In a recent episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith ignited a firestorm of controversy regarding Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, suggesting that he is on the verge of becoming one of the worst team owners in sports history. This bold assertion comes amidst a backdrop of scrutiny surrounding Ishbia’s decisions since acquiring the franchise in February 2023 for a staggering $4 billion.
The discussion began with Smith recalibrating his earlier comments that had mistakenly linked Ishbia with former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, who was expelled from the NBA due to racist behavior. Smith clarified that he referred to the ineffectiveness of Sterling’s ownership rather than the egregious moral failings that led to his ousting. Nonetheless, the damage had been done, and Ishbia was quick to demand an apology for any insinuation that he could be compared to Sterling.
In his defense, Ishbia pointed out that the Suns were not in dire straits when he took over. The team had recently reached the NBA Finals in 2021 and was a playoff contender. However, Smith articulated a series of missteps that he believes paint Ishbia’s ownership in a negative light. These include the high-profile trade for Kevin Durant, where the Suns relinquished a significant amount of talent and future assets, leading to questions about the franchise’s direction. This trade included sending Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Jay Crowder, along with four unprotected first-round draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets.
Additionally, Ishbia’s decision to trade away Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton has drawn criticism, especially considering that the Suns were on the verge of championship contention just a year prior. Smith also highlighted the financial implications of Ishbia’s choices, noting that the Suns’ payroll had soared to $214 million, accompanied by a luxury tax of $152 million. Such expenditures, combined with the lack of playoff success, further fuel Smith’s argument that Ishbia has not lived up to the expectations placed upon him.
The discussion also touched on the ramifications of Ishbia’s leadership style. While Stephen A. Smith acknowledged Kevin Durant’s immense talent, he raised concerns about the culture within the Suns’ locker room under Ishbia’s ownership. The implication is that successful franchises must foster strong leadership and a cohesive environment, something that Smith argues Ishbia has failed to do.
As the Suns’ ownership moves forward, the stakes are high. The pressure to deliver results is palpable, especially with a roster featuring stars like Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Expectations for this trio are particularly elevated, with many analysts suggesting that anything less than a deep playoff run would be seen as an underachievement.
Despite the current criticisms, the future remains uncertain. The Suns have the potential to turn their fortunes around, but the early signs under Ishbia’s ownership have raised red flags. The NBA landscape is unforgiving, and ownership decisions are scrutinized more closely than ever. As of now, the path Ishbia has taken might not only jeopardize his reputation but also the future of the Suns franchise.
In conclusion, while it may be premature to definitively label Mat Ishbia as one of the worst owners in sports history, the first two years of his tenure have certainly raised significant questions. Stephen A. Smith’s commentary reflects the sentiment of many within the basketball community who are watching closely as Ishbia navigates the complexities of NBA ownership. Whether he can steer the Suns back into contention will ultimately determine his legacy in the league.