Kawhi Leonard

Stephen A. Smith’s Hot Take On Kawhi Leonard

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Stephen A. Smith is still on the Kawhi Leonard diss train this week. Last week, Smith called Leonard one of the worst superstars in NBA history. Now Smith is taking it a step further. On Wednesday’s edition of First Take, Smith made a statement that has sent the NBA community into a frenzy. The legendary host claimed that it is time for the Clippers to move on from Leonard. Actually, Smith stated that the Clippers should force Leonard to retire. However, not just because of his injury issues.

In the segment, Smith discussed how Leonard is only bringing the franchise down. While his injuries are a large part of the reason. However, Smith feels Leonard doesn’t bring anything to the franchise. Smith claims that Leonard doesn’t market the Clippers brand. Leonard’s injuries are not being questioned by Smith. The show’s host mentions he has heard stories about how severe Leonard’s injuries actually are. However, Smith stands by his comments from last week.

Stephen A. Smith Claims Clippers Should Move On From Leonard

Forcing someone to retire may seem a little drastic. However, Leonard hasn’t been available for the Clippers when it matters most. The former Finals MVP hasn’t played in over 65 games in a regular season since 2016-17. As well as missing all of last season due to a torn ACL. While it might not be the right decision, maybe Smith has a point with the team moving on. However, looking for a team to trade him to could prove to be difficult.

The Clippers have once again finished a disappointing playoff run. Of course, without their two biggest stars, the team was destined for a tough road. The Clippers lost the Phoenix Suns in 5 games in their opening-round series. However, it seems like the team could be facing an even more challenging road with Leonard. Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith on his retirement thoughts about Leonard? Can Leonard ever be a top player again once he returns from injury? Let us know in the comment section what you think. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Kawhi Leonard Injury Details Revealed

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Kawhi Leonard had 69 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists through the first two games of the Suns-Clippers series. He had put the team on his back in the absence of co-star Paul George and had helped the Clippers stun the Suns in Game 1. If the Clippers were going to top the Suns, Leonard was going to be the most vital piece in that effort.

However, Leonard was sidelined towards the end of Game 2 and ruled out of Games 3-5 with a knee injury. There had been reports, and hopes, that he would be able to return to the series. However, these reports only ever went as high as a 50/50 chance that he would play. He was officially ruled out of the series-ending Game 5, with the Clippers losing 136-130. However, further details have now been revealed about Leonard’s injury.

Kawhi Leonard Out Indefinitely With Torn Meniscus

According to sources who spoke with The Athletic, Leonard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee. That will shut down the Clippers star for most, if not all, of the offseason and could even extend into the 2023-24 season. Leonard played 52 this season as he dealt with a handful of nagging, small-scale injuries. However, he is quickly gaining a reputation as a GOAT-level player…when he’s healthy. Kawhi has missed a total of 160 games during his stint with the Clippers. In comparison, he has played in 187. ESPN‘s Stephen A. Smith has already declared that this latest injury should be the end of Leonard’s time with the Clippers.

However, Leonard’s injury all but guarantees he will play for the Clippers next season. 2023-24 is a player option year for Leonard, meaning that he had the right to opt-out and pursue free agency if he wished. However, the market for the veteran forward will be much smaller now that he’s publicly dealing with such a severe injury. Barring a contract extension, Leonard would be a free agent at the end of next season. Furthermore, the Clippers can’t cut Leonard because his contract his fully guaranteed. That means LA is on the hook for nearly $49 million (cutting Leonard also imposes a cap hit of $45 million). However, it remains to be seen what the recovery timetable looks like for Leonard.

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Kawhi Leonard Out For Game 5 Against Phoenix

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Kawhi Leonard will once again be absent for the Los Angeles Clippers in their first-round matchup with the Phoenix Suns. Leonard, who missed Game 4 with a knee sprain, will miss Game 5 for the same reason. The news was reported by NBA insider Shams Charania. The Leonard injury is a massive blow to a Clippers team that will be fighting for their playoff lives. However, injuries are a part of the game, and the team will be more than ready to fight off elimination.

Last week, Russell Westbrook discussed Leonard’s injury with the media. During his interview, Westbrook mentioned just how unfortunate the injury is for Leonard. The Clippers will be without Leonard and Paul George. Two massive talents that would change the entire landscape of the series if they were healthy. However, the team will look to players like Westbrook to keep their season alive. The Clippers are just one of many teams that have faced derailing injuries during this postseason.

