Stephen A. Smith often appears in headlines when he makes bold statements about players and teams across multiple sports, particularly in the NBA.
One of his latest opinions involved the New Orleans Pelicans, and when the franchise decided to joke about him, the commentator responded with criticism of his own.
Stephen A. Smith Blasts New Orleans Pelicans in Blistering Critique
The ESPN personality criticized the Pelicans after they mocked him on social media. The team posted a video on X telling Smith to “stick to solitaire,” showing clips of him struggling to play different sports.
Smith replied in the comment section, prompting the Pelicans to post an image of Max Kellerman, Smith’s former “First Take” co-host.
That follow-up drew a strong reaction, as Smith fired back with a blistering rant during Wednesday’s “First Take.”
“My popularity is bigger than anybody on your team outside of Zion,” Smith said. “Sixty-five games have been played, and you’re still searching for your 20th victory. Y’all are horrible! Y’all have been trash! That is the reality.”
“You’re worth about $3.55 billion right now. That ranks 29th out of 30 teams in the NBA. This is your 24th year in the NBA. You used to be the Hornets, now you’re the Pelicans, that’s two nicknames. That’s how many playoff victories you have. … You got the time to clap back at me, at least tell America why. It’s the only thing that can make you relevant.”
Stephen A. believes he’s bigger than most of the Pelicans organization
“My popularity is bigger than anybody on your team outside of Zion…65 games have been played and you’re still searching for your 20th victory. Yall are horrible”
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 4, 2026
Smith’s remarks highlight the Pelicans’ history of mediocrity since their early 2000s beginnings. Across its 24 seasons, the franchise has reached the 50-win mark just once, and since rebranding as the Pelicans, it has yet to post back-to-back playoff appearances.
Last season, the team finished with a 21-61 record, tied for its second-lowest win total in a single campaign. This season, New Orleans holds a 19-44 record, ranking 13th in the Western Conference standings. They sit above the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings but trail the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies.
The Pelicans will continue preparations for their next road matchup against the Kings, scheduled for March 5 at 10 p.m. ET.
