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Isiah Thomas And Stephen A. Smith Get Into Twitter Feud Over Jaylen Brown

Originally posted on Fadeaway World | By Vishwesha Kumar | Last updated 5/26/24

A Twitter feud recently erupted between NBA legend Isiah Thomas and sports commentator Stephen A. Smith over comments made about Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. Thomas, who has served as a mentor and advisor to Brown since his college days at UC Berkeley, took to Twitter to challenge Smith’s source and defend Brown’s character and marketability.

"I have been a friend, mentor, and advisor to @FCHWPO since he was a student at UC Berkeley. He is 100 percent marketable, and before you slander his name @stephenasmith, tell your source to put their name on it or don’t speak on it. Let it be known."

Isiah Thomas, who has a close relationship with Brown, challenged Smith on Twitter, demanding accountability from Smith's source and defending Brown's character. This strong statement highlighted Thomas's dissatisfaction with the anonymous sourcing used by Smith and his defense of Brown’s reputation.

In response, Stephen A. Smith expressed his confusion and disappointment in a tweet:

"I have no idea what you’re talking about @IsiahThomas. I have been a fan of Jaylen Brown for years. Still am. What’s unfortunate is that YOU — who’s known me for decades — would choose to go on X to express whatever dissent you feel instead of calling me directly."

"But I get it. It’s a pattern several folks have used vs me recently, suddenly forgetting communication we’ve always had. So be it. I root for JB always—a great dude and player. But the @celtics have to close the deal."

The feud started when Stephen A. Smith mentioned on ESPN's "First Take" that an anonymous NBA source suggested Jaylen Brown's marketability might be affected by his perceived attitude of superiority.

"I wanted to read to y'all what an NBA source just sent me. He said, 'Jaylen Brown, it's not so much that he's underrated, it's that he's just not liked because of his 'I am better than you' attitude. He knows it."

"It's the same reason he is not as marketable as he should be.' That's what an NBA source just sent me. I don't know that to be the case. I like Jaylen Brown. I know a lot of people that like Jaylen Brown. But again, when you think about marketability, that's what that person was alluding to." (8:00)

The origin of this spat can be traced back to comments made by Smith on ESPN's "First Take." During a discussion about Brown being underrated, Smith cited an anonymous NBA source who suggested that Brown is "just not liked because of his 'I am better than you' attitude" and claimed that this attitude affects his marketability. Smith clarified that these were not his personal views but rather those of an unnamed source

This exchange highlights the broader issue of how media personalities report on athletes based on anonymous sources, and the potential harm this can do to an athlete's reputation.

Jaylen Brown, who has been instrumental for the Boston Celtics this season, averaging 24.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 54.5% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range in the playoffs. He has been pivotal in the Celtics' playoff run, with the team on the brink of reaching the NBA Finals.

Despite his impressive performance, Brown was not named to the All-NBA teams, a distinction that his teammate Jayson Tatum received by being placed on the All-NBA First Team. This discrepancy has fueled discussions about Brown's recognition and marketability within the league.

The Twitter feud between Thomas and Smith underscores the sensitivity around public perceptions of athletes and the importance of responsible reporting. It also highlights the tightrope walked by media figures who rely on insider information while maintaining the integrity and respect of the athletes they cover.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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