Knicks forward Josh Hart had a clear message for ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith.
“For me, Stephen A., as a part-time Knicks fan, needs to shut the hell up,” Hart said Thursday morning, via Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. “He barely knows guys that’s on the team.”
Hart was firing back after Smith went off on First Take this week, telling Hart to sit down and be quiet unless he’s playing.
The trigger? Hart defended teammate Mikal Bridges, who has taken heavy criticism lately for his reduced role and recent scoring slump.
Smith ripped the Knicks for giving up seven first-round picks to acquire Bridges from the Nets in 2024, pointing out that Bridges has averaged under 10 points per game over his last 10 contests.
Hart pushed back, saying Bridges is catching unfair flak because he’s simply doing what the team asks — and that his role has shrunk even more this season compared to last year.
“I’m definitely not going to listen to a part-time Knicks fan,” Hart added. “When Stephen A. rolls up to MSG with a ‘New York’ on his chest and ties up his sneaks and plays for us, then I’ll listen to what he has to say.”
Smith has long claimed die-hard Knicks fandom from his Queens roots, but Hart isn’t buying it.
Smith has mixed up names (calling Miles McBride “Michael McBride”), praised players who were already traded away, and downplayed others who played key roles.
Hart and Smith actually worked together briefly at ESPN during the 2024 Finals.
The Knicks, meanwhile, went all-in with moves like the Bridges trade and fired Tom Thibodeau after reaching the conference finals last year. The expectations are now Finals or bust.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
