During All-Star weekend, NBA analyst Kenny Smith found himself in the midst of controversy following his commentary on the three-point shooting contest featuring Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry and New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu.
In the aftermath of the competition, Smith suggested that Ionescu, who was shooting from the NBA’s three-point range, should have opted for the WNBA line instead. He reiterated this stance during a Monday appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show.
Clarifying his remarks, Smith asserted that the issue was blown out of proportion and that people misunderstood his intentions. He emphasized that he meant no disrespect to Ionescu, noting that she faced a disadvantage as Curry primarily practices shooting from the NBA’s three-point line, thus building superior muscle memory for that range.
“Most basketball-savvy individuals understood my point. In fact, I was advocating for her more than anything else because basketball heavily relies on muscle memory. He practices from one range, she from another.”
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Smith referenced a study involving a dart player, highlighting how even a slight adjustment in distance could significantly impact accuracy. He questioned why Curry was afforded the advantage of shooting from his preferred line, stressing that it wasn’t about gender or genetics.
During a live exchange with Reggie Miller, Smith addressed Miller’s jest about Ionescu playing with dolls, stating, “When Reggie joked about her playing with dolls, my initial thought was, ‘What’s wrong with that?’ Girls should engage in both playing with dolls and sports.”
Despite facing backlash for his comments, Smith reiterated that his remarks weren’t meant to disrespect Ionescu or stir controversy. He urged people to review the context rather than jumping to conclusions, emphasizing his history and track record in the field.
