Latest news with #StephenA.Smith
USA Today
6 hours ago
- Business
- USA Today
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has ‘no doubt' that Ime Udoka will bring NBA title to Houston
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has 'no doubt' that Ime Udoka will bring NBA title to Houston ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on Ime Udoka: 'This man has resurrected the Houston Rockets franchise, from the moment he arrived. Ime Udoka is one of the top five coaches in basketball. He is special.' Now with a coaching vacancy, the New York Knicks reportedly have interest in hiring Ime Udoka. But that interest doesn't seem to be reciprocated by either the Rockets or Houston's head coach. ESPN media personality Stephen A. Smith, a longtime fan of the Knicks, addressed the topic on Wednesday's First Take. While he said he would love for Udoka to coach in New York, he knows it won't happen. Among Smith's comments: It ain't gonna happen. And it's not going to happen because as much as I love it (the idea of Udoka coaching the Knicks), Tilman Fertitta loves Ime Udoka more. This man has resurrected the Houston Rockets franchise, from the moment he arrived. Ime Udoka is one of the top five coaches in basketball. He is special. I'm saying it here, clear as day: I have no doubt that Ime Udoka is going to deliver a championship to Houston, eventually. They're probably going to have to trade Jalen Green, because you can't have a face of the franchise that can't make shots in most of his games when you really need him to. You're probably going to have to go out, whether it's a KD (Kevin Durant) or somebody else, and add a piece. You need a closer. The complete segment can be viewed below (at 18:47). In the two years since his arrival in Houston, Udoka has lifted the Rockets from 22-60 and last place in the 15-team Western Conference to 52-30 and No. 2 in the West last season. 'I happen to know Tilman Fertitta,' Smith said of Houston's ownership. 'I've got profound respect for that man. Ime ain't getting out of Houston for next season.' More: Report: Rockets, Ime Udoka won't entertain interest from Knicks
Time of India
7 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
"I know that Russia's ultimate quest is to recapture Europe" — Stephen A. Smith explains why he'd back Ukraine if elected
(Image Source - Getty Images) On ESPN's First Take, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith made a surprising move by discussing geopolitics, saying that if he were the President of the United States, he would stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression. He noted, 'I know that Russia's ultimate quest is to recapture Europe and I don't want that to happen. Therefore I would help out Ukraine'. Stephen A. Smith's political aspirations take center stage amid foreign policy debates In the recent First Take episode, co-host Molly Qerim asked Smith a playful question: would he choose to be the head coach of the New York Knicks or the President of the United States? Smith humorously opted for the presidency, mentioning he'd prefer not to work with Knicks owner James Dolan. However, the conversation took a serious turn when fellow analyst Chris "Mad Dog" Russo challenged Smith on whether he could handle international disputes, particularly the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Smith firmly asserted his dedication to backing Ukraine against Russian expansionism. Smith recently shared on his show what he thought about Vladimir Putin 's wish to recover Soviet-era territories. He showed that Russia's actions put Europe's stability in danger and that the U.S. must do something to meet them. Robert D. Smith brings to mind what many analysts around the world have been saying about Russia's plans. (Image Source - ESPN's Talk Show First Take) Smith's political commentary has sparked a variety of reactions from the public. On one hand, some folks praise him for diving into complex global matters, but on the other hand, there are those who question if he has the right credentials to discuss international diplomacy. Fans on X are commenting all sorts of things such as '😂😂😂 stay out of geo political topics.' said one user. While another said, 'Russia never controlled Europe so not sure where this perspective came from.' Regardless of the criticism, Smith's statements have certainly widened his public image, shifting from a sports analyst to a voice on global affairs. Also Read: Phoenix Suns hire Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as head coach after Devin Booker endorses him Additionally, Smith is enhancing his media footprint with a new partnership with SiriusXM, on top of his TV and podcast appearances. He's going to host two shows: one daily sports talk show and another weekly show that will cover current events and social commentary.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Stephen A. Smith Returns to SiriusXM With 2 New Shows
ESPN's busiest personality is adding even more work to his plate, with Stephen A. Smith on Wednesday announcing he will host and executive produce two new shows on SiriusXM. Smith shared the new deal during an appearance on Howard Stern's radio show. One of his new shows will be focused on the topic he's most known for, sports, and will air weekdays on the Mad Dog Sports Radio channel, which is channel 82 on SiriusXM. Smith is also getting a weekly show focused on pop culture and social commentary as part of the deal; both shows will debut in September. The ESPN star's new deal marks his return to SiriusXM, where he hosted a two-hour daily show from 2014 to 2020. That show was on Mad Dog's channel from 2014 to early 2017, when it moved to ESPN's channel. Smith, in a statement, said he is 'loving the fact' that he gets to reunite with his 'guy' Mad Dog Chris Russo, which he calls a 'beautiful thing.' Russo, a radio legend from New York City, is a contributor to ESPN's 'First Take,' where he routinely trades sports takes with Smith. 'But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of pop culture, politics and social commentary … Let's just say, it doesn't get any better than that,' Smith continued. 'September can't come soon enough. It's been a long time since I've been in radio … Especially going back and forth with the callers. Can't wait to get restarted. Buckle up! I'm coming!' Smith's move back to SiriusXM comes as he has been appearing on more shows, like Megyn Kelly's on SiriusXM and YouTube, sharing his thoughts on politics. And in April, while Smith was co-hosting a town hall with President Trump on News Nation, the president gave his vote of approval on Smith potentially running for the White House in post Stephen A. Smith Returns to SiriusXM With 2 New Shows appeared first on TheWrap.
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
Stephen A. Smith signs deal with SiriusXM for radio shows on sports, current events
Stephen A. Smith is expanding his broadcasting portfolio beyond ESPN — and he won't be talking about just sports. The satellite radio network SiriusXM said Wednesday that it has signed Smith to produce and appear on two new shows. One is a daily sports talk show that will appear on SiriusXM's Mad Dog Sports Radio, the channel created by talk radio personality Chris Russo. Smith will also create a weekly show featuring current events, pop culture and social commentary. Both programs will debut in September, SiriusXM said. Except to say that it is a multi-year deal, terms were not disclosed. 'September can't come soon enough,' Smith said. 'It's been a long time since I've been in radio, especially going back and forth with the callers. Can't wait to get re-started.' The deal does not affect Smith's contract with ESPN, where he appears on 'First Take.' Smith's popularity with young men has led to talk that he could be a political candidate some day, and the commentator has made media appearances lately where the discussions have gone beyond sports. He wrote a book, 'Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes,' in 2023.
Chicago Tribune
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Stephen A. Smith signs a radio deal with SiriusXM — and he won't just be talking sports
Stephen A. Smith is expanding his broadcasting portfolio beyond ESPN — and he won't be talking about just sports. The satellite radio network SiriusXM said Wednesday that it has signed Smith to produce and appear on two new shows. One is a daily sports talk show that will appear on SiriusXM's Mad Dog Sports Radio, the channel created by talk radio personality Chris Russo. Smith will also create a weekly show featuring current events, pop culture and social commentary. Both programs will debut in September, SiriusXM said. Except to say that it is a multi-year deal, terms were not disclosed. 'September can't come soon enough,' Smith said. 'It's been a long time since I've been in radio, especially going back and forth with the callers. Can't wait to get re-started.' The deal does not affect Smith's contract with ESPN, where he appears on 'First Take.' Smith's popularity with young men has led to talk that he could be a political candidate some day, and the commentator has made media appearances lately where the discussions have gone beyond sports. He wrote a book, 'Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes,' in 2023.
