
First Take
ESPN
First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.
Location:
Bristol, CT
Description:
First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.
Twitter:
@podcenter
Language:
English
Contact:
ESPN Viewer Response ESPN Plaza Bristol, CT 06010 1-888-549-3776
Email:
blair.cullen@espn3.com
Episodes
Hour 2: Can the Knicks Go on a Deep Playoff Run?
3/9/2026
First Take resumes with the consistently inconsistent Knicks. Kenny Smith is picking the Celtics over them in the East playoffs, especially after Tatum's triumphant return! (0:00) Then, Michael Jordan weighed in on the GOAT debate! (12:05) Next, Kenny asks Stephen A. if he'd prefer Wemby or Jokic on the Knicks! (27:35) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:03
Hour 1: Are the Celtics Winning the East with Tatum?
3/9/2026
First Take begins with the return of Tatum! The Celtics went 2-0 over the weekend with big wins over the Cavs and Mavs! Can they win the title with Tatum in his current form?? (0:00) Then, does Maxx Crosby make the Ravens title favorites? (27:10) And, how worried should the Nuggets be after a Knicks trouncing over the weekend? (39:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:48:13
Hour 2: Does Tatum Make the Celtics Favorites in the East?
3/6/2026
First Take resumes with the new look Celtics! Does adding the former all star make them the favorites in the east? (0:00) Then, CC lists his top 5 QBs on the move! (23:35) Next, would you rather pay to see Wemby's graceful strides on fast breaks and earth shattering blocks against frightened guards, or Shohei's ferocious bat speed through the zone and sophisticated demeanor on the mound? (34:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:44
Hour 1: Is Wemby the Best Player in the NBA?
3/6/2026
First Take begins with Wemby's extraterrestrial performance against the supposed finals contender Pistons! David Dennis and CC are ready to give him his "Best Player in the League" Belt, but Vinny can't quite get there!... Yet! (0:00) Then, Jayson Tatum's is COMING for his "Best Player on the Celtics" belt! (14:50) Next, DJ is head to Buffalo. Did Bills Mafia correctly appoint Josh's next capo? (22:50) Finally, Is Luka underachieving as a superstar? (36:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:29
Hour 2: Which NBA Team is Under the Most Pressure to Reach Finals?
3/5/2026
First Take resumes with NBA teams under the most pressure to reach the finals! Do the Knicks NEED to snatch the Thunder's crown this year? (0:00) Next, Luka KONcic/KONu Ginobili lit up TD Garden in a Buzz City coming out party vs the Celtics! Are we ready to give Kon Knueppel ROY over Cooper Flagg? (13:30) Then, the age old question; what Bostonians have pondered for a decade while enjoying winning season after winning season... Is this Jayson Tatum's or Jaylen Brown's team? (21:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:51
Hour 1: More or Less Confident in Knicks After Loss to Thunder?
3/5/2026
First Take begins with SGA's impression of Harden in the Garden!! Shai mastered the art of the foul bait en route to a 7th straight win in MSG! Are we more or less impressed by the Knicks after a close loss to the reigning champs? (0:00) Then, Dak had some wise words for George Pickens on how to deal with NFL contracts! (19:50) Next, does Miami (OH) need to win the MAC tourney to reach the NCAA tourney? (35:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:34
Hour 2: Stephen A. Smith Responds to the Pelicans!
3/4/2026
First Take resumes with a NOLA takedown! The Pelicans responded to Stephen A.'s Zion roast by showing off his top tier athleticism in a tweet! SAS has some words for the 19 win, tanking Pels... (0:00) Then, which NBA team has the highest ceiling? (13:15) Next, is there anything the Lakers can do to prove they're contenders? (25:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:05
Hour 1: More Confident in Cavs or Pistons Going Forward?
3/4/2026
First Take begins with the Cavs take down of the Pistons sans Donovan Mitchell. Should we view them as the favorites? (0:00) Then, is Daniel Jones getting transition tagged a good or bad sign for the QB market? (27:30) Next, the Bengals fumbled Trey Hendrickson's entire contract situation. Now he'll most likely walk away when the Bengals could've traded him for multiple picks years ago! Should Joe Burrow be confident with his future on the Bengals? (35:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:13
Hour 2: Was Criticizing Zion's Weight Problem Fair?
3/3/2026
First Take resumes with Zion opening up about his injury issues. Perk and Stephen A. defend their past takes on his fluctuating weight. (0:00) Then Seth Greenberg tells us who the best freshman NBA prospect is right now! (13:00) Next, we react to Chris Canty's top 5 NFL trades he wants to see! Myles Garrett is heading where?? (28:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:45:48
Hour 1: Was Giannis Returning the Right Move?
