STEPHEN A. Smith’s persistent criticism of New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has driven one former NBA star to respond.

First Take host Smith, 56, has never been one to hold back when it comes to his thoughts on former first-overall draft pick Williamson.

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Stephen A. Smith was blasted for claiming Zion Williamson was not committed to staying in shapeCredit: ESPN

‘I felt what Stephen A. said this morning on Zion was completely inappropriate and lazy,’ said New Orleans Pelicans analyst Antonio DanielsCredit: Getty

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Williamson has averaged 22.5 points, 5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds this seasonCredit: Getty
In December, Smith said on First Take that 23-year-old Williamson “Looked like he had a belly.”

“You’ve got chefs in New Orleans who love him, they’re looking for him.

“The word out on Zion Williamson is, ‘He’ll eat the table,'” he added.

During a recent appearance on Get Up! Smith taunted Williamson’s weight yet again.

“Zion Williamson, it’s not about his game,” he said.

“It’s about how many burgers he’s eating and whether or not he is going to be in shape or if he’s going to keep eating McDonald’s and have chefs clamoring for him to come to their restaurants.

“That’s what he has to prove, that the chefs don’t love him any longer.

“That he’s committed to playing basketball and being in shape.”

This time, former NBA champion turned Pelicans TV analyst Antonio Daniels, 48, took to SiriusXM where he blasted Smith’s criticism.

“I am all for objective, fair critiquing of individuals and, collectively, of teams,” he said.

“I felt what Stephen A. said this morning on Zion was completely inappropriate and lazy.

“If you have an issue, there’s a way to go about addressing that issue.”

Daniels went on to comment that even though the Pelicans had won eight of their previous nine games, “you wake up this morning and this right here is the topic?

“To me, it’s almost gotten to the point where it’s personal.”

Daniels later noted how the phrase “I only want what’s best for this young man'” bothers him.

He said it’s usually followed by that individual proceeding “to berate that young man and beat him down.”

“How do those two things go together? They don’t.

“And if you’ve been watching the Pelicans as of late, you would understand that this team has been playing well and this young man has been playing well. He’s been available.

“So if you have a beef – and this is the part that kind of gets me – why are these conversations geared towards [Williamson]?”

The Pelicans too fired back at Smith on X, formerly known as Twitter.

In a brutal move, the team shared a blooper reel of Smith including him missing shots, delivering a short first pitch at a New York Yankees game, and falling over on a basketball court.

They also included a screengrab of his underwhelming college basketball stats.

All of this was accompanied by audio of Smith from 2008 calling Kwame Brown “A bonafide scrub.”

The clip was captioned, “Flock it, Stephen A. Smith highlights.”

Smith subsequently reshared the tweet, along with the caption, “I could zero in but I won’t! I happen to be fans of several players, plus the coach and definitely that city.

“You play. I’ll be watching. I’m not going anywhere! Good luck!”

He later added, “Oh, by the way……I think y’all already know y’all can’t TALK nearly as much as me. So…..be my guest! I’ve got 24/7…….365 days a year!”

In 46 games this season, Williamson has averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

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The Pelicans also fought back, sharing unflattering clips of Smith as well as his college stats