"LOL look at him trying to make up": Fans react to Stephen A. Smith for calling Jaylen Brown most important Celtics player
Stephen A. Smith is changing his tune about Jaylen Brown and praised the Boston Celtics star. Brown was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP and won the Larry Bird trophy after Boston’s Game 4 win.
ESPN’s First Take made Brown a controversial name throughout the series, thanks to a cryptic message passed on to Smith.
The claim from Smith’s source was that Brown’s attitude hurt his marketability. Brown denied it and requested Smith name his source for saying something that hurt his reputation.
Smith praised Brown for the Celtics’ dominant run in getting back to the NBA Finals and said the three-time All-Star was the most important player on the team.
"He's the MVP for the Eastern Conference Finals for a reason," Smith said on First Take. ... "You're looking for Jayson Tatum to perform. You're looking to Jaylen Brown to galvanize the troops while performing."
Fans found the timing humorous after Brown called out Smith for his source’s comments just a few days ago. Some felt that Smith was trying to win over Brown after the online drama between them:
"LOL look at Stephen A. trying to make up for his words the other day."
Another user had the same sentiment, expressing that Smith aimed at Brown's ego as a real problem.
"Wasn’t it a couple of days ago Stephen A said that players in the league and on the team don’t like Jaylen Brown bc he has an ego?"
A fan felt that Smith and ESPN wanted to throw Jayson Tatum under the bus by highlighting Brown's impact above him as the Celtics' top two superstars.
"Another day…another Tatum slander segment on ESPN."
Some basketball fans understood Smith’s point and felt it was worth discussing the dynamic of NBA leadership. Tatum is viewed as the best overall player, but Jaylen Brown has shown signs of leadership in the big moments.
One X user agreed with Smith but also felt Tatum must step up.
"I get what Stephen A. is saying, but I still think Tatum is the guy who needs to step up big time."
The conversation of Boston preparing for the NBA Finals sparked excitement for some fans who want to watch it all unfold.
"The finals can’t get here fast enough!"
Jaylen Brown is one of multiple keys to Boston's ultimate success
Jaylen Brown is one of the few Boston Celtics players to appear in an impressive six Eastern Conference Finals appearances over the past eight years. The dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Brown must win a ring this season or risk criticism for falling short again.
Stephen A Smith’s main point was that Boston needs Brown to be a leader more than Tatum for ultimate team success.
Both players are pivotal to achieving that goal, but the Celtics filled out their most complete roster in years. Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Al Horford and the returning Kristaps Porzingis all add immense depth as difference-makers. Boston will need Jaylen Brown to be one of many players making the clutch plays to win the NBA Finals.