Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishvia collided with a comment from Stephen A. Smith.
The Phoenix Suns have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA this season and have not even managed to raise the spot into the play-in tournament.
Following the unfortunate 36-46 season, the Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer. This wasn’t a surprise, but it means the team is looking for yet another head coach.
This led to ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith to be a hit on his first take towards Suns owner Matt Ishvia.
He blows up: “Matt Ishvia needs to understand that now you are recognized as the worst owner in basketball history.”
Speaking at a postseason press conference, Matt Ishvia fought back strongly against Stephen A. Smith, claiming that no one was paying too much attention to his jibe.
He cited his infamous showdown with LeBron James, who saw the La Lakers star confront him, on Smith’s previous clash and comments relating to Suns star Kevin Durant and his son Bronnie.
In a clip posted to X via Duane Rankin, Ishbia was quoted as follows:
“What he said about Kevin Durant, what he said about LeBron James was rude and inappropriate.”
Ishvia went on to say he expects an apology, claiming there is no way to compare it to owners who have been kicked out of the NBA like Donald Sterling.
“That being said, I don’t think Stephen believes what he said.
“I think he’s doing his thing. He’s on the microphone. I think he’ll apologize to me.
Ishvia also believes he had little time to truly succeed. They only bid for the Suns in late 2022 and began ownership in 2023.
“If I were to say it was the first two and a half years, Matt Ishvia bought the team (and) bought the team. We didn’t win the championship.
“We spent a lot of money and we didn’t win. I’m critical of me about that, but I think he’ll apologize, like I said.
“I think he knows that. I don’t think he really believes it.”
Matt Ishvia knows the Phoenix Suns wasn’t good enough this season, but he insists that responsibility goes beyond himself.
He believes he has provided resources to his team to succeed and defends his actions so far.
“That being said, what is a great owner? Is that so?
“And when my job is, my GM, my front office, my coach wants something from such a player, I say so. I don’t focus on profitability. I focus on winning.
Now, all tables are about what happens next. Kevin Durant is waiting for offseason candidate Kevin Durant to help rebuild the Suns.
A new coach will also need to be appointed, and Isbia hopes this will prove he deserves to last.