There’s no way to express this without being hurtful, but the Phoenix Suns have been the most disappointing team in the league, considering the quality of their roster talent. A squad with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker on the payroll should have no business missing out on playing in high-stakes postseason basketball.
However, Mike Budenholzer’s firing doesn’t solve any of the huge problems that prevented the 2021 Finalists from making another Finals appearance in the last two seasons. Moreover, rumors are rife with the team’s potential big-money moves in the summer.
The Suns’ failures to secure deep playoff runs have media personalities talking down on the team. While taking criticism should be a part of daily life for individuals involved in the business of sports entertainment, Mat Ishbia couldn’t help but snap back at one particular take.
Mat Ishbia blasts Stephen A. Smith for blasting how he operates the Phoenix Suns
The interaction began on a bad note when the veteran broadcaster claimed Ishbia is one of the worst owners of a sports franchise he’s seen in his career. The First Take host explained that while he hasn’t been in the position for long, he’s on the path to becoming one of the most hated people in league history.
Ishbia, who played for Michigan from 1999 until 2002, didn’t hesitate to bite back at Smith.
Per Larry Brown Sports’ Renzo Salao:
“Stephen A. Smith, I don’t take much of what he says seriously,” said Ishbia. “I don’t think many people do, to be honest with you. … I don’t really think Stephen A. believes that. I think he’s doing his thing, he’s on the mic. I think he’ll apologize to me because it’s disrespectful to put my name aligned with anyone who was kicked out of the league or no longer part of it.”
The snappy comeback might be hilarious, but SAS isn’t coming from a place of ignorance. The Suns haven’t been the most progressive franchise since Ishbia acquired the team in the 2022-23 season. While his Suns squads have some of the league’s best on the roster, Ishbia struggled to assemble a competent front office and coaching staff to help Booker and Durant win more games.
Ishbia still has time to turn the narrative around, but it’s only a matter of time before SAS’s words become reality if they don’t change.
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