In an unexpected twist of NBA narratives, Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia discovered valuable wisdom in the very source that once harshly criticized him. According to a report from The Athletic's Sam Amick, ESPN's bombastic analyst Stephen A. Smith offered Ishbia a piece of personal counsel that would fundamentally reshape his approach to franchise leadership. The revelation carries particular weight given their contentious history, which saw Smith publicly lambast Ishbia as potentially "the worst owner in the history of basketball." This private guidance—to embrace his authentic self—has coincided with a remarkable turnaround for the Suns franchise.
The friction between Ishbia and Smith reached a boiling point following the Suns' disappointing 2024-25 campaign. After a 36-46 record left Phoenix out of the postseason, Smith didn't mince words on ESPN's First Take. In a scathing segment that reverberated throughout the basketball world, he placed Ishbia in the same conversation as New York Knicks owner James Dolan and even Donald Sterling, the former Los Angeles Clippers owner whose racist remarks led to a lifetime ban from the league in 2014. Smith declared Ishbia was "on the verge of being recognized as the worst owner in the history of basketball." The comparison to Sterling, in particular, struck a nerve with the Suns owner. Ishbia fired back publicly, calling the remarks deeply disrespectful and demanding an apology for being mentioned alongside someone banned for racist behavior. The media firestorm intensified as the exchange went viral, with NBA fans and pundits taking sides in the dispute.
Smith eventually walked back the Sterling comparison, recognizing it had crossed a line. However, he doubled down on his broader assessment of Ishbia's tenure, labeling the first two seasons an "atrocity" and maintaining his criticism of the owner's decision-making. The public feud seemed to cement their positions as adversaries, making the later revelation of private counsel all the more surprising.
Despite the heated public exchange, a private conversation between the two men took a surprisingly constructive turn. Smith, known for his bombastic on-air persona but also his deep basketball knowledge, offered Ishbia straightforward guidance that resonated deeply with the relatively new owner. "If you're going to be who you are, be who you are," Smith told him, according to Ishbia's recollection of their discussion. This simple yet powerful advice encouraged the Suns owner to stop second-guessing himself and fully embrace his natural leadership style. Ishbia interpreted this as permission to be "unapologetically Mat Ishbia," trusting his instincts and vision for the franchise without constant concern for outside noise or traditional NBA ownership conventions.
The irony wasn't lost on observers throughout the league—that the very media personality who had so publicly ridiculed Ishbia would become an unlikely mentor, helping him find the confidence to put his personal stamp on the organization. It demonstrated Smith's complexity, showing that behind the television character lies someone who genuinely wants to see people succeed, even those he's criticized.
Taking Smith's words to heart, Ishbia shifted his approach dramatically. Rather than trying to conform to traditional ownership models or appease his many critics, he began making decisions that reflected his core beliefs and business philosophy honed during his successful mortgage industry career. This newfound confidence manifested in bold moves that would have seemed impossibly risky to a more tentative leader. The change in mindset was palpable throughout the organization, as Ishbia became more hands-on and decisive, trusting his evaluation of talent and his vision for team culture over conventional wisdom. The transformation from a defensive, embattled owner to an empowered, self-assured leader set the stage for the franchise's dramatic reversal.
The most significant manifestation of Ishbia's authentic leadership came during the subsequent offseason overhaul. In a move that shocked the NBA world and dominated headlines for weeks, he approved the trade of superstar Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, receiving in return Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, the 10th overall pick, and five second-round selections. While trading a generational talent carried immense risk and drew immediate skepticism, it aligned perfectly with Ishbia's belief in building a sustainable, balanced roster rather than relying on top-heavy star power that had proven fragile. The deal instantly replenished the Suns' depleted asset pool and provided flexibility for future moves, addressing a core weakness that had hamstrung the franchise.
Simultaneously, Ishbia demonstrated his trust in unconventional choices by hiring Jordan Ott as head coach, a first-time NBA head coach who had previously served as an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets. The decision raised eyebrows across the league but reflected Ishbia's willingness to bet on promising, innovative talent rather than recycled veteran coaches. He also promoted Brian Gregory to general manager, further solidifying his preferred leadership structure with people he trusted.
Perhaps most importantly, franchise cornerstone Devin Booker recommitted to the team with a two-year, $145 million extension in July. Booker's vote of confidence validated Ishbia's new direction and ensured the team retained its identity while rebuilding around its homegrown star. The extension signaled to the rest of the league that Phoenix remained an attractive destination, despite the Durant departure.
The results speak for themselves and validate Ishbia's authentic approach. As the 2025-26 All-Star break approaches, the Suns boast a 32-23 record, positioning them seventh in the hyper-competitive Western Conference—a dramatic improvement from the previous year's disappointment. The team has discovered a new identity built on depth, defensive intensity, youthful energy, and selfless play. Ott's coaching has proven inspired, while Brooks and Green have flourished in Phoenix's revitalized system. The organization that seemed stuck and directionless just a year ago now pulses with hope and optimism. The asset chest is full, the star player is locked in, and the culture has been completely revitalized.
The Ishbia-Smith saga offers a compelling lesson in leadership, resilience, and the power of authenticity. Sometimes the most valuable advice comes from the most unexpected sources, and criticism—however harsh or publicly delivered—can catalyze profound self-reflection and growth. By embracing his true self rather than conforming to external expectations or traditional NBA ownership norms, Ishbia transformed both his own leadership style and his franchise's trajectory. The Suns' resurgence demonstrates that authenticity in leadership, coupled with bold, conviction-driven decision-making, can quickly alter a team's fortunes. As Phoenix looks ahead to brighter days and potential playoff success, Ishbia's journey from criticized newcomer to confident, self-assured owner serves as a powerful reminder that being unapologetically yourself isn't just personal advice—it's a viable, effective business strategy that can reshape an entire organization.