*A heated discussion about Memphis’ appeal to NBA players has led to an upcoming visit from ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, who accepted an invitation from Mayor Paul Young.
As we reported earlier, the controversy began on June 17 during a “First Take” segment, where Smith, alongside Marcus and Markieff Morris, analyzed the Memphis Grizzlies’ trade of Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic and debated the team’s future, including whether to trade star Ja Morant. Smith suggested that Memphis struggles to attract top talent due to safety issues.
“It’s a great sports town, great fans, great people,” Smith said. “But there’s an element there where cats like Jimmy Butler and others don’t feel it’s the safest environment. I’m talking to the local authorities in Memphis. You’ve got to clean some of that stuff up because it’s dissuasive to NBA players. They have talked about it. I know. They’ve told me.”
Smith also commented on Morant’s injury-plagued season, noting, “Did you know he was on the injured list 15 times this season with eight different ailments — hamstring, shoulder, knee, foot, hip, thigh, illness? Fifteen times. The best ability is availability.” He referenced Morant’s past gun-related incidents, calling them a “foolish mistake” but describing him as a “good brother.”
The remarks ignited a response from Morant, who, without naming Smith, posted on X: “talkin bout the grizz more than the finals [laughing emoji] wit these [cap emoji] ahh sources.”
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Good afternoon Mr. @MayorPaulYoung. Deeply appreciate your words and the sentiments that came with them. Progress is what life is all about and when it comes to Memphis -where some dear friends of mine reside — I wish for nothing less. The people deserve nothing less. So with… https://t.co/fGb0pf3wZZ
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 19, 2025
He urged attention on Finals stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Pascal Siakam, adding, “ima be in dat 901…source: ME!!” Fans, local media, and Memphis Tigers coaches at a “Tigers on Tour” event echoed Morant’s defense of the city.
Commercial Appeal reports that Mayor Young responded with an invitation, posting, “If Jimmy or anyone else is unsure, come see for yourself. And Stephen, we’ll welcome you here anytime. Just don’t bet against us. Memphis doesn’t stay down.”
Smith accepted the mayor’s invite, writing, “Deeply appreciate your words and the sentiments that came with them. Progress is what life is all about and when it comes to Memphis -where some dear friends of mine reside − I wish for nothing less. The people deserve nothing less. So with that said, I accept your invitation to come to your city, as your guest. Let’s make it happen. I’m looking forward to it.”
Young replied, “Sounds like a plan my brother.”
The visit aims to showcase Memphis’ vibrant community and counter concerns, as the city stands united in its pride.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Ja Morant Defends Memphis Against Stephen A. Smith’s Safety Claims Amid Trade Talks
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