Kawhi Leonard is undoubtedly one of this generation's most decorated players. A two-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, the man known as "The Claw" has firmly established his place among the league's top talents.
Unfortunately, the former San Diego State star is also an injury-prone player who has had the misfortune of being unavailable when the stakes are high for his team. His injury history includes a right knee injury that caused him to miss the last eight regular-season games this past season. He attempted to play in the first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. Still, he could not continue past Game 3, ending their postseason run in six games.
Considering all these, ESPN's analyst Stephen A. Smith was beside himself at the thought of Kawhi trying to suit up for Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics .
Gotta be more cautious
While the allure of playing for flag and country is understandable, Stephen A. asserted that Kawhi must be more cautious about his health, considering he didn't even get to help the Clippers in the recent postseason. With the risk of re-aggravating his knee injury and potentially jeopardizing his NBA career, the loquacious media personality believes that Kawhi must prioritize his long-term health over any short-term goals.
"I don't think I've ever been more pissed off at a dude wearing a Team USA uniform," Smith passionately shared on "The OGs."
"Remember how excited he was when they came to him and Grant Hill and put him on Team USA? Do you know how many games you've missed to be talking about playing in the summer? You might get hurt on the flight to Paris. If I'm Steve Ballmer, I'm a billionaire. I would use every means at my disposal to make sure this man ain't on Team USA," he continued.
Stephen A. explained that Kawhi's health is what kept the Clippers from realizing their championship potential in the last five seasons. When he, Paul George, and James Harden were healthy and engaged, the LA squad was near unstoppable. However, things drastically changed when Kawhi suffered a knee injury late in the season.
"If Kawhi Leonard is healthy, I could make a legitimate argument the Clippers would have won a championship by now. They were looking good, great even, in December and January. They were the best team in the league, led by Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi Leonard is so great he could have led the Clippers to a championship if he were healthy," the long-time journalist emphasized.
All about perspective
The Klaw wearing red, white, and blue may look cool, but the optics aren't great when you factor in the Clippers. Leonard's team recently gave the six-time All-NBA selection a massive three-year, $150 million extension earlier this year. Still, he could not help the Clippers when they needed him the most in the playoffs. And then, here he goes, representing the United States in the upcoming Olympics.
Some may see this as a sign of loyalty and patriotism, and others may see it as a slap in the face to the Clippers organization. But ultimately, it all comes down to perspective.
"How are you cool with volunteering your services for something that does not pay you when you are repeatedly unavailable for the people who do pay you?" Smith expressed .
Kawhi and USA basketball ultimately decided on Wednesday it was best for the All-Star wingman to spend the summer preparing for the upcoming season rather than play for Team USA. This decision is the best-case scenario for the Clippers as they gear up for another season with Kawhi and James Harden at the helm.
Related: PG claims he and Kawhi almost ended up in Toronto: "Ultimately, the Clippers put something better"
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