Stephen A's Take: Lebron maybe setting unbreakable records, 21st NBA all-star game - The Stephen A. Smith Show

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show: In-Depth Analysis of the 21st NBA All-Star Game

Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: Lebron maybe setting unbreakable records, 21st NBA all-star game
Release Date: January 25, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction to the NBA All-Star Game Starters

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith delves into the selections for the 21st NBA All-Star Game, providing a thorough analysis of the chosen starters from both the Eastern and Western Conferences. He begins by listing the starters and immediately sets the stage for a critical examination of the selections.

Notable Quote:
"Let's get into the NBA, specifically the All Star Game, whose starters were named last night?"
[01:05]

2. Breakdown of Eastern and Western Conference Starters

Stephen A. starts by acknowledging the talent in the Eastern Conference, highlighting players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jalen Brunson. He expresses confidence in the Eastern starters, emphasizing their performance and leadership throughout the season.

Notable Quote:
"In the east, the starters are Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jason Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, and two, count them, two of my New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson and Carl Anthony Towns."
[01:15]

Conversely, he scrutinizes the Western Conference starters, questioning the inclusion of certain players based on their current form and team performance.

Notable Quote:
"The west is a little bit interesting. ... I think Kevin Durant should be coming off the bench."
[04:30]

3. Critique of Western Conference Starters Selection

Stephen A. takes a strong stance against the selection of Kevin Durant as a starter, citing his recent injuries and the Phoenix Suns' lackluster performance this season. He advocates for Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Davis to take Durant's place, arguing that their contributions and impact on their respective teams warrant a starting position.

Notable Quotes:
"Victor Wembanyama should be averaging 24 and 10, shooting 35% from three, leading the league in blocks with four games."
[05:15]

"Anthony Davis should be in there because of what he means to the Lakers. And the Lakers are a top five seed in a Western Conference right now."
[06:00]

4. Examination of the Voting and Selection Process

Stephen A. sheds light on the All-Star voting mechanism, explaining that fans hold a 50% weight in the voting process, with NBA players and media each holding 25%. He underscores the importance of genuine fan support but remains critical of the outcome based on his analysis of player performance.

Notable Quote:
"Fans take up 50% of the vote. NBA players another 25%. The media another 25%. And the reserves are chosen by the 30 coaches in the league."
[04:45]

5. Opinions on the All-Star Game Format Changes

Addressing recent format changes to the All-Star Game, Stephen A. expresses strong disdain, viewing them as unnecessary and detracting from the event's essence. He criticizes the new bracketed tournament style, labeling it an embarrassment for the NBA.

Notable Quote:
"The new format is an embarrassment for the NBA because it shows that the players have to be incentivized for playing in front of the fans at All Star Weekend."
[06:30]

6. Final Thoughts on All-Star Weekend and Player Acknowledgments

Concluding his analysis, Stephen A. reiterates his disappointment with the current selections and format. He praises Steph Curry's undeniable greatness and the importance of fan bases in the selection process, reinforcing his stance on what he believes constitutes deserving All-Star starters.

Notable Quote:
"You can't have All Star Weekend in San Francisco. And Steph Curry's not starting... he deserves it."
[07:20]

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith delivers a passionate and articulate critique of the 21st NBA All-Star Game selections, particularly focusing on the pitfalls of the Western Conference starter choices and the implications of recent format changes. His insights provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics behind All-Star selections and underscore the importance of merit-based recognition in the sport.

For those interested in hearing more of Stephen A.'s unfiltered opinions and in-depth sports analysis, tune into "The Stephen A. Smith Show" available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

Greg Rosenthal (0:00)

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 Swerbinks (0:30)

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

Nate Thompson (0:35)

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

Julie Swerbinks (0:38)

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

Nate Thompson (0:41)

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

Julie Swerbinks (0:46)

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

Nate Thompson (0:50)

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

Julie Swerbinks (0:55)

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

Stephen A. Smith (1:05)

