Video: Stephen A. Smith Claps Back at Pelicans After Social Media Troll

zach bacharContributor I

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

The small feud between ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith and the New Orleans Pelicans continued on Monday, as Smith fired back at the organization in a video clip posted on X.

“Since you called me out on Friday, you’ve lost every game since,” Smith said. “Is that not an indication that your priorities need to get in order? Stop worrying about Stephen A. Smith.”

Stephen A Smith @stephenasmithYou got my attention, Pelicans pic.twitter.com/Gq4405HWc9

The Pelicans wasted no time in responding to Smith’s post, once again poking fun at the ESPN star:

New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBAhttps://t.co/IlAhx3RfZe pic.twitter.com/p4ygEg0D5R

On Friday, the Pelicans posted a graphic of Smith’s basketball statistics for Winston-Salem State University along with a video clip of some of the analyst’s sports blunders over the years.

New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBApic.twitter.com/DtxYFndrVy

New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBAflock it, Stephen A. Smith highlights. pic.twitter.com/jWdaEBeTis

This appeared to be a response to the analyst’s repeated criticism of Pelicans star Zion Williamson’s weight. On Friday morning’s Get Up show, Smith discussed his issue with Williamson.

“Zion Williamson, it’s not about his game,” he said. “It’s about how many burgers he’s eating. And whether or not he is going to be in shape or is he going to keep eating McDonald’s and have chefs clamoring for him to come to their restaurants.”

Christian Clark of The Times-Picayune noted on Dec. 8 that Williamson’s work ethic and diet have been a “source of frustration” for New Orleans, as the 23-year-old has struggled to stay on the floor due to several injuries throughout his young career.

However, Williamson appears to be putting that behind him during the Pelicans’ impressive 2023-24 season. In 47 starts, he’s averaging 22.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 58 percent from the field. New Orleans is 34-24, owning the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.

Williamson is currently on pace to appear in 71 games, which would represent a career-high mark. However, Smith will likely continue to point out the team’s struggles if the losing streak is extended.