Stephen A. Smith was one of Kyrie Irving’s biggest critics during his past controversies. But now that Irving has stayed out of trouble off the court and starred on it, it seems like Smith is ready to finally stop talking about the past when it comes to the former NBA champion.
Irving, who of course infamously promoted an antisemitic film which resulted in a suspension from the NBA, has starred in his role with the Dallas Mavericks alongside backcourt running mate Luka Dončić.
His play on the court has never been an issue. But perhaps more impressively, he has stayed out of the limelight when it comes to negative press during his time in Dallas.
After an impressive run through the Western Conference Playoffs, Irving and the Mavericks are looking to capture their first NBA Championship since 2011.
During the NBA Countdown pregame coverage of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, Stephen A. praised Irving for what he has been able to do in Dallas, saying that he has “earned the right” for people to start to “ignore his past mistakes”.
“I’ll tell you one thing, I haven’t been interested in talking about anything but basketball with Kyrie Irving,” said Smith. “Because he has been that spectacular. And the way that he has worked on his game and himself. He has earned the right for us to ignore all of the mistakes that he made and move forward. Not ignore it like it didn’t happen. But look, that was the past. We all make mistakes. None of us are flawless. And he is out here and he is balling at a very elite level.”
"The way that he's worked on his game, and himself, he's earned the right for us to ignore all the mistakes that he made and move forward. Not ignore it like it didn't happen. But look. That was the past. We all make mistakes."
— Stephen A. Smith on Kyrie Irving. pic.twitter.com/oZ6Sd3ySq3
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 7, 2024
It’s an interesting thing for Stephen A. to say. One could certainly argue that while Irving’s on-court talents are undeniable, his actions off the court are completely separate. And some will likely never forget or forgive him for them.
As for Smith, it seems like he is ready to put his past criticisms of the Mavericks star behind him.
