Stephen A Smith abruptly missing from First Take as ESPN sparring partner JJ Redick smiles and calls it a ‘great day’
ESPN guest analyst JJ Redick kicked Wednesday’s episode off with a subtle dig at Stephen A Smith.
The 38-year-old former NBA star relished the opportunity to take a shot at Smith’s absence from the show, calling it a “great day.”
The 55-year-old cohost of First Take was missing from the show on Wednesday, and Redick expressed his excitement about it.
Redick was joined by Molly Qerim and NBA reporter Brian Windhorst to discuss the New Orleans Pelicans potentially moving on from star Zion Williamson.
But before the group could get started, Redick brought out the jokes.
“I’m actually just excited. It’s a great day for me.”
“I get to be on the camera with Windy and no Mad Dog, no Stephen A. Yeah, it’s great.”
Molly quickly joined the joke and suggested Redick now had much more time to talk.
“A lot of time to talk. The floor will be yours.”
The segment started to kick off, and Molly asked if the Pelicans should trade Willamson or Brandon Ingram.
Windhorst expressed that he felt it’s a possibility but that the Pelicans should be cautious trying to trade a player of the caliber like Williamson.
“I’d be extraordinarily careful moving off a player that talent level even with everything that happened. “
Redick said he would not trade Ingram and that the Pelicans are better with Willamson.
“They are not that far away with a healthy Zion. He’s that good.
“I think he’s a generational talent.”