STEPHEN A. Smith has drawn the attention of NBA star Josh Hart for his latest viral take.
The First Take analyst, 58, discussed Victor Wembanyama’s recent injury on Tuesday’s edition of the ESPN show.
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Stephen A. Smith’s latest comments on Victor Wembanyama were picked up by Josh HartCredit: ESPN
The Knicks star was left speechless by Smith’s choice of words on TuesdayCredit: Getty
Wembanyama, 22, suffered a rib injury in the San Antonio Spurs’ win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 7ft4 French sensation collided with veteran Paul George in Monday’s 115-102 victory.
Wemby, who weighed just 210 pounds when he was drafted in 2023, was forced back to the locker room.
He later left for good, with the 60-19 Spurs yet to find out the severity of the issue ahead of the NBA playoffs.
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“We forget how slim he really, really is,” Smith told the First Take panel, addressing the injury.
“And so when you see something like that happen, it reminds you of the vulnerability – where’s the beef?
“The one thing that’s lacking on him is that beef, that meat right there.”
His comments were quickly picked up by social media, with New York Knick‘s star Hart weighing in on Smith’s choice of words.
“I beg your pardon???” he gasped to his 700,000 followers.
“Stephen A back at it again for no reason,” laughed an NBA fan in response.
“This was a WILD thing to say,” responded a second.
“$100m commentary, right there,” quipped a third, referencing Smith’s huge ESPN contract.
Wembanyama is the favorite to win NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a contender for MVP.
The former No. 1 pick entered Monday’s game leading the Spurs in scoring at 24.9 points per game, rebounds (11.6) and blocks (3.1).
Wembanyama left Monday’s win over the 76ers with a rib injuryCredit: Getty