Just when you thought the LeBron James-Stephen A. Smith controversy had hit its peak, Rashad McCants decided to stir the pot even more. By now, most NBA fans are well aware of LeBron’s courtside confrontation with Stephen A. during the Los Angeles Lakers-New York Knicks game—a moment fueled by James’s frustration over Smith’s repeated criticism of his son, Bronny James. It was already a major talking point, but now we have another twist: McCants believes Carmelo Anthony straight-up copied his take on the situation. And let’s just say he’s not happy about it.
Taking to X, McCants threw some shade while reposting a clip from the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, where Melo had weighed in on the whole situation. “I see what’s going on here. Wait till I say some shit. Then put a face in to say it better. I get it now. It’s the messenger. Not the message. The truth is the truth. I hope more HOFers stand on business more often,” he wrote. Sounds like someone feels overlooked.
So, what exactly did Carmelo Anthony say that got McCants this worked up? On the podcast, Anthony argued that LeBron was the one who put Bronny in the NBA, so he has to accept the criticism that comes with it. “… This kid gotta develop. This kid gotta understand the NBA. He gotta understand the season. He gotta understand how to practice. His mental ain’t right. The kid ain’t play in college, he was battling health issues. So now he’s here. He gotta learn how to be that.”
Dwyane Wade, who was also on the show, didn’t entirely disagree, adding, “Bronny needs criticism… We all need some form of criticism.” Nothing too controversial, right? Well, McCants thought otherwise.
I see what’s going on here. Wait till I say some shit. Then put a face in to say it better. I get it now. It’s the messenger. Not the message. The truth is the truth. I hope more HOFers stand on business more often! https://t.co/B2rfI1ZJ3A
— Rashad McCants (@SoundbiteKing) March 14, 2025
For those who missed it, McCants had previously shared a similar take on Gil’s Arena, saying, “We don’t need your daddy step up for you. Every son has gotten criticized, why is it the first time we seeing this…” His point? When you’re in the spotlight—especially as LeBron James’ son—criticism is part of the package.
Now, is there some similarity between what McCants said and what Melo and Wade discussed? Sure. But is it enough to claim they copied his take? That’s where things get murky. The idea that a player in Bronny’s position will face criticism isn’t exactly groundbreaking. And let’s be real—Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade hardly needed to hear McCants say it first to come to the same conclusion.
At the end of the day, it seems McCants feels slighted for not getting credit where he thinks it’s due. But throwing shade over what’s essentially a common-sense take? That might be a bit of a reach. And this is not the first instance when McCants has accused a former NBA star of stealing his take.
Rashad McCants had accused a 40-year-old ESPN analyst of copying him
Ever heard a take on TV and thought, Wait a minute, haven’t I heard this before? Well, McCants had that exact reaction when he saw Kendrick Perkins’s comments about the Boston Celtics. And instead of letting it slide, he called him out.
Back in September last year, Perkins appeared on NBA on ESPN, explaining why he believes the Celtics won’t repeat as champions in season 2025. But McCants, speaking on Gil’s Arena, wasn’t having it. He was quick to remind everyone that he had already made that exact prediction.
“You guys remember me saying that it’s gonna be difficult for the Boston Celtics to win again? Cause everybody on the east got better?” McCants asked as the rest of the panel backed him up. “Kendrick Perkins just tried to make that same take this morning,” he added. Now, let’s be real—sports media is full of recycled opinions, but when someone calls you out on it publicly, that’s a different story.
McCants didn’t hold back either. He took another jab at Perkins, saying, “We say s— over here first. And then all of a sudden, we see this s— being said somewhere else. I wear the big hat on here first, and then I see m———– wearing a big hat everywhere.” That’s a pretty bold accusation, and he wasn’t done yet.
For context, Perkins’ ESPN take included the claim that “No one in the NBA is scared right now of the Boston Celtics” because teams like the Knicks and 76ers have strengthened their rosters. And looking back at a Gil’s Arena clip from June, McCants had already made a similar argument. Coincidence? Maybe. But McCants clearly didn’t think so. And once again, he is sure of Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony stealing his take.
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