3/3/2026
First Take begins with a Milwaukee beatdown! Hugo and the Celts dominated the Bucks, spoiling Giannis's return. Should the Greek Freak push for the play-in, or watch the Bucks freefall into the draft lottery? (0:00) Then, should the Jets trade up for Fernando Mendoza? (26:30) Next, which NBA team is under the most pressure to reach the finals? (40:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:48:23
Hour 2: Problem with Draymond Defending Nico Harrison?
3/2/2026
First Take resumes with Draymond's bizarre defense of Nico Harrison... Stephen A. digs deeper into his rant. (0:00) Then, DanO tells us which QB impressed him most at the NFL Combine! (18:00) Next, the Nuggets puzzling clutch time offense struggled again against Ant-Man and the Wolves. Are you confident he could lead them past the Nuggets, Thunder AND Spurs?? (30:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:18
Hour 1: More Concerned with Spurs or Confident in Knicks?
3/2/2026
First Take begins with an MSG shellacking! Brunson's Knicks demolished Wemby's Spurs in a potential finals preview! Is it time to panic about the Spurs lack of depth and inconsistent shooting, or praise the Knicks deep bench and tenacity? (0:00) Then, how far away are the Cowboys from being true contenders? (24:40) Next, The Celtics took down a shorthanded Sixers squad led by Neemias Queta's impressive low post game. Are they the team to beat in the East? (42:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:54
Hour 2: Should OKC Worry About the Spurs?
2/27/2026
First Take resumes with the West's top seeds. Should the Thunder worry about Wemby and the Spurs, or can they coast to the finals again? (0:00) Then, Peter Schrager on his one true love: Sonny Styles. (17:30) Next, the true barometer of NBA contenders has leaked: Brian Windhorst booked his hotels for the finals! (31:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:19
Hour 1: How Loud was the Lakers Loss to the Suns?
2/27/2026
First Take resumes with another LOUD Lakers Loss. Luka's counting stats were phenomenal, again, but shouldn't he be more of a two-way player? (0:00) Then, breaking news!! the Cowboys are franchise tagging George Pickens. When will they learn?? (24:40) Next, Seth Rollins!! (40:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:54
Hour 2: Can Luka Lead a Championship Team?
2/26/2026
First Take resumes with Luka the Leader! He leads the league in turnovers/game, points/game, and ref-complaints/game! Could The Don lead the Lakers to a championship? (0:00) Then, WWE star Jey Uso joins! (13:35) Next, Todd Monken is high on Deshaun Watson AND Shedeur Sanders! Who is the Browns front runner to start week 1? (21:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:20
Hour 1: More Impressed with Jokic and the Nuggets or Tatum-less Celtics?
2/26/2026
First Take begins with a mile high MVP showdown. Nikola Jokic thoroughly outplayed Jaylen Brown leading to a Nuggets beatdown. Can the Celtics really contend without Jayson Tatum? (0:00) Then, is Fernando Mendoza the clear cut number 1 pick? (25:10) Plus, Jay Will responds to KD's criticism of USA basketball! (38:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:48:18
Hour 2: Are the Thunder a Top 8 Team Without SGA?
2/25/2026
First Takes resumes with Stephen A.'s smoking hot Thunder take! How much can we trust them without SGA? (0:00) Then, Browns GM Andrew Berry on Shedeur's chances to start week 1! Next, Mad Dog is MAD at Olympic hockey OT, Tarik Skubal, and Aaron Glenn! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:08
Hour 1: Issues with Luka Passing up the Final Shot?
2/25/2026
First Take begins with Loss-Angeles! Luka deferred to LeBron with the game on the line passing up two open looks. How much trouble are the Lakers in? (0:00) Then, Stephen A. just wants the Knicks to put him out of his misery! KAT, WHERE ARE YOU???? YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO GO TO THE FINALS!!! (26:30) Next, who has the better MVP case: -9.2 NetRtg Jaylen Brown, or +11.9 NetRtg Nikola Jokic? (42:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:48:00
Hour 2: Which Team Will Draft Ty Simpson?
2/24/2026
First Take resumes with Mel Kiper Jr's updated mock draft! Find out where he has Ty Simpson and Fernando Mendoza! Then, Kevin Durant sounds off on USA basketball critics. (15:30) And, does Cade Cunningham own the Knicks? Monica says to pump the brakes! (31:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:48:18
Hour 1: Are Spurs the Best Team in the NBA Right Now?
2/24/2026
First Take begins with the sensational Spurs! Wemby's block party stumped Cade and Pistons. Which team has a better chance of reaching the finals? (0:00) Then, is this a prove-it year for George Pickens if the Cowboys choose to franchise tag him? (27:10) And, CM Punk and AJ Love prepare us for The Elimination Chamber Saturday at 7 ET! (39:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:45:46
