NBA Twitter Reacts to Stephen A. Smith Ranking Jaylen Brown Over Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler

Most basketball fans would probably rank Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler ahead of Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown.

Apparently, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith is not among that group.

On a segment of First Take Wednesday morning, Smith said he put Brown above Butler and Los Angeles Clippers standout Paul George.

“I think Jimmy Butler is questionable because you gotta take into account the regular season,” Smith said. “I’m not stuttering. During the playoffs, you can sit up there and bring that up. That’s fine. I’m taking the entire season into account. I understand the impact that Butler has. I think he’s a stud, but I also think Jaylen Brown is a stud. I think that’s debatable.”

NBA Twitter was critical of Smith’s assessment.

At this point why do they keep asking him
— zach mitchell (@therealzachm) May 31, 2023

Stephen A doesn't know ball. He's just a personality
— Mr McCant (@TheOneFortyPlus) May 31, 2023

He’s not even better than jimmy at that , in the regular season sure but in the playoffs Jimmy elevates his scoring
— prez 🇵🇸 (@staypressedd) May 31, 2023

While Smith is right about regular season scoring, the postseason easily goes favors Butler. Any argument for Brown went completely out the window after the conference finals, where he shot 16 percent from 3-point range and averaged just 19 points. Even for his struggles, Butler averaged 24.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists. He elevated the team to victories in Games 1, 2 and 7 and nearly orchestrated a Game 6 comeback. He was the catalyst fueling the first three victories, earning him the Eastern Conference MVP award. Brown was arguably his team’s detriment with poor shooting and turnovers in Game 7.

Stephen A making me side with goddamn Mad Dog is a criminal offense and I want him ARRESTED
— Chill Collins (@chillyC33) May 31, 2023

Such a performance now leaves his future in Boston uncertain. Thankfully, the Heat won’t have those questions about Butler any time soon. They are back in the Finals for the second time in four years.

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.