Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith are all set to co-host First Take. However, before working together on the set of ESPN, the two met up on Shannon’s show, Club Shay Shay. The discussion also had details of the upcoming 2023-2024 NBA season. One of the things they discussed about is the state of the Western Conference. And, it’s here, while discussing their favorites to come out on top that Stephen A. completely dismissed Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers, citing his injury concerns, and adding to his initial $121,000,000 rant.
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The Klaw hasn’t exactly been the most consistent player in the NBA since signing with the Clippers. While his performances on the court haven’t taken a hit, it’s the lack of game time that is most concerning. Since joining the team in 2019, Kawhi has taken numerous breaks thanks to injury. In total, he has played only 161 of a possible 308 regular season games and 26 of a possible 39 post-season games. With stats like the Clippers’ dismissal as potential champions isn’t all that surprising.
Stephen A. Smith says the Clippers have no chance with injury-prone Kawhi Leonard
Not too long ago, Stephen A. Smith went after Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Despite being the talismans of the Los Angeles Clippers, the two have missed a good chunk of games, which eventually hampered the team’s title hopes. In particular, he pointed out that the franchise has had to pay both Kawhi and PG a whopping $121,000,000 in salary, only for the games they have missed.
Clearly, Smith isn’t happy with what’s going on with the team and believes that accountability needs to be taken. And, recently he added on to his rant on the show, Club Shay Shay. Speaking to Shannon Sharpe, he boldly claimed that the Clippers are not one of the teams he favors in the Western Conference. Why? Because of the questions surrounding Kawhi and his health.
“I dismiss the Clippers because I just don’t believe Kawhi Leonard will ever be healthy! I just don’t believe it.”
The Klaw’s multiple injuries have been a real issue for the Clippers. The team is significantly better with both Kawhi and PG on the court. But, as the First Take host pointed out, since joining the team, Leonard has missed around 48% of games, whereas George has missed 38%. A good chunk of games, where their presence might have made a whole lot of difference.
Nevertheless, there is nothing either Stephen A. or the fans can do about it at this point. As time progresses, Kawhi seems to be becoming more of a liability than an asset. It’s up to the Clippers to decide how they want to proceed, and whether sticking with The Klaw is feasible moving forward.
Stephen A. has no faith in Kawhi’s health and doubts whether he will ever be at 100%
This isn’t the first time Stephen A. Smith has voiced his concerns over Kawhi Leonard and his health. The ESPN analyst has gone on record multiple times expressing his lack of faith in Kawhi. Particularly, how he doubts if the Clippers superstar will ever be able to return to 100% fitness.
“When Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are healthy, we know that this is arguably the favorite to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. … I’m just a person that has NO faith in the health of Kawhi Leonard.”
😳 @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/6bX1na1BUV
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 6, 2022
At this point, only time will tell if the Clippers will be able to capitalize on the window they have with Kawhi. As things stand, he’s in the final year of his deal before his player option kicks in. While he is likely to take it, there can be no saying what the Clips may choose to do in the coming seasons.
