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Stephen A. Smith was not pleased with the “NBA's best 25 under 25” list his colleagues unveiled on Tuesday.
The outspoken ESPN personality said the list “diminishes the credibility” of the network, adding ESPN should “drug test” anyone that contributed to the list.
Smith especially took issue with Charlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball ranking above the likes of NBA superstars Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell and Jayson Tatum.
“ESPN needs to drug test anybody that had something to do with this list! Makes no sense!”
Stephen A. Smith roasts his own network for their horrid top 25 NBA players under 25 years of age.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 6, 2021
Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson took the No. 1 and No. 2 spots on the list, respectively, closely followed by Ball at No. 3.
There was clearly a heavy emphasis on youth and upside. Mike Schmitz of ESPN rationalized Ball's ranking was based on his historic production for a 19-year-old prior to his wrist injury. He also noted LaMelo's size and playmaking and how both traits lend themselves to exceptional upside in today's NBA.
That said, Smith still has a problem with the No. 3 overall pick being ranked higher than bona fide superstars like Mitchell, Tatum and Booker.
All three of those players have made consecutive NBA All-Star teams. Mitchell has elevated his play to new heights as the best shot-creator and offensive playmaker for a Utah Jazz team currently atop the NBA Western Conference. Tatum has experienced tremendous growth as a scorer, with his length and athleticism making him one of the better two-way talents in the NBA. Booker's scoring ability has been on full display for years as a guy who constantly gets to his spots and is almost impossible to guard when it comes to his midrange game off the dribble.
Again, Williamson and Ball's rankings reflect the idea ESPN's writers see a higher ceiling for both players than the other names on the list. But Smith, and likely many others, do not feel Zion and especially LaMelo should be ranked above established superstars until they earn that distinction for themselves.
