Pelicans Feud with Stephen A. Smith Highlights NBA Media Tensions

The back-and-forth between the team and the ESPN analyst reflects a growing trend of direct public conflicts in the league.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The recent dispute between the New Orleans Pelicans and ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith highlights the increasingly confrontational relationship between NBA teams and media personalities. The Pelicans responded to Smith's criticism of player Zion Williamson by posting a video mocking Smith's own basketball skills, escalating the conflict. This type of direct, public exchange on social media represents a shift in how teams are handling media criticism, leveraging their ability to communicate directly with fans.

Why it matters

The Pelicans-Smith feud is part of a broader trend of NBA teams more aggressively engaging with and challenging media figures, driven by the power of social media to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. While this can generate attention and engagement, it also carries risks of damaging relationships and the league's reputation if not handled carefully.

The details

The current situation began with Stephen A. Smith's comments about Zion Williamson's weight and eating habits. The Pelicans responded by posting a video compilation of Smith's own basketball mishaps, a clear attempt to discredit his analysis. This escalation was noted by former player Richard Jefferson, who urged the Pelicans to stop their "trolling." The timing of this feud also coincides with Smith's ongoing dispute with LeBron James, suggesting a pattern of him becoming a focal point for these public confrontations.

  • The Pelicans posted the video mocking Stephen A. Smith on March 3, 2026.

The players

Stephen A. Smith

An ESPN commentator known for his outspoken analysis of NBA players and teams.

Zion Williamson

A star player for the New Orleans Pelicans who has been the subject of criticism from Stephen A. Smith.

Richard Jefferson

A former NBA player who urged the Pelicans to stop their "trolling" of Stephen A. Smith.

LeBron James

An NBA superstar who has also been involved in a public dispute with Stephen A. Smith.

New Orleans Pelicans

The NBA team that responded to Stephen A. Smith's criticism by posting a video mocking his basketball skills.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions between NBA teams and media personalities, as teams increasingly leverage social media to directly engage with and challenge their critics. While this can generate attention, it also carries risks of damaging relationships and the league's reputation if not handled carefully. The NBA may need to establish guidelines to prevent these conflicts from escalating and negatively impacting the sport.