“NBA is an American born sport” – Stephen A. Smith doesn’t want an international player to be face of NBA
Smith’s remarks came after Anthony Edwards said that he doesn’t want to be NBA’s next face.
Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
NBA analyst Stephen A Smith found himself in the middle of a controversy after his recent claims regarding the next face of the league. As legends like LeBron James and Stephen Curry are nearing the ends of their respective careers, talks about who will take over them as the next face of the league have frequently surfaced.
Several fans and experts have shared their opinion about who should shoulder the responsibility next, and named players of their choice. However, Smith has a different opinion. The ESPN expert believes that an international player cannot be the face of the league and an American player deserves the right.
He believes that because the NBA is an American sport, only an American should be its poster boy, no matter how famous some players from other countries might be.
Appearing on First Take, Smith said, “I don’t believe an international player can be the face of the NBA. I know they’re global iconic figures, their popularity extends globally, but the NBA is an American born sport.”
Earlier, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins said that the Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should be the next poster boy. He said, “We’ve been wondering who LeBron James and Steph Curry gon’ pass the torch to, for as being the next face of the NBA, I think SGA wants to wear it.”
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“My wish is that Anthony Edwards changes his mind”- Stephen A Smith
Smith’s comments came after the Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said that he doesn’t wish to be the league’s next face. Edwards was at the 2025 All-Star Game, where he said that while he has the capability, he doesn’t want to be the one.
Later, when he was asked to pick one player who could be the next poster boy, he picked Spurs’ star forward Victor Wembanyama. The Frenchman is considered as one of the best players in the current scenarios.
Averaging at 24.3 points in the current season and 21.4 points per game in the previous season, the Spurs’ star was also a member of the French team that won silver medal at the Olympics 2024.
However, it seems that Smith doesn’t agree with Edwards’ comments and wants him to reconsider his decision.
“My wish is that Anthony Edwards changes his mind. And the reason why is because, I mean, my favorite players are him and Steph Curry. And where I fell in love with Anthony Edwards wasn’t with the dunks or whatever.”
He added, “It was when the playoffs showed up last year, and that brother was giving it to the Phoenix Suns. I mean, that, to me, was the nail in the coffin, UD, because he was talking major smack to his idol, Kevin Durant. And he was going after him.”
Currently in his fifth NBA season, Ant-Man is maintaining an excellent average of 27.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game this season.
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