Stephen A Smith SLAMS ‘worst superstar in NBA history’ Kawhi Leonard in vicious rant
Stephen A. Smith went on a rant about Kawhi Leonard's injury and called out his absence in front of the media.
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Stephen A. takes a shot at Kawhi Leonard
The Los Angeles Clippers successfully debuted their new arena, the Intuit Dome. Following an absence by the franchise star Kawhi Leonard, the hosts experienced a nail-biting 116-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns. To make matters worse, it happened in the overtime despite tying the game at one point.
The Clippers opened their night without their star forward Kawhi Leonard. The two-time champion remains ruled out indefinitely. The star’s absence was largely felt, and Stephen A. Smith did not mince words commenting on the situation. Smith has always been critical of Leonard, even going as far as suggesting retirement for the star.
I can make a legitimate argument that Kawhi Leonard is the worst superstar in the history of any sport, you can’t have somebody like that, who’s going to miss work half the time and does absolutely nothing to promote your product or your brand.
Stephen A. Smith via ESPN First Take
Fittingly, to Smith’s criticism, Leonard has appeared in a combined four playoff games in the past two seasons. The ESPN analyst called out Leonard’s exorbitant contract and trade demands before his arrival, urging him to hold up his end of the deal. He also disapproved of the star’s previous commitment to this year’s USA Olympic team, who reportedly backed out of the lineup after dealing with a knee injury.
Leonard’s refusal to engage with the media mainly annoyed the ESPN analyst. Smith also eluded to the fact that Leonard has been withholding any personal promotion for the Clipper’s new stadium, the Intuit Dome. Unless the two-time champion returns, the ESPN analyst will continue to criticize the Clippers superstar.
Uncertainty of Kawhi Leonard’s return clouding the Clippers
The Clippers opened their season somewhat underwhelming despite a 29-point effort from James Harden. The team’s loss to the Kevin Durant-led Phoenix Suns highlighted the team’s lack of firepower this upcoming season with Leonard out. Insider Shams Charania had an update on the Clippers superstar.
I’m told Kawhi Leonard will be missing weeks… This will be an extended period of time that the Clippers are starting this season without him.
Shams Charania ESPN
The Clippers star has been sidelined since withdrawing from Team USA’s lineup this past summer. Leonard’s absence can be felt immediately right from the tip-off. The issue was even addressed by Coach Tyronn Lue following the season opener loss at home.
Leonard has been dealing with a partially torn ACL in his right knee since the 2021-22 season. Although his camp was positive about starting the season healthy, recent reports suggested he would be out indefinitely. This remains the issue for Leonard, as his last healthy season was in the 2019-20 season with the Raptors.
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