NBA broadcaster Kenny Smith faced backlash for comments he made during a 3-point shooting contest between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu. Smith suggested Ionescu should shoot from the WNBA line, which prompted criticism labeling him as “condescending” and a “clown.” However, Smith defended his remarks, emphasizing that his comments were not about gender but about fairness and advantage.
Clarification Amid Controversy
Smith clarified his remarks on “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” stating that his intention was not to make gender-based comments but to address the issue of advantage. He highlighted the difference in shooting range between NBA and WNBA players and emphasized the importance of muscle memory in shooting accuracy. Smith argued that allowing Curry to shoot from his preferred range gave him an advantage over Ionescu, which he believed was unfair.
Advocating for Fairness
Despite the backlash, Smith maintained that his comments were rooted in advocating for fairness in the competition. He compared the situation to a study on dart throwing, demonstrating how slight changes in distance can significantly affect accuracy due to muscle memory. Smith reiterated that his remarks were not intended to be discriminatory but to address a perceived advantage in the competition setup.
Response to Criticism
Smith also addressed criticism regarding his comparison to Miller’s doll’s comment, emphasizing the importance of checking the context before passing judgment. He highlighted the potential disadvantage faced by a college basketball player competing against an NBA player in a similar scenario, emphasizing the need to consider the nuances of competitive fairness.
Positive Outcome and Future Inspiration
Despite the controversy, the 3-point shooting contest between Curry and Ionescu raised funds for their respective foundations and provided a unique opportunity to inspire future generations. Both athletes expressed gratitude for the experience and its potential impact on inspiring young boys and girls to pursue their dreams in basketball.
Kenny Smith’s response to the criticism surrounding his remarks on Sabrina Ionescu’s shooting during the 3-point contest reflects his commitment to fairness and competitive integrity. While his comments sparked controversy, Smith maintained that his intention was not to perpetuate gender stereotypes but to advocate for equal opportunities in sports competitions.
Sucks that Kenny Smith tainted a really special moment in basketball historypic.twitter.com/6ijjqUnmKS
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) February 18, 2024
Kenny Smith: “I didn’t know, Reg, that [Haliburton] could shoot the ball with this frequency.”
Reggie Miller: “Don’t you watch games?”
Kenny: “No, this year. As he’s doing this year.”
Reggie: “Like, what are y’all doing in the studio?” pic.twitter.com/kQnKrnconk
— Hardwood Junkies (@hardwoodjunkies) February 18, 2024
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