Kawhi Leonard Unavailable For Pivotal Playoff Game

Leonard’s recent injury has brought up an interesting debate on the Clippers star’s legacy. Last week, Stephen A. Smith created a social media wildfire with his comments on Leonard. Smith believes that Leonard is the worst superstar in NBA history. A confusing statement, but once Smith broke it down, it somewhat made more sense. Leonard has been hit with every injury imaginable in recent years. Now it seems his legacy is becoming an injured star. Instead of being the guy everyone once feared in the postseason.

Unfortunately, Leonard is dealing with off-the-court issues as well. The former Finals MVP is dealing with the heartbreaking news that his sister has been sentenced to life in prison on a murder charge. Piling the recent news onto a frustrated injury will surely have Leonard in a tough mental state. However, Leonard isn’t one to share his feelings with the media. Especially on such a close family issue. Do you believe that the Clippers have a chance to advance without Kawhi Leonard? How will you remember Leonard when his playing time is over? Let us know your thoughts on those questions in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Stephen A. Smith Clarifies Comments On Kawhi Leonard

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Stephen A. Smith made a big splash with comments he made last week. The media icon went scorched earth with his thoughts on the legacy of Clippers star Kawhi Leonard. Leonard has battled numerous injuries throughout his career. Including a knee injury that has him sidelined for the Clippers current playoff run. There’s no question that Leonard is one of the best players of his generation. However, Smith believes that Leonard will be remembered for being a much different player.

Last week on an edition of First Take, Smith made the comment that Leonard may be the worst superstar of all time. Those comments quickly spread through social media like wildfire. With many people wondering just what Smith meant by his words. During his remarks, Smith didn’t discredit the accolades that Leonard has acquired over his career. But instead, Smith spoke about the recent string of injuries that Leonard has dealt with. Smith claimed that Leonard’s recent availability has made his star shine a lot less than what many may conceive it to be shining.

Stephen A. Smith Stands By Recent Comments

However, over the weekend, unfortunate news was announced for Leonard’s family. Leonard’s sister was sentenced to life in prison for a murder of an elderly woman dated back in 2019. With that recent news, Smith wanted to clarify his statement from last week. “I said some things last week about Kawhi Leonard as a superstar. I meant every word of it. Having said all that, I said it unaware of some of the personal things his family has gotten into. I had no knowledge of that at the time.”

However, Smith did not apologize for his comments made toward Leonard. Smith stated that he didn’t know Leonard’s family was going through such a hard time when the comments were made. But Smith still stood strong in his statement about Leonard, the basketball player. Do you believe that Stephen A Smtih’s comments were unnecessary toward Leonard? Also, what did Smith’s statement on Monday really do for the comments he made? Let us know your thoughts on the issue in our comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Kawhi Leonard’s Sister Sentenced To Life In Prison For Murder

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Kawhi Leonard’s sister, Kimesha Williams, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of an elderly woman in a Southern California casino in 2019. Williams ambushed 84-year-old Afaf Assad in the bathroom of the casino to rob her of a purse containing approximately $1,000 for gambling while her friend, Candace Townsel, kept watch. Assad was later found bleeding on the floor with a fractured skull. She died four days later.

“This has been a long, painful journey through the criminal court justice system,” Assad’s daughter, Mary, said in the victim impact statement, according to the report. “I still can’t believe my mother was the victim of a violent crime. … Part of me died in that hospital room with her. My father is without his wife and partner and is isolated and alone in a way we cannot begin to understand … We seek not vengeance but there needs to be a reckoning for their heinous act.”

Kawhi Leonard Playing For The Clippers

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 16: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers handles the ball during the first half Game. One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on April 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Kimesha Williams argued that she did not kill Assad in a statement read in court by her attorney. “I am so sorry for your loss,” Williams’ statement read. She added: “I have been praying for you and your family every day. I am not responsible for the death of Mrs. Assad. Although the courts have found me guilty of the charges, we all know the truth, and that there is one judge, and that is God, and that he knows the truth.”

Leonard has not commented on the sentencing. He’s currently sitting out of the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns due to a knee injury. Without Leonard, the Clippers are currently down 3-1 in the series to the Suns. The 31-year-old star scored 38 and 31 points in the first two games of the series. It is unclear when Leonard will be able to return to the court.

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Russell Westbrook Comments On Kawhi Leonard Injury

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Russell Westbrook has fit in quite well in his short time with the Los Angeles Clippers. The former league MVP has been adjusting to a different role during the 2023 playoffs. However, now it seems Westbrook may have to become the first option for the Clippers. Before Game 3 on Thursday, it was announced that Kawhi Leonard would miss the game due to a knee sprain. The Clippers are already without Paul George, so losing Leonard is massive.

