Smith claimed the Knicks were being “hoodwinked” and “bamboozled” by drafting the relatively unknown European player over more NBA-ready prospects like Willie Cauley-Stein and Justise Winslow.

However, Smith’s take has not aged well. Porzingis went on to have a successful NBA career, making the All-Rookie team in 2015-16 and even playing in the NBA Finals for the Boston Celtics in 2024.

The players Smith touted as better options have largely fizzled out of the league.

When a video of Smith’s rant resurfaced after Porzingis’ strong Game 1 Finals performance, NBA fans roasted the analyst mercilessly on social media.

They mocked his over-the-top criticism and his inability to even get the name of one of the players he preferred (Stanley Johnson instead of Stanley Roberts) correct.

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The episode serves as an example of how even high-profile pundits can make poor draft evaluations, and how time can prove their hot takes very wrong.

Porzingis’ career trajectory has made a mockery of Smith’s vehement opposition to the Knicks selecting him back in 2015.