Stephen Smith Says Kawhi Leonard Is The Absolute Worst Superstar An NBA Team Can Have

• Stephen A. Smith criticizes Kawhi Leonard's prolonged game absences

• Smith labels Leonard as "the worst superstar" for NBA teams

• Leonard's off-court efforts and promotion of the sport are also questioned

In a no-holds-barred critique, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith recently went after LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard on his podcast. Smith didn't mince words, labeling Leonard as "the absolute worst superstar" an NBA team could roster. His primary bone of contention? Leonard's prolonged absences from the game since joining the Clippers in 2019.

"Kawhi Leonard is the absolute worst superstar that a team can have… If Kawhi Leonard was healthy and could stay healthy, the Clippers could win it all."

 "He’s missed 48 percent of his games since he has arrived in Los Angeles. He's missed 147 out of 308 games, that's 48 percent of his regular-season games. 48 percent. He can’t even talk for his own damn endorsement deals. He does absolutely nothing to market the sport" 

Highlighting Leonard's missed games, Smith expressed his exasperation, noting that he emphasized his point by shedding light on Leonard's staggering statistics:

Smith didn't stop at Leonard's health issues. He also criticized the two-time NBA Finals MVP for his perceived lack of effort off the court. Despite being listed as the 35th highest-earning athlete in the world by Forbes, Leonard apparently doesn't contribute enough to promoting the sport. 

This critique extends to the NBA's financial decisions around Leonard. Smith seems baffled by the league's willingness to offer Leonard a staggering $45 million for the 2023-24 season, especially given that the Clippers, even with a star-studded lineup, haven't reached the NBA Finals once in the four seasons since Leonard's arrival.

It's clear that while Kawhi Leonard's skills on the court are undeniable, his contributions (or the lack thereof) in terms of presence and promotion have left some, including outspoken figures like Stephen A. Smith, wanting more. Whether Leonard and the Clippers will respond to such scathing critiques with on-court success remains to be seen. But for now, the conversation around Leonard's value to the team and the league continues to heat up.

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Kawhi Leonard Missed 147 Games In The Last 4 Years With The Clippers

Over the past four years, LA Clippers' star Kawhi Leonard has faced significant setbacks due to injuries, resulting in him missing a considerable 147 games. Stephen A. Smith, a prominent ESPN analyst, has recently highlighted Leonard's frequent absences, sparking widespread debate about the superstar's reliability.

Kawhi's injury woes peaked when he missed the entirety of the 2021-22 season due to an ACL tear, a devastating injury he sustained during the Western Conference semi-finals against the Utah Jazz in 2021. Such a significant injury not only deprived the Clippers of their key player but also raised concerns about Leonard's long-term future in the game.

Moreover, Leonard's absence hasn't been limited to regular-season games. In crucial playoff matches, when a team most needs its star player, Kawhi missed 11 out of 37 games. Such absences in high-stakes games can change the fate of a team in their quest for a championship.

Furthermore, the concept of 'load management' with Kawhi has also been a point of contention. While it's intended to ensure players like Leonard are fit and fresh for the most important games, it also means he's strategically rested for certain games, adding to the total he misses. The culmination of actual injuries and load management decisions cast a shadow on Kawhi's tenure with the Clippers, leading to questions about his durability and value to the team.

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Kawhi Leonard Is A Free Agent Next Summer 

As the NBA offseason looms, one of the biggest narratives set to unfold centers around Kawhi Leonard's impending free agency. Leonard, who has a $48.7 million player option for the upcoming season, finds himself at a significant crossroads. Given the financial and basketball implications, many insiders believe that he will realistically re-sign with the Clippers.

Kawhi's last contract extension with the Clippers was a testament to the franchise's commitment to him and his perceived value to the team. Despite his injury woes, the Clippers acknowledged his unparalleled impact on the court by offering him a lucrative deal, showing faith in his ability to lead the team to an NBA championship.

When healthy, there's no denying Kawhi Leonard's standing in the league. He is undeniably one of the top five players in the NBA, boasting a combination of offensive prowess, defensive tenacity, and clutch playmaking. His two NBA Finals MVP awards with two different franchises (San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors) underscore his ability to alter the fortunes of any team he's on.

As the summer approaches, the NBA world will watch closely. Whether Leonard stays with the Clippers or explores new horizons, his decision will have a cascading effect on the league's landscape.

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