Kenny Smith clarifies Sabrina Ionescu ‘dolls’ comment after backlash
NBA analyst Kenny Smith is trying to explain his comments about New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu after receiving backlash.
The “NBA on TNT” panelist came under fire for making remarks that some fans considered condescending toward WNBA players during a 3-point contest between Stephen Curry and Ionescu.
Kenny Smith appears on “The Stephen A. Smith Show.” Stephen A. Smith Show
As his broadcast partner, Smith made complicated points about the distance two professional basketball players should shoot, and former NBA player Reggie Miller said, “According to you, you want her to play with dolls.” That’s true,” he said.
“And there’s nothing wrong with playing with dolls,” Smith retorted a few minutes later.
Kenny Smith and Reggie Miller did their best to make the Stephen vs. Sabrina showdown terribly awkward, ending with them bickering about playing with dolls for some reason. pic.twitter.com/ylysmUQ4y4
The awkward exchange drew negative reactions on social media, but Smith insisted the controversy was “no big deal” during an appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show.”
“Most people who know basketball understood what I was saying,” Smith said. “Actually, I was defending her more than anything because basketball is about muscle memory. So he practices in one range and she practices in another.
“There’s also a study…a guy who throws darts. And if you move him even one step, his accuracy changes dramatically. So I said, ‘Why?’ [Curry] How to get an advantage and shoot his line? That’s an advantage. It’s not gender or genetics. ”
Curry and Ionescu were competing for the first time in the NBA vs. WNBA 3-point challenge during the NBA All-Star festivities in Indianapolis over the weekend.
Curry defeated Ionescu 29-26 to win the first tournament.
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu will compete in the NBA All-Star Game against Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. AP
Smith, referring to the comments about dolls, said his first thought when Miller made the joke was what was wrong with playing with dolls.
“They can play with dolls and play sports,” Smith said.
The former NBA player criticized the fact that people are quick to judge a situation without knowing all the details.
“Most people don’t check the tape, they just want to check the bait,” he said.
Kenny Smith clarifies Sabrina Ionescu ‘dolls’ comment after backlash
NBA analyst Kenny Smith is trying to explain his comments about New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu after receiving backlash.
The “NBA on TNT” panelist came under fire for making remarks that some fans considered condescending toward WNBA players during a 3-point contest between Stephen Curry and Ionescu.
As his broadcast partner, Smith made complicated points about the distance two professional basketball players should shoot, and former NBA player Reggie Miller said, “According to you, you want her to play with dolls.” That’s true,” he said.
“And there’s nothing wrong with playing with dolls,” Smith retorted a few minutes later.
The awkward exchange drew negative reactions on social media, but Smith insisted the controversy was “no big deal” during an appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show.”
“Most people who know basketball understood what I was saying,” Smith said. “Actually, I was defending her more than anything because basketball is about muscle memory. So he practices in one range and she practices in another.
“There’s also a study…a guy who throws darts. And if you move him even one step, his accuracy changes dramatically. So I said, ‘Why?’ [Curry] How to get an advantage and shoot his line? That’s an advantage. It’s not gender or genetics. ”
Curry and Ionescu were competing for the first time in the NBA vs. WNBA 3-point challenge during the NBA All-Star festivities in Indianapolis over the weekend.
Curry defeated Ionescu 29-26 to win the first tournament.
Smith, referring to the comments about dolls, said his first thought when Miller made the joke was what was wrong with playing with dolls.
“They can play with dolls and play sports,” Smith said.
The former NBA player criticized the fact that people are quick to judge a situation without knowing all the details.
“Most people don’t check the tape, they just want to check the bait,” he said.
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