Smith fully embraced the role of a basketball coach.
(L) Micah Parsons and (R) Stephen A. Smith (Image via IMAGO)
The upcoming 2024 NBA All-Star game is just around the corner, and Stephen A. Smith wants to claim victory. The All-Star weekend will kick off on Friday, February 16th, at the Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. Like in previous years, the event will include various activities.
One of these activities will be a basketball game between two teams consisting of celebrities from different fields. Smith will lead one of the teams, with the assistance of a WNBA star and a platinum rapper as his right-hand and left-hand men.
The team coached by the ESPN analyst includes well-known personalities such as a popular artist, an NBA Champion, a YouTuber, a basketball entertainer, a singer from the Backstreet Boys, a renowned chef, a WNBA player, an NFL player, a Grammy-nominated musician, and an Olympic High Jump Champion.
Smith has already arrived in Indi to provide his team with firsthand private lessons. Interestingly, his practice partner was none other than Micah Parsons, who happens to be on the opposing team. Over the past few months, these two have had their fair share of disagreements, whether on TV or social media.
However, all of that is in the past, and the NBA All-Stars game is a time for everyone to enjoy. So, Parsons (perhaps reluctantly) went along with Smith’s wishes as the experienced sportscaster with a basketball background taught his team how to defend against the Dallas Cowboys pass rusher.
Stephen A. Smith coaching up his squad on how to guard Micah Parsons 😂Watch the #RufflesCelebGame Friday 2/16 at 7pm/et on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/ZJcF1JDSTR
The 24-year-old All-Pro linebacker is part of Smith’s colleague’s team from First Take. The two assistants for this team are an NFL Hall of Famer and a Grammy-winning rapper.
A post shared by @officialnbabuzz
Furthermore, the retired tight end’s team also consists of several notable names similar to Smith’s team. Alongside Parsons, there is a Chinese actor, a comedian, and a Puerto Rican rapper. The team also includes a NASCAR racer, a WNBA star, an actor, a streamer, a YouTuber, and a Grammy-nominated artist.
Meanwhile, Smith took advantage of Parsons’ presence during their practice session. He shared his clever strategy, which brought laughter from his team. On social media, fans had some amusing comments.
“You should have had someone who actually played basketball be the coach 🤣”
“Stephen A. might have the worst fashion sense in show business 😂😂😂”
“@stephenasmith, for the love of god, please get a stylist”
“The combination of a full-zip and a turtleneck is unforgivable 😂😂”
“Stephen A. just wears anything. He really needs a stylist. 😂”
“If someone didn’t roast him for the phone clip on his hip, they missed a great opportunity 😂”
“The sweatsuit and turtleneck combo is a dope combination 😂”
“How can you be a coach when you haven’t even played basketball?”
“Can’t wait to see Stephen A. Smith’s game plan for Micah Parsons! It’s gonna be a strategic battle on the court. See you at the #RufflesCelebGame!”
In last year’s NBA All-Stars game, the team led by Utah Jazz Governor faced off against the side coached by an NBA legend. Team Wade emerged victorious, with Seahawks wide receiver earning the MVP title after scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks. They defeated Smith’s team with a score of 78-81. Will another Smith seek revenge this time?
According to the Source firstsportz.com