Stephen A. Smith has never been afraid to speak his mind, particularly when it comes to Dallas Mavericks point player Kyrie Irving.
Smith has been critical of Irving multiple times in recent years, most notably when it comes to how much he feels Irving should be paid.
Smith believes Irving should not be given a max deal in free agency because of the number of games he has missed due to injury, suspension, or other reasons.
On Friday's edition of Get Up, Smith discussed Irving's free agency and offered his thoughts on what the eight-time All-Star should do.
"Respectfully, to Kyrie Irving, who doesn't want us talking about him - don't play basketball," Smith said.
Irving recently addressed the rumors around his imminent free agency, stating that he would just like to avoid hearing about it while the NBA playoffs were still in progress.
Irving said that he is looking forward to becoming a free agency, and that he expects numerous clubs to pursue him.
Whatever club signs Irving will have to deal with some of the criticism that comes with him, but as one of the finest offensive talents of his time, he may be worth the risk.