Stephen A. Smith, a well-known New York Knicks supporter, has never been one to hold back his opinions. After the Knicks were eliminated in Game 6 of their NBA Playoffs second-round matchup against the Miami Heat, Smith unleashed a scathing rant about the team and two of its key players, RJ Barrett and Julius Randle.
RJ Barrett and Julius Randle might have to throw hands with Stephen A Smith when they see him in New York pic.twitter.com/X4XhcTA1pf
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) May 13, 2023
“RJ Barrett, it’s going to be a long offseason. You’re absolutely pathetic…You gotta really look yourself in the mirror and work on your game young man,” Stephen A. Smith said of the Knicks forward.
Smith was even harsher towards Randle, saying, “Julius Randle, I am done with this man…You’re not going to win with him…Julius Randle is not the answer. Trade him. He needs to go.”
During the broadcast of Game 6 between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, Smith did not hold back as he criticized Barrett and Randle in a heated tirade. He called Barrett “absolutely pathetic” and urged the young forward to work on his game during the offseason. Smith went on to say that Randle should be traded and even provided some potential trade targets for the Knicks.
According to Stephen A. Smith, Randle is not the answer for the Knicks, and his body language when he misses shots is like a virus that infects the entire team. He urged the Knicks to trade for Damian Lillard or Karl-Anthony Towns, both of whom could be available this summer.
Smith’s comments have certainly stirred up some controversy, as fans and analysts alike have weighed in on the situation. Some agree with Smith’s assessment of the Knicks and believe that Randle needs to go, while others think that he is being too harsh on the team and its players.
Regardless of what people think of Smith’s opinions, one thing is for sure: the Knicks will have a lot of work to do this offseason if they want to improve their roster and compete at a higher level. They will need to address their weaknesses and make some tough decisions about which players to keep and which to let go.
In the end, only time will tell if Smith’s advice will be heeded by the Knicks’ front office. For now, fans will have to wait and see how the team responds to their disappointing end to the season.
Stephen A. Smith’s Bold Predictions for the Knicks Come Back to Haunt Him as They Exit Playoffs
The Miami Heat had pulled off a stunning victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in the playoffs, despite being on the brink of missing out entirely just weeks prior. After which they were heading into the semifinals against the New York Knicks, who Knicks aficionado Stephen A. Smith thinks have what it takes to stop Jimmy Butler and his team.
Stephen A. Smith, however, issued a fiery statement, stating that Butler will go down in this series and that the Garden is a different animal. While he is concerned about Butler’s playoff mode, he believes that the Knicks’ fear will encourage them, inspiring them to play harder.
The Knicks had been impressive so far in the playoffs, effortlessly defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers, and their fans were fired up, creating an electric atmosphere at Madison Square Garden during home games.
Despite the harsh criticism, the Knicks bounced back in Game 5 to stave off elimination. However, their season ultimately ended in Game 6.
