Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard is undeniably a great player — one of the best of his generation. However, he’s always been limited by injuries. In the 2024 NBA Playoffs, he only played two games in the first round where the Clippers got eliminated by Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, as he dealt with a knee issue.
But he’s healthy now, apparently, and he’s even part of the Paris-bound Team USA.
Stephen A. Smith did not hold back about Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard being part of Team USA
Enter ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, who expressed bewilderment over Leonard’s Team USA participation despite his history of injuries.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been more pissed off at a dude wearing Team USA uniform. Remember how excited he was when they came to him in [USA basketball managing director] Grant Hill and then put him on Team USA? Do you know how many games you’ve missed?” Smith said during an appearance on The OG’s Show.
Smith also said that if he was in the shoes of Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, he’d go to lengths just to prevent Leonard from boarding the plane for Europe, so to speak..
“I’m not letting you play if I’m Steve Ballmer, I will use every means at my disposal to make sure this man ain’t on Team USA,” Smith said.
Stephen A. Smith tells UD and Mike his thoughts on Kawhi Leonard playing for Team USA 😳
Watch full episode here: https://t.co/znw620d9Xl pic.twitter.com/jTFF4ZqjxD
— The OGs Show (@theOGsShow) July 10, 2024
Smith clarified that he understands the purpose and the importance of the Olympics and representing one’s country in Paris but from the perspective of the Clippers, it’s in their best interest if Leonard isn’t part of Team USA.
Leonard has three more years remaining in his current deal, including in the 2024-25 season where he will be earning $49.20 million.
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