‘Just stop!’ shouts Stephen A. Smith to first guest after ‘eye candy’ comment leaves Molly Qerim and Chiney in shock

FIRST Take analyst Kendrick Perkins thinks the 2023-24 New York Knicks are a lot like him.

The former NBA center said the Knicks are “eye candy” for the rest of the league, leaving Stephen A. Smith, 56, screaming on Friday morning.

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Perkins, 39, defended the Knicks after Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green suggested New York’s strong postseason was a “fluke.”

Perk called it a “lazy take,” arguing that the team is up 2-0 against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals because of years of smart moves by the front office and coaching staff.

He highlighted the hiring of coach Tom Thibodeau in 2020, the hiring of Jalen Brunson in 2022 and the trade of Josh Hart in 2023.

“Now all of a sudden you look at what they’re doing now without their other All-Star, Julius Randle, and they’re making waves,” Perkins said.

“And they will only continue to improve.

“And you know what’s beautiful about the New York Knicks in the position they’re in?

“Your books are not cooked.”

Perkins mentioned the Knicks’ own draft pick count, including all of their first-rounders through 2030.

He also emphasized the flexibility of New York’s salary cap, with the team projected to be more than $20 million under the luxury tax threshold in the offseason, per Spotrac.

“They’re just like me,” Perk said.

“They’re eye candy for the rest of the league.”

Perkins meant the Knicks would be an attractive destination for free-agent superstars for years to come.

But Stephen A. had a problem with the comparison his First Take colleague used, which drew awkward smiles from host Molly Qerim and WNBA star Chiney Ogwumike

“Are you going to stop?” Just stop!” Smith said after rolling his eyes.

Stephen A. Smith’s journey through the media

STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and executive producer of First Take, having initially started working for the company in 2003.

Smith has held numerous roles at the network, including radio show host, contributions to SportsCenter and appearance on NBA Countdown.

He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.

He started as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.

Prior to that, Smith worked as a reporter at the Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News and the New York Daily News.

“You’ve got Molly and Chiney right there and you’re going to call yourself eye candy? Stop!”

Ogwumike didn’t disagree with Perkins being eye candy before echoing his opinion on Green’s “chance” comment.

And Perk doubled down on his opinion, adding that the Knicks should watch Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard after the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round playoff exit in the duo’s first season together.

“Giannis is unpredictable right now,” he said.

“He might want to leave. Guess where he might end up? In New York.

“They’re a sight for sore eyes now.”

The Knicks suffered a major blow ahead of Game 3 against the Pacers, with OG Anunoby ruled out for Friday’s matchup with a hamstring strain.

Meanwhile, Brunson was listed as questionable after injuring his foot in Wednesday’s 130-121 Game 2 victory.