Stephen A. Smith, never one to shy away from a bold take, has made a striking case for Kawhi Leonard as potentially the worst superstar in sports history. During a segment on ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith articulated his frustrations with Leonard’s ongoing availability issues and the impact on his team, the Los Angeles Clippers.
“This is the worst superstar. The word superstar is applicable here because he is a superstar when healthy on the basketball court this is not a conversation about his ability when healthy. He is a two-time champion, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, the brother is a big-time basketball player.”
“This is the worst superstar. I can make a case this is the worst superstar in the history of sports. He is a nightmare. You’re talking about the first four years of his time with the Clippers. He’s averaged 40.3 games a season. He played 68 games this past year and then again he wasn’t available to play.”
“Do you know that Kawhi Leonard hasn’t been available for 15 of the last 19 Clippers playoff games? Do you know that the year that they went to the conference finals, which by the way was without him because he got hurt before they got to the conference finals, do you know they haven’t won a playoff series since?”
“First let me confess, I’m kind of jealous. I’m kind of jealous, Jay, because somehow, some way, no matter what his lack of availability is, don’t you notice how that’s never the issue come negotiating time?”
“Right around the time. It’s time to negotiate the brother available. Right around the time to get his money he’s on the court. Right around the time to solve it, to get his money. I mean, you see him in a clip of uniform. All right. But then the second the man get his money, you got an APB out for him and you can’t find the man.” (8:04)
Smith emphasized that his critique was not about Leonard’s on-court abilities. The crux of Smith’s argument revolves around Leonard’s chronic unavailability and lack of engagement off the court.
Leonard’s injury history is a significant part of the discussion. Over the first four years with the Clippers, Leonard has averaged just 40.3 games per season. Smith pointed out that Leonard has missed 15 of the last 19 Clippers playoff games.
Even during the 2020-21 season, when the Clippers reached the Western Conference Finals, Leonard was absent due to injury. Smith expressed frustration over Leonard’s pattern of missing crucial games.
Smith also criticized Leonard’s perceived lack of effort in promoting the game and engaging with fans. He even mentioned Leonard’s New Balance commercials, where children speak instead of Leonard himself, underscoring his reluctance to engage publicly.
The statistics highlighted by Smith reinforce his argument regarding Kawhi Leonard’s frequent absences from games in recent seasons. Over the last five years, Leonard has missed a notable number of games each season, impacting both the regular season and the playoffs.
In the 2019-20 season, Leonard missed 15 out of 72 regular-season games but managed to play in all playoff games. The following season, 2020-21, saw Leonard miss 20 out of 72 regular-season games and 8 out of 19 playoff games, indicating a more significant impact on the team’s performance in crucial moments.
The 2021-22 season was particularly challenging as Leonard missed all 82 regular-season games and 1 playoff game due to injury, leaving a substantial gap in the team’s lineup. In the 2022-23 season, Leonard missed 30 out of 82 regular-season games and 2 out of 5 playoff games, further emphasizing his struggle to maintain consistent participation.
In the most recent season, 2023-24, Leonard missed 14 out of 82 regular-season games and 4 out of 6 playoff games, showing a continued pattern of absences during critical periods. These statistics underscore the concerns about Leonard’s availability and the impact on his team’s success.
Smith’s critique underscores a broader frustration with Leonard’s inconsistent availability and lack of public engagement, which he argues undermines his status as a superstar despite his undeniable talent.
Why Would The Clippers Give Kawhi Leonard A $153 Million Contract When He Is Injury Prone?
The Clippers have given Kawhi Leonard a $153 million extension, and on the surface, it may seem puzzling to commit such a substantial amount to a player with a history of injuries. Leonard’s availability has been a significant issue, with him missing numerous games each season. So, why would the Clippers make this investment?
The answer lies in Leonard’s exceptional talent. When healthy, Kawhi Leonard is undeniably one of the top five players in the league. His impact on the court is immense, and his skills are tailored for success in high-stakes situations, particularly in the playoffs. His career averages of 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.7 steals on 49.9% shooting from the field and 39.1% from 3-point range, don’t do real justice at the peak talent level.
Leonard’s game is multifaceted. Offensively, he is a scoring machine who can create his shot at will, making him a constant threat. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver in clutch moments sets him apart from many other stars.
Defensively, Leonard is a powerhouse. His prowess in shutting down the opposition’s best player is invaluable, especially in a playoff series where defensive matchups can be the difference between winning and losing.
The Clippers’ decision to offer Leonard a significant contract is rooted in the potential upside he brings. If Leonard can maintain his health for even just one season, the Clippers’ championship aspirations become significantly more realistic. His presence elevates the team to a contender status, providing them with a legitimate shot at securing an NBA title. This potential makes the risk of his injury history worth taking.
Moreover, the Clippers’ investment in Leonard is also a strategic move to maintain competitiveness and relevance in a highly competitive league. Having a superstar like Leonard on the roster not only boosts the team’s performance but also enhances its marketability and attractiveness to other potential free agents.
In essence, the Clippers are betting on Leonard’s transformative talent and the possibility of achieving championship glory. While the risks associated with his injury history are real, the potential rewards of having a fully healthy and engaged Kawhi Leonard are too significant to pass up.
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