Let's get into the NBA, specifically the All Star Game, whose starters were named last night? In the east, the starters are Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jason Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, and two, count them, two of my New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson and Carl Anthony Towns. Okay? That's your Eastern Conference All Star starters. In the west, the starters are LeBron James, Nicola Jokic, Kevin Durant, Shay Gilous Alexander and Steph Curry. Okay, couple of things right here, right? I have no issue with anybody in the east, okay? I know that Lamelo Ball's been balling and stuff like that, but look, Jalen Brunson, Jaylen Brunson, Carl Anthony Town's been balling Donovan Mitchell and Cleveland Caliz. And the way they've been looking and the way he's been looking to leading them, of course, it should be no problems with that lineup. It should be no problems whatsoever. Okay? So we got to look at that for what it is and stand down. The west is a little bit interesting. Let's go over those stars again. Nicola Jokic, Kevin Durant, Shea Gilgis Alexander, Steph Curry and LeBron James. I think Victor Wimbiana should have been a starter. I think a legitimate argument could be made for Anthony Davis being a starter, and I think the combination of the two automatically should omit Kevin Durant. Kevin Durant is a superstar in this league. He's absolutely sensational. We know that, but he's missed 10 games. The Phoenix Suns are 10th in the playing spot, okay? And they're just not that great this year. He is, but they're not. When you look at the Los Angeles Lakers, yes, Anthony Davis should be in there, but I'm not going to dismiss that. The Lakers right now are the fifth seed. LeBron James is in his 22nd season at age 40 and Balling, first of all, he has a merit of status, so you'd put him in there as a starter anyway. But he's playing worthy of being a starter. So I can't knock that. I can't remove him from the lineup. Okay? Anthony Davis should be in there. Victor Wembanyana should be in there. Which means. Because why? Victor Wembian is averaging 24 and 10, shooting 35% from three, 47% from the field, leading the league in blocks with four game. And the spurs are two wins away from matching last year's season total in wins. And they about to do it before the All Star break. Victor Wembiana, to me, warrants consideration as a starter because of that reality. And Anthony Davis, because of what he means to the Lakers. And the Lakers are a top five seed in a Western Conference right now. I think he should be in there. So to me, Kevin Durant should be coming off the bench. Now, for those of you who don't know, the reserves are chosen by the 30 coaches, the 14 reserves, seven for each squad, are chosen by the 30 coaches in the league. They choose who the reserves are. Okay, fair enough. The starters. It's three voting groups determining the starters for the NBA all star games. Fans take up 50% of the vote. NBA players another 25%. The media another 25%. And the reserves are chosen by the 30 coaches. Now, some would sit up there and say, what does it really, really matter? Because of the new format. Because the new format, you're talking about 24 All Stars spread out amongst three different teams of eight players. The winner, the Rising Stars game would. Would be the fourth team for a bracketed tournament of sorts. That's what they're saying. I'm not gonna lie to you. I don't give a shit. It's a waste of time. And because we know that all of this is about effort, if the players showed up and gave you the kind of effort they give you during the summer when they're working out with each other, if they did that for you, we're not even having this discussion. There's no format Change a format change. The reality of a format change is an embarrassment for the NBA because it shows that the players have to be incentivized for playing in front of the fans at All Star Weekend. I, I, I'm done with it. I don't give a damn about this format. Not even a little bit. I had to read it to remember what the format was because I never cared about it to begin with. By the way, some people talk about Luka Doncic even though he's had his slew of injuries this year and you know, once upon a time the fans had him voted in as a starter. Ladies and gentlemen, you can't have All Star Weekend in San Francisco. And Steph Curry's not starting. First of all, he's still great. Secondly, he deserves it. And third, that fan, that fan base would have went ballistic. You can't have that. Of course Steph Curry got to be a starter. Can't you imagine announcing players and Steph Curry of all people ain't a starter in San Francisco? You lost your ever loving mind. That wouldn't suffice. So we need to remember that of course he has to be a starter. And Shea Gildrus Alexander, I voted for him MVP last year. If I had a vote right now, he would be my, he would receive my vote for MVP right now. I know that Jokic has had five straight triple doubles. I know Denver's coming on strong. I know that Jokic is a bad brother in a three time league mvp. Shea Gilgis Alexander will get my vote again. Do y'all realize that Oklahoma City is winning games and Chet Holgram has been out and Hartenstein is out too. You realize that Shea Gilgis Alexander is the truth and a half. This is the pick that Kawhi Leonard blackmailed the Clippers to get Paul George. They had to pay the form. They had to give away Shay Gilgeous Alexander along with picks. You got Paul George. He's now Philadelphia 76. But Shay Gilgis is still in Oklahoma City in the prime of his career being top two for league MVP honors. That brother. This is what Kawhi Leonard hijacked and blackmailed the Clippers into doing. You don't do that. You don't do that. What it takes to get Paul George here. I'm going to the Lakers. I'm sick of this. I'm sick of this.