second that he decided at the last minute he was going to play? Nobody believes that. Nobody. I mean, spit. Talk about spitting somebody's face, telling them it's raining. Nobody's believing that. He could have let him know, but he did it. I got news for you too. Who says anything about Steph Curry? I mean, the great Steph Curry? I mean, talk about a godlike figure. I mean, to say anything negative about this brother is damn near sacrilegious because he is the quintessential ambassador. He is perfection personified as a human being. He's God fearing, he's decent. He's a family man. Don't get himself in any trouble. Don't talk bad about anybody.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Nothing.

[Max Kellerman]

Steph Curry special. But is it just me, fellas, ladies, talking to my staff here, Is it just me? Am I the only one that had a problem with the fact that the three point shooting contest was taking place right there in San Francisco on his.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Home turf and he wasn't a participant?

[Max Kellerman]

Is it just me? Is it just me? I mean, he's only the greatest shooter God ever created. It's a three point shooting contest. I appreciate the fact that Damian Lillard was a two time champion and then he ultimately lost. It probably has something to do with all that damn activities going on where y'all interrupting their rhythm. He damn near looked like he was taking a nap on a bench before it was his turn to shoot. Maybe if y'all had disrupted his rhythm, he would have been better off. But any event, it came down to Buddy Hield versus Tyler Herro. Ain't no shame in that. Both the brothers could shoot.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But.

[Max Kellerman]

But All Star Weekend is in San Francisco on the home turf of Steph Curry. And the greatest shooter God has ever created chose that three point shooting event to not participate. Is it just me? Is it? Is it just me?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Would have been nice to see him. Just wanted to say that.

[Max Kellerman]

Let me move on to the next subject because we got to get to.

[Stephen A. Smith]

The dunk contest where we saw Mac McClung become the first player to win it three straight years, beating rookie Stefan Castle of the San Antonio spurs in the final. His first dunk was over a car.

[Max Kellerman]

And after his performance, NBA stars John.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Moran and Giannis Antetokounmpo publicly contemplated participating in the context next season. Josh said he may have to enter the fray next year and Shouted out former champ Zach Lavine and Aaron Gordon.

[Max Kellerman]

And Giannis said he would participate if Morant entered the contest. Which basically means neither, neither of them.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Are going to participate because we know.

[Max Kellerman]

John Moran is just talking. Now, this is a brother that has been a Skywalker for years, but suddenly you gonna want to participate?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Who you fooling?

[Max Kellerman]

Don't believe it, ladies and gentlemen, until we see it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm so sick of this stuff.

[Max Kellerman]

I really, really am. It really, really rakes my nerves. And by the way, Giannis, you're seven feet. I'm not that interested in seeing you.

[Stephen A. Smith]

In the dunk contest.

[Max Kellerman]

Honestly speaking, if we really, really think about it, do we really care to see a seven footer in a dunk contest? You barely have to come off your.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Tippy toes to dunk.

[Max Kellerman]

Now, Mac McClung ain't Spud Webb, but the brother special. And props to Mac McClung, because that brother can dunk. White dudes can jump, evidently. Remember the movie White Men Can't Jump, where Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson white men evidently can dunk. Cause that brother Mack McClung, not one, not two, but three times, back to back to back champions.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Having said that, with all the credit this kid deserves, can we take a moment to pause to give it some proper perspective? Sherry, don't laugh too much. Griff, don't look Sad because Mac McClung looks like you and you're looking out for your brother. Just listen to me. Can we just be very, very honest and realistic about something here? Ladies and gentlemen, Draymond's assertions about All Star Game should also apply to the slam dunk contest. Do you know that Mac McClung is in the G League? Do you know that he has three slam dunk championships? And it almost matches the number of NBA games he's. He's actually played in his NBA career. Do you know that Mac McClung has played a grand total of five NBA games in his career and he's won three slam dunk titles. This is not to throw any shade on him whatsoever is. Is to show how disgraceful the players are. Nobody can participate in this.

