Some ardent Knicks fans have often called out Stephen A. Smith, claiming he’s not a true supporter. This sentiment didn’t get much help from ESPN commentators during an episode on Thursday.
When Smith mentioned “Michael McBride,” he also highlighted the Knicks’ recruitment efforts under new head coach Mike Brown on “Sports Center.”
“You’re looking at Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, Michael McBride, and Josh Hart,” he stated.
In a quick backlash, fans took to social media, showing their frustration.
“We need to kick this clown out of our fanbase,” one user shared on X.
Another chimed in, saying, “Could someone please stop this guy from talking about the Knicks?” adding a hint of irony regarding Smith’s supposed diehard support for the team.
Even though Smith is well-known as a Knicks fan from the Bronx, criticisms have arisen over his tendency to either overly praise the team during good times or harshly criticize them during setbacks.
There’s also an ongoing notion that Smith’s grasp on the team’s dynamics is tenuous, and mispronouncing “Michael McBride” doesn’t help his case.
The “First Take” host has a history of passionate outbursts about the Knicks. One of his memorable tirades came after the team drafted Kristaps Porzingis fourth in 2015.
“We were completely lost, utterly deceived by Phil Jackson and the Knicks!” Smith lamented, expressing his discontent at the time.
Porzingis would eventually make an All-Star appearance with the Knicks before being traded to the Mavericks in 2019.
Looking ahead, Smith has shared some optimism for the Knicks this upcoming season under Brown. He seems hopeful that teams like the Celtics, who might be without Jason Tatum, and teams like the Bucks, Magic, and Cavaliers who have their own changes, may not be as formidable.
“What should we anticipate from the New York Knicks?” he asked. “We should at least expect something similar to what we had before.”
