ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, a renowned critic of the New York Knicks, recently adopted a different stance. After the Knicks clinched their first NBA title in over fifty years, Smith participated in a live recording of the ‘Roommates Show’ podcast with Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. This event took place at the Infosys Theater in Madison Square Garden, following the Knicks’ ticker-tape championship parade.
Upon his introduction to the stage, Smith encountered boos that intensified when Hart mentioned keeping mental records of Smith’s previous criticisms of the Knicks. Hart referenced Smith’s past remarks questioning Villanova’s 2016 national championship lineup’s NBA potential. Both Hart and Brunson, part of that team, later emerged as NBA draft picks aiding the Knicks’ championship success. Smith initially dismissed Brunson’s 2022 signing as insufficient for the Knicks’ prospects.
During the podcast, Hart addressed the championship trophy nearby and urged Smith to acknowledge his earlier comments. Without resistance, Smith apologized to Brunson, Hart, and the Knicks. He expressed his genuine pleasure in being proven wrong, reminiscing his lifelong fanhood for the Knicks, extending back to the last championship before the recent win.
Though Smith apologized, he suggested the years of critique might have contributed to ending the team’s title drought, willing to repeat his critical stance if it meant another win. Other podcast episode participants included Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride, and former Knicks player Carmelo Anthony.