I have a confession to make. I am no fan of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. I have called him all sorts of names — printable and otherwise; but my favorite is “rodeo clown.”
One of the most toxic things I ever saw on television was when I came upon a show featuring a spirited discussion (or screaming match) between Smith and Skip Bayless. I filed it away under “avoid this at all costs.”
But with all that said, were I Jaylen Brown of the Celtics, I’d stay away from engaging with Stephen A. First, he looks stupid; second, he should have better things to do — such as maybe continue licking his wounds after the Philly fiasco; and third, it’s a fight he’s ill-equipped to win.
Aside from his obvious basketball talent, Brown, during his tenure with the Celtics, has shown himself to be a man aware of his geographical surroundings and introspective. He’s prone to running wars with referees and making the odd stupid statement — the latest being that 2025-26 was his favorite season with the Celtics.
I should add that the statement is only stupid to people who can’t see past the obvious. Sure, the Celtics disgraced themselves in the playoffs. And sure, Brown was the MVP for the 2024 championship team.
But throughout his career, he has been cast as Teller to Jayson Tatum’s Penn; Larry to Tatum’s Moe. Always mentioned second when the two are discussed as a tandem.
This past season, with Tatum sidelined with an Achilles injury, Brown got to play the featured role. He wasn’t the second banana. Moreover, the Celtics exceeded expectations and made the playoffs as the second seed in the East under his leadership. And who knows? Despite both Tatum’s and Brown’s insistence that all’s well in the land of the Green, there could be some Lennon-McCartney rivalry going on. And perhaps Brown resented Tatum for returning to action when he clearly was not ready.
That’s all conjecture on my part. What’s not conjecture is that Brown proved he could carry the show if it came to that. He was a finalist for the MVP, which went to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — the latest player to land onto an NBA roster from another planet (ironic that Brown is being mentioned as trade bait to land the last player from the planet Krypton: Giannis Antetokounmpo).
Anyway, along comes Smith, whose abilities as a writer are rivaled by his obvious delight in being a troll. He’s trolling Brown, and Brown is taking the bait.
Brown should take it from one who enjoys the use of the needle (often to embarrassing excess). He’ll look foolish if he lets this go on. This game is part of Smith’s schtick. He’s honed it down to a science. So, when he trolls Brown for saying this was his favorite season despite this year’s playoff disaster and a tangible accomplishment only two years earlier, it just isn’t worth Brown reigniting the ongoing war or words with the master — not unless he wants egg all over his face.
Those who might see some validity to Brown’s statement will understand. Those who cannot never will.
Those who like to troll and shove the needle into people, understand one very important thing: if someone gets the jump on you verbally, laugh, tip your hat, and move on. It’s a case of “never complain; never explain.” That hole just gets deeper.
We’ve all, I’m sure, experienced the fine art of schoolyard taunting. You may feel free, easy, and relaxed when sharing a laugh, or even a few mild jibes, with friends. But the minute you run up against people who launch pre-emptive strikes against you, you’re sunk if you try to go toe to toe. Whatever comes out of your mouth just doesn’t seem natural. It’s never even half as clever as that which was directed toward you. Wait until you have the upper hand, and then let him have it, if you’re that insulted.
Sometimes in this world, Jaylen, you just have to suck it up. If Smith is really that stupid or simply trying to get your goat, the minute you engage, he’s won. He’s the one who sounds like he’s right and you’re the one stumbling over your words in response.
