Knicks players question Smith on past Brunson comments during event

Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart hosted a live edition of their podcast at Madison Square Garden on Friday during the New York Knicks’ championship celebration. One guest was Stephen A. Smith, who appeared on the show.

The hosts played a 2016 clip in which Smith said that year’s Villanova team had no NBA prospects. Three players from that roster later started for the Knicks’ championship team. They also showed a 2022 segment in which Smith questioned whether Brunson could lead the Knicks to a title.

Smith initially said he could not hear the question. He then stated, “I was beyond wrong. I apologized to this brother on national television. ” The exchange was recorded and posted on social media by an account named New York Basketball.

The post showed Brunson and Hart prompting Smith for the admission. Smith later said he is an avid Knicks fan and described the team’s championship win as the best experience he has had while covering sports.