‘Bold’ Stephen A. Smith is ready to go to any extent to make sure Kawhi Leonard ain’t playing on Team USA

Stephen A. Smith claims Kawhi Leonard made $70.8 million while he was sitting out.

‘Bold’ Stephen A. Smith is ready to go to any extent to make sure Kawhi Leonard ain’t playing on Team USA

Kawhi Leonard should be removed from team USA in Stephen A. Smith's opinion

Stephen A Smith has been unhappy with Kawhi Leonard for quite a long time now. The Clippers star being unhealthy for most of the season games, has drawn a lot of negative publicity. With the Clippers not making it to the first round of the playoffs, Stephen A Smith has targeted the Clippers guard for public scrutiny.

Having debated about him several times, Smith has even called Leonard the worst superstar in the history of sports. Leonard missed 15 out of 19 games before the playoffs due to his knee issues, raising concerns about his health. Being one of the most capable players in the NBA but unable to deliver when needed has led to significant criticism on Leonard’s part.

If I am Steve Ballmer, I will use every means at my disposal to make sure this man ain't on Team USA; For only reason- I don't trust that u gone leave healthy.
Stephen A. Smith said on the OG Show.
YouTube video

Stephen A Smith has called him out for his unavailability and is not happy about him being on the Team USA lineup for the Olympics. Leonard’s uncertainty regarding his knee health has also sown seeds of distrust among the Clippers management.

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The Clippers signed a 3-year, $153 million extension with Leonard in the middle of the 2023-2024 NBA season. Considering how the forward has been missing crucial matches due to his injuries, it is a big concern whether he will remain healthy until the beginning of the next NBA season in October 2024.

Stephen A Smith revealed the money Kawhi Leonard made while missing games

Possessing a history of injuries and missing games while signing extensions with the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard has been a frequent target of criticism from Stephen A. Smith. Smith recently pointed out the significant amount of money paid to Leonard while he sits out games.

Not being able to deliver what the Clippers franchise signed him for, it is quite concerning that Kawhi Leonard still gets paid the promised money. Signing deals and extensions worth millions of dollars and not being able to perform when needed most, Leonard misses nearly half of the season’s games.

He missed 147 out of 308 regular season games and that is 48% due to injuries. He has earned about $148.9 million dollars with the Clippers and about $70.8M while he was sitting out.
Stephen A. Smith said on his show

The franchise paid all the money they promised, even though the Clippers forward hadn’t delivered what he signed up for. Despite not making it to a single conference final in the past five years, the franchise still signed a mid-season extension with Leonard worth $153 million. With extensions increasing year after year, the Clippers forward should now live up to his deals this upcoming NBA season.

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