Stephen A. Smith rips D'Angelo Russell for lack of effort

"Um, that's a question for him," Chris Finch said when asked if Russell is struggling with confidence.
Stephen A. Smith rips D'Angelo Russell for lack of effort
Stephen A. Smith rips D'Angelo Russell for lack of effort /

D'Angelo Russell is quickly becoming the focus of negative attention as the Timberwolves' 114-103 loss to Memphis dropped them to 5-8 on the season, including six losses in their last seven games. 

Russell scored four points and had eight assists and zero rebounds in 27 minutes. At the half, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith ripped Russell's effort and consistency. 

"Every one game he plays he disappears for three. He's inconsistent. We don't question his ability. But that motor, that want-it factor is always something I'm reticent about when it comes to D'Angelo Russell," Smith said. 

Smith actually interrupted Jalen Rose, who was saying how much the Wolves need Russell to be more productive. 

"When D'Angelo Russell was an All-Star with the Nets they parlayed him for Kevin Durant in a sign-and-trade. And then he got parlayed to Minnesota for Andrew Wiggins. They're going to need him to be more productive. Two points in the first half, scoring average continues to dip," said Rose. 

Russell's effort and attention to detail was clearly lacking when Ja Morant threw a lob pass for an easy Memphis dunk. The replay shows head coach Chris Finch throw his arms in the air and immediately call for Jordan McLaughlin to replace Russell, who fell asleep and allowed the backdoor alley oop. 

Finch was asked why Russell was benched for the final minutes of the game. 

"Was looking for defense, somebody who can get to the paint. Just trying things at this point in time," said Finch. He was then asked if Russell's confidence is holding him back. 

"Um, that's a question for him," Finch answered. "I thought he had good looks again. He's gotta stay confident in his game."

With six losses in seven games and pressure mounting, Russell's play is being scrutinized and analyzed with a microscope, as should be expected for a veteran point guard making $31.3 million this season. 


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Joe Nelson
JOE NELSON

Title: Bring Me The Sports co-owner, editor Email: joe@bringmethenews.com Twitter: @JoeBMTN Education: Southwest Minnesota State University Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Expertise: All things Minnesota sports Nelson has covered Minnesota sports for two decades, starting his media career in sports radio. He worked at small market Minnesota stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before joining one of the nation's highest-rated sports stations, KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. There, he was the producer of the top-rated mid-morning sports show with Minnesota Vikings announcer Paul Allen.  His radio experience helped blossom a career as a sports writer, joining Minneapolis-based Bring Me The News in 2011.  Nelson and Adam Uren became co-owners of Bring Me The News in 2018 and have since more than tripled the site's traffic and launched Bring Me The Sports in cooperation with the Sports Illustrated/FanNation umbrella. Nelson has covered the Super Bowl and numerous training camps, NFL combines, the MLB All-Star Game and Minnesota playoff games, in addition to the day-to-day happenings on and off the field of play.  Nelson also has extensive knowledge of non-sports subjects, including news and weather. He works closely with Bring Me The News meteorologist Sven Sundgaard to produce a bevy of weather and climate information for Minnesota readers.  Nelson helped launch and manage the Bring Me The News Radio Network, which provided more than 50 radio stations around Minnesota with daily news, sports and weather reports from 2011-17.