Stephen A. Smith Falls For Fake Twitter Post On Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Smith, reading aloud from the purported tweet, lambasted the Los Angeles Clippers for trading away Gilgeous-Alexander, along with other assets, to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In his impassioned speech, Smith emphasized the perceived lopsidedness of the trade, highlighting the young star power of Gilgeous-Alexander and the six draft picks involved in the deal. However, it soon became apparent that Smith had been duped by a fake social media post.

The tweet in question, purportedly from Gilgeous-Alexander's account, suggested that the player was critical of the Clippers' decision to trade him away. Smith, taking the tweet at face value, expressed his incredulity and frustration at the Clippers' management.

Unfortunately for Smith, the tweet turned out to be a fabrication, originating from a dubious Twitter account named 'NBA Centel.' This incident serves as a reminder of the prevalence of misinformation on social media platforms and the need for caution when interpreting online content.

Smith's gaffe is not an isolated incident in the world of sports media. Similar instances of falling for fake reports have occurred in the past, involving prominent figures like Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose. 

A Twitter user posted a screenshot of what appeared to be Durant's Instagram account, seemingly listing reasons why he was still single. However, it was later revealed that the screenshot was fabricated, and Durant had not made such a post. 

In another incident, the broadcast team for a Chicago Bulls game fell victim to a fake report regarding Derrick Rose. During a live broadcast, the announcers read out a report claiming that Rose, who was a former MVP for the Bulls, had announced his retirement from basketball. This announcement shocked fans and pundits alike, but it was soon discovered that the report was false.

While Smith's error may have been embarrassing, it serves as a cautionary tale for both media personalities and fans alike. In an era dominated by social media and instant communication, it is crucial to exercise skepticism and verify the authenticity of information before accepting it as fact. 

This Was The Most Lopsided Trade In Recent NBA History 

The Oklahoma City Thunder orchestrated one of the most remarkable trades in recent NBA history when they acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and a treasure trove of six draft picks from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Paul George. As the seasons unfolded, it became increasingly evident that the Thunder emerged as the clear winners in this blockbuster deal.

The list of acquisitions from the trade is impressive. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a rising star in the league, has become the cornerstone of the Thunder's franchise. His exceptional performance on the court, averaging 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, showcases his transformation into an MVP candidate. 

In just four years with the Thunder, Shai has not only exceeded expectations but has solidified his status as one of the premier talents in the NBA.

The draft picks acquired in the trade have proven to be valuable assets as well. Tre Mann, selected with the 2021 first-round pick (18th overall), has showcased his potential, contributing to the Thunder's success.

The 2022 first-round pick, which became Jalen Williams at No. 12, has been a gold mine for the Thunder. Williams, a standout rookie, finished second in the Rookie of the Year race, demonstrating the Thunder's ability to find talent through the draft. He has emerged as one of the stars at OKC in his second year, averaging 19.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.

Looking ahead, the Thunder still have an array of future draft picks from the Clippers, including an unprotected first-round pick in 2024, the right to swap picks in 2025, an unprotected first-round pick in 2026, and more. 

OKC is currently in the second round of the playoffs, holding a 1-0 lead against the Dallas Mavericks, after finishing the season with the number 1 seed in the West. They are playing extremely well and have a very good chance of making it to the NBA Finals.

In contrast, the Clippers, despite acquiring Paul George to pair with Kawhi Leonard, have faced numerous postseason setbacks. The first season (2019-20) held immense promise in the Western Conference Semifinals, surrendering a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets.

The following season in 2020-21 was the best season in Clippers franchise history, as they reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time. They did end up falling to the Phoenix Suns in 6 games.

The subsequent years were marred by injuries, with Kawhi missing significant time in the 2021-22 season. The Clippers finished 9th in the regular season and were eliminated from the play-in tournament. The following years weren't so great for the Clippers as well as they faced a first-round exit in the 2022-23 and the 2023-24 season as well. 

As the Thunder continue to thrive with a bright future ahead, the trade stands as a testament to the value of patience, strategic planning, and the ability to capitalize on draft assets. The Thunder not only won with the picks and assets but also cultivated a potential MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, making the Paul George trade one of the most lopsided in recent NBA history.