Stephen A. Smith is ESPN’s most recognizable personality, widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in sports media. Over the past 15 years, he’s also become a pop culture phenomenon, responsible for countless viral moments and memorable takes. On Friday, Smith added another viral clip to his resume, but this time, it wasn’t about his usual animated commentary—it was about his basketball skills.
In his latest social media post, Stephen A. Smith decided to prove that he could do more than just talk about the game—he could play it too.
The longtime analyst and commentator shared a video of himself participating in a basketball shooting drill, sinking several jump shots in a row, much to the delight of viewers.
“That’s why you’ve been training for an hour,” says a voice in the video as Smith focuses on his shot, repeatedly knocking down jumpers without breaking concentration. Smith, who often talks about the importance of not playing games when it comes to his work, turned that sentiment to the court. “We not playing no more, man. We not playing no more,” he declares, determined to show that he can back up his on-screen swagger with some legitimate skills.
Smith then switched up the drill to showcase some agility and versatility, pulling up for mid-range shots off the dribble. His impressive footwork and accurate shooting had fans buzzing, with some even suggesting that Smith might be ready to take his talents to a bigger stage.
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“Somebody get this brotha a 10-day contract! We need Stephen A on and off the court,” one enthusiastic fan commented, hinting at the possibility of seeing Smith take on more than just an analyst role.
Others praised his fitness journey, noting his apparent weight loss and improved athleticism. “Salute to bro for getting in shape,” wrote another fan, applauding Smith for the effort he’s clearly been putting into his health and conditioning.
“Is Stephen A. suiting up for the celebrity All-Star game???” questioned another follower, suggesting that Smith might be preparing for the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, an annual event that often features notable personalities from the sports and entertainment worlds.
However, not everyone was as impressed with Smith’s workout video. Sports commentator Jason Whitlock, who has a history of disagreements with Stephen A., had a less flattering take. “This man is 57 years old and releasing Angel Reese workout videos because he’s spent 30 years lying about a basketball career in high school and at Winston Salem State,” Whitlock tweeted on Friday, throwing shade at Smith’s past claims of being a capable player.
Whitlock didn’t stop there. He went on to say, “Al Bundy is laughing at this. Just show us where they inserted the 6-inch screw in your knee. #RentFree.” The comparison to Al Bundy, the fictional character known for bragging about his high school football career, was clearly meant to mock Smith and his efforts on the court.
Despite the skepticism, the workout video has continued to make rounds online, and for many fans, it’s a refreshing sight to see Stephen A. Smith actively embracing fitness. Known for his sharp tongue and never-ending energy on ESPN’s First Take, Smith’s ability to stay in shape at age 57 is something that deserves recognition, regardless of what the critics say.
While some have questioned Stephen A.’s basketball skills, there’s no denying his value to ESPN. As the network’s most visible personality, Smith has been a cornerstone of ESPN’s programming for years, consistently driving ratings with his mix of fiery analysis, humor, and on-air charisma.
His influence at the network has made him an integral figure not only in sports commentary but also in sports culture at large.
Smith’s prominence hasn’t come without controversy, though. Last year’s Knicks-Pacers NBA playoff coverage, which focused heavily on Smith and his reaction to the games, was met with mixed reviews, with some fans criticizing the overemphasis on his personality rather than the actual game analysis.
Despite the occasional backlash, Smith has remained steadfast, embracing both the positive and negative reactions that come with being a public figure.
With contract negotiations on the horizon, Smith’s value to ESPN remains a significant talking point. He has expressed his desire to continue being a central figure at the network, and his recent workout video could be seen as a way of showing that he’s still got the energy and charisma that has made him one of the most well-known faces in sports media.
Whether or not basketball becomes a larger part of his brand, Smith has made it clear that he’s always up for a challenge, both on and off the court.
As fans continue to enjoy Stephen A. Smith’s unique blend of analysis and personality, the question remains: will we see more of his basketball skills in the future?
Whether it’s on the court during a celebrity game or back at the ESPN studio, Smith knows how to keep the audience entertained, and that’s why he’s still at the top of his game—even if the jump shots are just for fun.
For now, it’s clear that Stephen A. Smith isn’t playing around—he’s always ready to make a splash, whether it’s with a mic in hand or a basketball.
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