NBA players have a love-hate relationship with media personalities. And, there isn’t a media professional with more controversial standing with the athletes than ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is the most recent player to throw cheeky comments at the iconic First Take host. The response from Smith was prompt.
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Giannis had shared his playful distaste for Smith’s popular sports show while making a guest appearance on his brother Thanasis’ Thanalysis Show.
“I want you one day, Thanasis, to go to First Take and go crazy. Sit down on the table, they love you over there. Stephen A. Smith is your guy, you are like this. I’m tired of walking into the facility and turning on First Take because we have First Take on all the TVs. And see blah blah blah,” said Giannis.
Smith didn’t take any offense to the two-time MVP’s comment. In fact, he laughed, before extending an invitation to Giannis and Thanasis.
“I’m going to reach out to both of them today. I’m going to reach out and extend an invite,” said Stephen A.
Giannis has, at times, been vocal expressing what he thinks of the media. However, Smith contends that neither he nor First Take have spoken ill of the Greek Freak. The Antetokounmpo brothers and Smith conversing would lead to an entertaining show since all of them carry outspoken personalities.
In fact, SAS has been on a show with Thanasis before.
Smith’s guest appearance on Thanasis’ podcast
In April this year, Thanasis held a special episode of his podcast in front of a live audience. In it, his brother Giannis made a guest appearance, along with Stephen A. They cleared the air on any differences between them.
Giannis gave Smith high praise for his ability to speak his truth regardless of what others may think of him. In response, Smith kept it incredibly simple.
“Yes, there’s a lot of players who don’t like me,” said Smith. “Yes, it’s true I can give less than a damn.”
Smith went on to highlight that this comes as par in the field he is in. He will never alter the truth for the sake of sparing someone’s feelings because it is a disservice to the profession. Giannis found Smith’s mindset similar to his approach on the basketball court.
That episode turned out to be a fantastic conversation. A potential cameo by the brothers on First Take could turn out to be riveting as well.
