Stephen A. Smith isn’t afraid to speak his mind. He often has controversial takes that has fans scratching their heads.
Smith has made another one. This time it involves the Indiana Pacers guard, Tyrese Haliburton.
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“I wanted the Knicks to draft Haliburton; remember that I wanted them to draft Haliburton instead of Obi Toppin,” Smith said. “I think he’s a damn good player, I think that he’s a star in this league. But superstar status is reserved for the select few and I don’t view him that way.
“However, I know that he shows up in the clutch moment. He deserves our credit, he’s a big-time player, I like him a lot. I’ve always said that, so I don’t have to worry about how I’m being perceived in terms of what I’ve had to say about him because I’ve always celebrated him.”
Smith continued explaining his opinion.
“Having said all of that, I’m going to sit up there, M&M and Jay, and look at y’all like this, you’re talking about big shots, right? And you’re talking about how big shots qualify you as a star. Was Robert Horry a superstar?
“Nobody hit more big shots than that. What I’m saying is in terms of the big shots, I’m talking about the big shots, what you said about big-time shot-making. I’m saying when you bring up somebody that’s got about seven rings when you bring up the Chauncey Billups’ of the world who hit big shots and stuff like that, there have been plenty of people throughout NBA history that were really damn good, and hit big time shots.
“But they still weren’t labeled a superstar, so just because you show up in the clutch and you make big shots doesn’t make you a superstar, that is my point. The brother is a star, people who labeled him overrated were just hating, they should be ashamed of themselves. When I think superstar, I’m thinking Steph, I’m thinking LeBron, I’m thinking people like I’m thinking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.”
Stephen A. Smith is right about a lot of topics, but on this one, he might be wrong. Haliburton has proven to be a special player. He’s a two-time All-Star and led the league in assists last season.
So far this postseason, Haliburton has put up averages of 18.7 points, 9.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. His assists average is currently leading every player in the postseason.
Haliburton will likely use Smith’s words as a source of motivation. The best way to prove yourself as a superstar is to win an NBA championship.
That’s the goal for Haliburton and his Indiana Pacers.
