As the basketball world eagerly focuses on the gripping Oklahoma City Thunder versus Indiana Pacers NBA Finals, attention unexpectedly shifted to the city of Memphis following a contentious comment by ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. On national television, Stephen A. raised concerns about Memphis’s safety, suggesting that high-profile NBA players such as Jimmy Butler avoid the city due to its perceived unsafe environment.

There’s an element there where cats like Jimmy Butler and others don’t feel it’s the safest environment. I’m talking to the local authorities in Memphis. You’ve got to clean some of that stuff up, because it’s dissuasive to NBA players.

This critique ignited strong backlash from Memphis’s citizens and caught the attention of NBA veteran Draymond Green, who publicly defended the city based on his firsthand perspective.

Draymond Green Refutes Safety Concerns About Memphis

Draymond Green, a four-time NBA champion and a respected voice in the league, rejected Stephen A.’s characterization of Memphis as dangerous. Green highlighted that all major American cities have challenging neighborhoods and expressed frustration with singling out Memphis unfairly. He emphasized his affection for the city and the people connected to it.

I got a lot of love for the city of Memphis. I got people from Memphis too. People from Memphis has always shown me love… Every city in the world has a dangerous part. So, I’m not gonna sit here and single out that city. Come on man… I disagree with that wholeheartedly.

Green further placed Memphis’s safety in a broader national context by comparing it to cities like Los Angeles, Detroit, and Indiana, where safety concerns exist but do not deter residents or players. Highlighting his personal experiences, he recalled considering a move to Memphis just two years prior, noting that safety was never a worry.

I was about to go to Memphis two years ago. So, I wholeheartedly disagree because the last thing that was on my mind was this is a dangerous place to live, I can’t go.

Before signing a lucrative four-year, $100 million extension with the Golden State Warriors, Green seriously considered Memphis as a destination, proving that safety concerns did not influence his decision-making. He challenged Stephen A. on his podcast to reconsider his stance.

Don’t do that to that city… We here to play basketball. Raise our family. Come on man.

Former Grizzlies Player Desmond Bane Joins the Defense of Memphis

Adding his voice to the defense of Memphis, former Memphis Grizzlies star Desmond Bane also dismissed Stephen A.’s safety claims as false and misguided. Bane praised the city’s welcoming atmosphere and applauded its basketball organization, emphasizing the positive environment that Memphis offers its residents and players alike.

I think all that is just false. I think once you get to Memphis and you learn Memphis and you know Memphis, like there’s a lot of love in that city… I think Memphis is a beautiful place. They got a great organization. Anybody that goes there will be happy with what they got going on for sure.

Bane questioned the motivation behind the analyst’s focus on Memphis’s safety when the NBA Finals feature other compelling storylines deserving attention.

I think it’s unfortunate you know. I think there is great things going on in the NBA Finals, with the Pacers, Oklahoma City, two good basketball teams. And there’s a whole lot there to talk about. There’s times when I don’t always understand the motive, but it is what it is and I try not to pay attention to it.

Their combined rebuttal wasn’t isolated, as many fans and residents of Memphis voiced strong opposition to the negative portrayal.

Mayor Paul Young Addresses Memphis Safety Concerns and Invites Stephen A. Smith to Witness Progress

Responding to the widespread backlash, Memphis Mayor Paul Young issued a public statement to counteract Stephen A. Smith’s remarks and highlight significant improvements in the city’s safety record. He praised Memphis as a top sports town with dedicated fans and expressed pride in the people’s resilience.

City of Memphis, Stephen called us a great sports town – facts. Best fans in the game? True. People of Memphis? Unmatched. But what he is missing is that crime is down significantly in 2024 and 2025. We’re not just talking change, we’re delivering it. Memphis is rising, and we’ve got the numbers and the heart to prove it.

The mayor extended an open invitation to Stephen A. and other skeptics to visit Memphis and see firsthand the positive changes taking place.

If Jimmy or anyone else is unsure, come see for yourself. And Stephen, we’ll welcome you here anytime. Just don’t bet against us. Memphis doesn’t stay down.

Mayor Young also applauded local leaders and sports figures, including star point guard Ja Morant, for fostering unity throughout the scrutiny surrounding the city.

Crime Statistics Support Memphis’s Growing Safety Improvements

Mayor Young’s defense drew from recent data released in Memphis’s 2024 crime report, which showed meaningful declines across several crime categories. Homicides fell by 30%, total crime dropped 13%, and auto thefts were reduced by nearly 40% compared to the previous year. These improvements resulted from initiatives such as Operation Code Zero and the expansion of the city’s Fugitive Team, highlighting genuine progress beyond mere rhetoric.

Stephen A. Smith Reverses His Stance Following Mayor’s Statement

In a notable development, Stephen A. Smith responded to Mayor Young’s invitation by acknowledging the progress and expressing willingness to visit Memphis. His change of heart suggested an openness to seeing the city with fresh eyes, although his earlier statements had already sparked controversy among locals.

Good afternoon Mr. @MayorPaulYoung. Deeply appreciate your words and the sentiments that came with them. Progress is what life is all about and when it comes to Memphis -where some dear friends of mine reside — I wish for nothing less. The people deserve nothing less. So, with that said, I accept your invitation to come to your city, as your guest. Let’s make it happen. I’m looking forward to it.

Despite his acceptance, it remains uncertain how Memphis residents will receive Stephen A. following his initial critique, which many considered damaging and unfair.

The Larger Implications of the Debate Over Memphis’s Reputation

The confrontation between Stephen A. Smith and defenders like Draymond Green, Desmond Bane, and Mayor Paul Young has brought to light ongoing tensions about Memphis’s public image. This episode demonstrates how influential sports figures and media personalities can shape perceptions, for better or worse, impacting how cities are viewed on national stages.

With crime statistics indicating real strides toward safety and community leaders rallying behind their city, Memphis is actively challenging outdated stereotypes. The debate also underscores the power of dialogue and accountability, as Stephen A.’s reversal shows a willingness to reconsider opinions in light of evidence and invitation. This could set a precedent for more balanced conversations about other cities facing similar scrutiny from national commentators.