Stephen A. Smith, Isiah Thomas feud over Jaylen Brown ‘slander’

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Jaylen Brown is at the center of a war of words between Isiah Thomas and Stephen A. Smith.

While speaking on ESPN, Smith shared a message an NBA source sent to him that was critical of Brown’s attitude.

“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,” Smith said. “He knows it. It’s the same reason he is not as marketable as he should be.”

Thomas took exception.

“I have been a friend, mentor and advisor to [Brown] 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,” Thomas posted on X. “Let it be known.”

Smith fired right back.

Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith, while speaking on ESPN, shared a message from an NBA source that was critical of Jaylen Brown.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas took exception to Stephen A. Smith’s comments about Jaylen Brown.Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
“I have no idea what you’re talking about @IsiahThomas,” Smith responded on X. “I have been a fan of Jaylen Brown for years. Still am. What’s unfortunate is that YOU — who’s known for me decades — would choose to go on X to expressed whatever dissent you feel instead of calling me directly.

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“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.”

Thomas then tried to clear the air.

Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown and the Celtics are up 3-0 over the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Final.USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
“All love between you and I @stephenasmith let’s talk when time permits,” Thomas wrote on X. “Tell your source to stand on their words and not use you to throw their stones.”

Brown and the Celtics are up 3-0 on the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Final.

Brown has averaged 24.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists during the playoffs on 54.5 percent shooting from the field and 35.3 percent from 3-point range.