On Friday, Westbrook was asked about Leonard’s recent injury. Here’s what Westbrook had to say. “I just feel sorry for him. Probably was playing the best basketball in a while and probably the best in the world. Just sucks for him, mentally… If he’s not back, we gotta rally around each other.” The injury is unfortunate for Leonard. You never want to see a team lose such a vital piece of their success at such a crucial time. However, Westbrook understands the team needs to focus on the task at hand. Beating the Phoenix Suns.

Russell Westbrook Focused On Phoenix

On Friday, Stephen A. Smith took a massive shot at Leonard’s recent availability. Smith claimed that Leonard could be the worst superstar in the NBA. A strange title to give anyone. However, Smith is concerned with the injuries piling up for Leonard. But that doesn’t mean the injured star deserves the label of ‘worst superstar.’ However, the conversation does turn to many wondering if Leonard has become a liability for the Clippers. A team that sees their playoff run slowly closing before their eyes.

Westbrook has the experience of leading a team in the playoffs. The former league MVP became the focal point of the Oklahoma City Thunder once Kevin Durant left town. However, the question still remains if Westbrook can be that player once again. The Clippers trail the series against the Suns 2-1. As Westbrook said, the team will need to band together if Leonard misses Game 4. Can Russell Westbrook lead the Clippers to playoff success? Let us know your thoughts on the Clippers chances in the comment section below. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Kawhi Leonard

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Stephen A. Smith went all in on Kawhi Leonard during Friday’s edition of First Take. When discussing the current NBA playoffs series between the Suns and Clippers, Smith took a moment to talk about Leonard. Leonard was ruled out of the Clippers Game 3 loss with a knee sprain. While Smith admitted to believing in Leonard’s injury. However, trusting Leonard to be available for the big games is the biggest issue Smith has with the superstar. Smith even went as far as to call Leonard one of the worst superstars in league history.

Obviously, Smith isn’t denying Leonard’s greatness. The Clippers star is a multi-time Finals MVP and has proven time and time again how great he can be in the post-season. However, in his tenure with the Clippers, Leonard’s problem is that he hasn’t been available. Injuries are a tough deal and sadly, a part of the game. But that isn’t the argument Smith is making. The legendary media personality wants to know how Leonard takes the load management he is offered during the regular season. But still isn’t available during the time his team needs him most.

Stephen A. Smith Questions Leonard’s Durability

Leonard has become one of the post-season players of his generation. But the Clippers haven’t seen the Leonard they thought they were getting when he arrived. Smith questioned Leonard’s reliability when it comes to performing for his team. The Clippers are already without Paul George. So losing Leonard has put the team behind massively. Now the questions are starting to be asked is Leonard even worth being on the team if he can’t play in the big moments?

Leonard’s availability for Game 4 of the series has not been made available. However, a knee sprain is not going to heal overnight. The Suns win on Thursday night put Phoenix up 2-1 in the series. Without Leonard, the Clippers will face a near-impossible task in coming back to advance past the first round. Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith on Leonard’s legacy? Or do you believe Leonard has just suffered unfortunate timing with injuries? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Jack Harlow And Kawhi Leonard Take Turns Dunking On Each Other In A New Balance Commercial

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It seems as though Jack Harlow is tired of getting dunked on by Brandy, so why not let Kawhi Leonard have a turn instead? And while Leonard didn’t play a single game in the 2021-22 NBA season while he was rehabbing a knee injury suffered in the previous season’s playoffs, he showed in a brand new commercial for New Balance kicks that he’s ready to fly — although his defense might need some work before he’s at 100% again.

In the new spot for New Balance’s “We Got Now” campaign that is airing during the NBA playoffs, Harlow and Leonard are squaring off on a hilltop basketball court in a friendly game of one-on-one. Harlow, who’s set to star in the re-boot of White Men Can’t Jump, shows off his handles, before checking the ball to the Los Angeles Clippers star and the game begins. Leonard makes a fancy dribble before throwing down an uncontested dunk. They both sink an outside shot in each other’s face (Harlow with the skyhook!) before both taking the ball to the rack and throwing down a slam dunk. Now Kawhi can dunk in his sleep, but did anyone know that Harlow had that in his arsenal?? The “First Class” rapper is six foot three inches tall, but some people on social media weren’t so sure that this was a regulation hoop.

“Is the New Balance ad suggesting Jack Harlow can dunk on a full height rim?,” on Twitter user asked. “There’s absolutely no way in hell jack Harlow can dunk,” another protested. While a third got punny in saying, “Just saw an ad and jack Harlow dunked…? Wtf white men can dunk.”

Either way, the game between the pair was all love and we’ll see what Harlow brings to the Hollywood court in the upcoming flick.

Jack Harlow is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.