Stephen A. Smith and Isaiah Thomas clash over Jaylen Brown 'smear campaign '

Sports Entertainment

by Jared Schwartz

Jaylen Brown is at the center of the altercation between Isaiah Thomas and Stephen A. Smith.

In an interview with ESPN, Smith said he had received messages from NBA sources criticizing Brown's behavior.

“It's not that he's underrated, it's that he's just not well-liked because of his 'I'm better than you' attitude,” Smith said. “And he knows it. It's also why he's not as marketable as he should be.”

Thomas demurred.

“I have been a friend, mentor and advisor to [Brown] “He was a student at UC Berkeley so 100% for sale. Before you start slandering his name @stephenasmith please name your sources or tell them not to talk about it,” Thomas posted to X. “Let them know.”

Smith quickly fought back.

“Isaiah Thomas, I have no idea what you're talking about,” Smith responded via X. “I've been a Jaylen Brown fan for years and still am. What's disappointing is that you, someone who's known me for decades, have chosen to voice your disapproval via X instead of calling me directly.”

“But I get it. It's a pattern some people have been using towards me lately. Suddenly forgetting to communicate the way they always do. And that's OK. I'll always root for JB. He's a great guy and player. But the @celtics need to get a deal done.”

Thomas then tried to clear up the misunderstanding.

“@stephenasmith there is love between you and me. We will talk when time allows,” Thomas wrote to X. “Please tell your source to be accountable for her words and not use you to throw stones.”

Brown and the Celtics are leading the Pacers 3-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Brown averaged 24.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists in the playoffs while shooting 54.5 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from three-point range.