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[Saba Sports News] Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia wasn’t about to let Stephen A. Smith’s recent remarks slide without a response.
Earlier this week, the Suns made headlines by firing head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one season—marking the team’s third coaching change in as many years. The move drew heavy criticism, including a fiery segment on ESPN’s First Take, where Smith declared that Ishbia is “on the verge of being recognized as the worst owner in the history of basketball.”
During a press conference on Thursday, Ishbia was asked about Smith’s harsh assessment. He brushed off the comment and even predicted Smith would walk it back eventually.
“Stephen A. Smith—I don’t really take much of what he says seriously,” Ishbia said. “And I don’t think a lot of people do, to be honest. I don’t even think he believes that himself. He’s performing, doing his thing on the mic. I think he’ll end up apologizing. It’s disrespectful to compare me to anyone who’s been banned from the league.”
Since taking over the Suns, Ishbia has pushed aggressively for success, leading high-profile trades to bring in Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.
But despite those splashy moves, Phoenix has failed to deliver postseason success, and Beal’s performance has declined sharply—while Durant may soon be the subject of trade rumors.
Still, labeling Ishbia the worst owner in NBA history is extreme. Former Clippers owner Donald Sterling, who was banned for life due to racist behavior, remains the standard for disastrous ownership.
And Ishbia might not even top the list within his own franchise—former Suns owner Robert Sarver’s tenure was marred by controversy and workplace misconduct allegations.
Smith is no stranger to headline-grabbing takes, and while Ishbia certainly has his critics, branding him the league’s all-time worst owner feels like an overreach.