Matt Barnes Believes Younger Stephen A. Smith Would 'Slap' His Current $100 Million Version

Barnes says Smith has lost touch with his humble roots since signing a massive ESPN contract

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:41am

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of bright colors and shapes, conceptually representing the heated debate between sports media personalities Stephen A. Smith and Matt Barnes.The heated debate between sports media figures Stephen A. Smith and Matt Barnes exposes the tensions that can arise when success and wealth lead to perceptions of disconnect from one's roots.Queens Today

Former NBA player Matt Barnes believes that the younger version of ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith would 'slap' his current $100 million self, accusing Smith of losing touch with his humble roots and becoming too egotistical since signing a lucrative contract with the network. Barnes says the Smith he knew in the early 2000s was 'too cool, too down to earth' compared to the version today that the 'OG would slap'.

Why it matters

The back-and-forth between Barnes and Smith highlights the perception that Smith has become disconnected from the sports and Black communities he once closely identified with, as his increased media presence and wealth have led some to view him as out-of-touch.

The details

Barnes' comments came after Smith criticized LeBron James for suggesting the Memphis Grizzlies should relocate to Nashville, with Barnes feeling Smith was unnecessarily attacking James. Smith responded by accusing Barnes and his co-host Stephen Jackson of not pressing left-leaning leaders on serious issues. Barnes then posted an Instagram video saying the 'Stephen A. I met in Philly' would 'slap' the current $100 million version, who he says has become too ego-driven and out-of-touch.

  • In 2004-2005-2006, Barnes first met Stephen A. Smith in Philadelphia.
  • Recently, Barnes posted an Instagram video criticizing Smith.

The players

Matt Barnes

A former NBA player who co-hosts the 'All the Smoke' podcast and has been engaged in a back-and-forth with Stephen A. Smith.

Stephen A. Smith

A high-profile ESPN analyst who recently signed a $100 million contract with the network and has faced criticism from Barnes and others for becoming disconnected from the sports and Black communities.

LeBron James

An NBA superstar who recently suggested the Memphis Grizzlies should relocate to Nashville, drawing criticism from Stephen A. Smith.

Stephen Jackson

Barnes' co-host on the 'All the Smoke' podcast, who has also been critical of Stephen A. Smith.

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What they’re saying

“I know you for 20 years, bro. I know that the Stephen A I met in Philly in 04-05-06, was slap this dude. The dude he sees today, the OG would slap him… You was too cool, too down to earth… It's more disheartening than anything… You used to be the go-to. Now we don't even know you, bro.”

— Matt Barnes, Former NBA Player

“If you are with me, how come you didn't call me before you posted the original video? We could have that conversation, and you could have context before you went out and said whatever you wanted to say.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst

“I am consistent. It's other people who have changed… All of this noise that has been coming at me has been since I got my new deal. You've got cats wanting me canceled, and acting like I didn't work 30 years to get what I got.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Barnes and Smith can resolve their differences, or if the criticism of Smith's perceived change in persona will continue.

The takeaway

This feud highlights the challenges high-profile media personalities can face when their increased wealth and fame lead to perceptions of them becoming disconnected from their roots and the communities they once closely identified with.