[Max Kellerman]

Ladies and gentlemen.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Let me stay for the record right now, this is not piling on because LeBron James is the second greatest player in the history of basketball, who I believe is grossly underpaid, is worth more than he's being paid, is an ambassador for this league, is a marquee, and has spent the vast majority of his career showing up in every way one can imagine except for One thing, and that is slam dunk contest of all star weekend. LeBron James single handedly ruined this competition. Ruined it, ladies and gentlemen.

[Max Kellerman]

To get.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Mac McClung out the way. Y'all do understand that Mac McClung, those are prop dunks.

[Max Kellerman]

That's right.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I said it. Griff, don't be offended. Don't be afraid. Enough talking about your brother like that.

[Max Kellerman]

The truth. It's the truth. He doesn't dribble. Even Dominique Wilkins, who didn't have much of a handle, used to dribble. He doesn't dribble. When he dunks, there's always assistance or he's always getting some running start. Did you see Vince Carter in 2000? Huh? Did you see it? I saw it. Did you see Zach Levine in 2015? That wasn't even his best. Did you see him in 2016 against Aaron Gordon? Did you see it? I saw it. Did you see it? I mean, these brothers were sensational. Did you see Jordan in 88 against Dominique Wilkins? Did you see him? See him cuff the ball? You see Dr. J back in the day? You see Spud Webb? You see Jason Richardson? Did you see Dwight Howard vs. Nate Robinson? I appreciate so much what Mac McClunk did over the last three years to save the dunk contest, but let's not. Let's stop talking about him like he's.

[Stephen A. Smith]

On those brothers level.

[Max Kellerman]

It's not true. It's not true. He's not.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But you have to make it seem that way because at least he had the decency to be fearless enough to participate. Which is more than we could say for a whole bunch of brothers legitimately in the NBA who are stars, who want no part of this competition. And it all started with LeBron. Dr. J participated. David Thompson participated. Dominique Wilkins participated. Michael Jordan participated. Vince Carter participated. Tracy McGrady participated. Kobe Bryant participated.

[Max Kellerman]

All the mega stars who played above the rim participated. Until LeBron James refused. He ruined the slam dunk contest. Which is why if you can have a Matt McClung coming from the G.

[Stephen A. Smith]

League, I would strongly advise people to embrace my suggestion. Remember when I said over the airwaves before, not just this show, but on espn, I would personally attach my name to a nationwide contest going throughout the cities of America to find the top 10 slam dunkers in the country to come to All Star Weekend. And what I would do is use 10 all stars to sponsor the players that they support, that they think would win, where they could be active participants.

[Max Kellerman]

But play the role of cheerleaders and.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Sponsors while you let them dunk. First prize, a million dollars. Second prize, half a million dollars. Third prize, $100,000. We got brothers in the streets.

[Max Kellerman]

Starving.

[Stephen A. Smith]

For a portion of those dollars. At a hundred thousand, let alone 500,000. A million. Could you imagine what they would do to participate in a slam dunk contest on All Star Weekend? It would be the best slam dunk contest maybe ever. That's what we should be thinking about. That's what we should be thinking about. Again, props to Mac McClung. Appreciate his contribution. But let's stop acting like we ain't seen better. We have. I gave you a plethora of examples and boy, of Zach Levine gets back in it next year and Aaron Gordon gets back. And I think it's too late for Aaron Gordon. Too old to be doing that. But Zach lavine, John Morant certainly has the ability, but he didn't want to do it. So what you want to do it now for? I don't believe it. Zach lavine already did it twice. He doesn't owe us that. But if he gave us the gave it to us a third time, boy, what a treat it would be. That's all I wanted to say about that.

[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 podcast.

[Julie Swearbinks]

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

[Nate Thompson]

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

[Julie Swearbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

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

[Julie Swearbinks]

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

[Nate Thompson]

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

[Julie Swearbinks]

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