ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is known for his trademark rants, one of which Thursday said the New York Knicks, of whom he’s a fan, should trade Utah Jazz All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell. It was something. .
Speaking on ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith said, “Donovan Mitchell. Let me express myself. Ladies and gentlemen, Donovan Mitchell is a star.”
After blaming former Knicks executive Phil Jackson for not drafting Mitchell in 2017, Smith said, “Donovan Mitchell is a star. I don’t want anything to get in the way of them getting that brother.” So I am silent.
Bart Scott then joined in a segment that lasted four minutes, and the two began discussing what the trade package from the Knicks should be (Smith said he was willing to share New York with RJ Barrett). But another report says Jazz is not interested in Barrett).
“New York needs a star,” said Smith. “You need a star. I’m not talking about a Patrick Ewing-class star. Someone has to throw the ball 15 feet out of the basket and hit the turnaround jump shot. Me says the star (Carmelo Anthony) should have been, but it wasn’t.”
Smith next said the NBA’s Eastern Conference has lower star levels than the West. “Give me this guy who can give me the ball when it matters and say ‘Take care of me’.”
“Donovan Mitchell is the guy the New York Knicks should have drafted. It’s a robbery.”
“The Knicks have the most draft assets of any team interested in Mitchell, so they’re negotiating against themselves,” Scott said, adding, “And that’s what[Jazz CEO]Danny Ainge is doing. He doesn’t want players, he wants picks so he can build his future.”
Scott also opined that acquiring Mitchell would make the Knicks “interesting”, but not necessarily a true contender in the East.
Smith said New York head coach Tom Thibodeau said, “I can coach. I’m not saying[former Utah coach]Quinn Snyder can’t. Tom Thibodeau can coach. Garden), Tom Thibodeau can coach, and the New York Knicks are a thriving bunch.”
Here are Smith’s final words about Mitchell: Catch that man! “
