Stephen A. Smith Says NBA Legend Kevin Garnett Should 'Watch His Mouth'

Stephen A. Smith has always had a unique way with words but in this case it was a little more confusing than usual.

During Thursday's edition of First Take, Smith began talking about NBA legend turned analyst Kevin Garnett and praised the man for his insight into the game. Oddly, he declared that Garnett needs to "watch his mouth," which at first seemed like a threat until he explained that he wants to get Garnett on ESPN but the NBA legend swears too much for the network to tolerate.

"Kevin Garnett has to watch his mouth… because we need to listen to this man talk basketball. Kevin Garnett is special! I'm telling y'all right now, I can't get enough of watching Kevin Garnett talk basketball. I wish he was here with us right now. But the language ain't for the FCC airwaves. That's the only problem. Because when this brother breaks it down and gives you real talk on the game of basketball, which he always does, Kevin Garnett is must-watch," Smith said.

Odd choice of words

As off-putting as Smith's choice of words were, NBA fans couldn't help but admit that Garnett would be an excellent addition to ESPN's basketball coverage.

"Best thing Screamin A has said in a while. KG is in his own tier when it comes to talkin hoop," one user wrote on X.

"Stephen A Smith annoys people but he's been trying to put some of these new media guys on to this whether they're former players or celebs. Chill on the n word usage and the cursing and they can go further. They're so used to the podcast vibes that they're limiting themselves," another suggested.

"I can't stand Stephen Smith but he is 1,000% right on this one," a third wrote.

But other fans believe that Garnett is good just the way he is, swearing or no swearing. Many believe it shows Garnett being more authentic and raw as opposed to buttoned up and corporate like ESPN's analysts are.

"Nah, I say keep it how it is. There's an audience for how KG talks about basketball. We don't need KG putting on a tailored suit and trying to use words like 'referendum.' He knows ball. And played at a high level. We all set Lord (KG voice)."

"KG needs to stay being himself. He's authentic and doesn't go out to push weak narratives like SAS does. We don't need him being a puppet for espn."

"So the guy that thats played at the highest level and an NBA champion needs to watch his mouth when talking basketball, but the guy who's never played can say whatever they want everyday,?? Make it make sense."

Maybe Garnett does need to "watch his mouth" if he wants to be on ESPN. But does he even want to be on ESPN?

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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 1:58 PM.