Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken sports commentator and host of First Take, was recently asked to share his thoughts on which NBA player among Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Joel Embiid (76ers), and Trae Young (Hawks) would secure a championship ring first.
“One guy in Jalen Brunson works for a franchise that hasn’t had a ring since 1973,” Smith said. “Franchise I adore. Another one for a franchise where people migrate there during offseason, but want nothing to do with the franchise during the season. That’s the Atlanta Hawks. And then there is Joel Embiid who in all likelihood… I remember him crying after they lost to Kawhi Leonard and Toronto when the ball bounced off the ring four times. I can’t imagine how he was crying this past weekend.”
Smith didn’t hesitate to express his prediction, saying, “I’m gonna go with the Knicks. I’m gonna go with Jalen Brunson and Knicks because I don’t know if Philly is going to be able to get Embiid the requisite help that he needs. I certainly don’t believe in the Hawks in terms of championship contention.”