The Stephen A. Smith Show Episode: Stephen A's Take: "We Rich" Nephew Josh has some etiquette rules for the Ladies!
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Host/Author: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into a candid and spirited conversation featuring former NBA players Gilbert Arenas, Kenyon Martin, Rashad McCants, and Nick Young. The discussion navigates through personal anecdotes, professional experiences, and light-hearted banter, offering listeners an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of these athletes beyond the court.

Discussion on Gilbert Arenas' Podcast Appearance

The conversation kicks off with Gilbert Arenas addressing criticism about his long-anticipated appearance on his own podcast, Gil's Arena. He reflects on the extensive three-hour discussion he had with fellow players about his past interactions with LeBron James.

Gilbert Arenas [01:03]: "Now let's get to my much anticipated appearance on a Gil's arena podcast. To be clear, those aren't my words."

Key Points:

• Arenas expresses frustration over accusations of avoiding the podcast.
• The dialogue centers around his confrontation with LeBron James, highlighting differing opinions among the players.

LeBron James Confrontation and Its Impact

The players dissect the incident involving LeBron James confronting Arenas, exploring the emotional and familial implications.

Gilbert Arenas [01:39]: "I thought it was weak. I thought it was some bullshit. But in the moment, I knew that I was listening to a father."

Key Points:

• Kenyon Martin [02:14]: Criticizes the confrontation as a sign of LeBron not being ready, emphasizing the importance of parental support.

  "As a father, you're still trying to praise them and make them feel like they're worthy of playing basketball because they can get discouraged at any moment in time..."

• The conversation underscores the tension between professional sports pressures and personal family dynamics.

Aspirations of the Next Generation

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the hopes and dreams of the players' children, particularly Bronny James, LeBron's son.

Rashad McCants [04:02]: "Bronny's dream was to be in the NBA."

Key Points:

• The players discuss the natural aspirations of their children to follow in their footsteps.

• Kenyon Martin [04:20]: Shares a personal anecdote about missing years with his son due to his NBA career, highlighting the sacrifices made for professional sports.

  "I've been in the league 21 years. I missed 19 to 20 years of his life..."

Etiquette Rules for the Ladies: Rashad McCants' Segment

In a light-hearted turn, Rashad McCants introduces his "etiquette rules for the ladies," blending humor with relatable relationship scenarios.

Notable Quotes:

Rashad McCants [12:20]: "I'm trying to fix America one relationship at a time."

Rashad McCants [12:58]: "If you're gonna interrupt me, make sure it counts."

Key Points:

• McCants outlines humorous "laws" addressing common relationship issues, such as selective listening and privacy boundaries.
• The segment adds a personal and entertaining dimension to the episode, showcasing the players' personalities beyond their sports careers.

Reflections on Media and Public Perception

The discussion also touches upon how media narratives shape public perceptions of athletes, with McCants emphasizing the importance of personal observations over media accolades.

Rashad McCants [07:00]: "I watch the show all the time. They're good at, you know, arguing the talent versus greatness."

Key Points:

• McCants advocates for evaluating players based on on-court behavior and personal interactions rather than solely on achievements like rings or All-NBA selections.
• The players engage in a playful debate about the nicest NBA players, highlighting different perspectives on what constitutes "niceness" in the league.

Concluding Remarks

As the episode wraps up, tensions rise briefly between Arenas and McCants over the latter's new YouTube venture, The Josh Smith Show. Despite the minor conflict, the camaraderie among the players remains evident.

Rashad McCants [15:55]: "I didn't say I was absolved. I just said who was wrong first."

Gilbert Arenas [16:32]: "Just go. Just go."

Key Points:

• The playful banter underscores the strong bonds and occasional disagreements among the players.
• McCants promotes his YouTube show, aiming to provide advice and insights, signaling a foray into media beyond traditional podcasts.

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a rich and engaging exploration of the personal and professional lives of former NBA stars. Through candid discussions, humorous segments, and insightful reflections, listeners gain a multifaceted understanding of these athletes as individuals navigating life beyond the basketball court.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Gilbert Arenas [01:39]: "I thought it was weak. I thought it was some bullshit. But in the moment, I knew that I was listening to a father."
• Rashad McCants [04:02]: "Bronny's dream was to be in the NBA."
• Rashad McCants [12:58]: "If you're gonna interrupt me, make sure it counts."
• Kenyon Martin [04:20]: "I've been in the league 21 years. I missed 19 to 20 years of his life..."
• Rashad McCants [07:00]: "I watch the show all the time. They're good at, you know, arguing the talent versus greatness."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and moments from the episode, providing an informative and engaging overview for those who haven't tuned in.