Amid Early Retirement Urge, Kawhi Leonard Faces Cash Grab Allegations, Posing ‘Nightmare’ for Billionaire Steve Ballmer

Stephen A. Smith delivered a biting attack on Kawhi Leonard in a heated episode on ESPN’s First Take, calling the Los Angeles Clippers star a “nightmare” for team owner Steve Ballmer. His scathing comments come only a month after he suggested that the Ballmer and the Clippers should “force Kawhi Leonard to retire.” 

Not only that, the veteran analyst feels that Kawhi is the “worst superstar.” Smith also accused the player of being a financial opportunist. But where do these negative comments stem from? Take a look at Stephen A’s judgment.

Kawhi Leonard is the worst superstar, says Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith did not hold back on the ESPN segment. He said, “I’m talking about basketball analysts out there who praise Kawhi Leonard so much. I’m sick of y’all. He is the worst superstar. This is not a conversation about his ability when healthy… I can make a case this is the worst superstar in the history of sports.” Smith does not doubt the players’ abilities, he simply feels that the player is just never available.

Smith continued, “He is a nightmare. The first 4 years of his time with the Clippers, he’s averaged 40.3 games a season. He played 68 games this past year then again he wasn’t available for playoffs. He hasn’t been available for 15 of the last 19 Clippers playoff games.” Because of a string of back-to-back injuries, Kawhi has been off-court for the better part of the season.

According to Smith, there is a pattern to the player’s availability. “Somehow, someway, no matter what his lack of availability is, don’t you notice how that’s never the issue come negotiating time? Right around the time it’s time for him to get his money, he’s on the court.” Smith feels that Kawhi is always good to go when he has to seal a deal with the Clippers. Smith said, “The second the man gets his money, you got an ABP out for him and you can’t find him,” implying that he vanishes once he gets what he wants. But Smith’s complaints with the player do not stop there.

Smith urges Steve Ballmer to “force Kawhi to retire”

Despite their high standards and substantial investment, the Clippers have not won a playoff series since their Conference Finals run in 2021—a series in which Leonard was once again, unavailable due to injury. The team’s inability to advance far in the playoffs due to Leonard’s consistent absence is a major issue.

Smith’s sentiments towards Kawhi have been bubbling for a while. A month ago, he called for a rather drastic measure. “Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers should force Kawhi Leonard to retire. He needs to go home. It’s over. I’m not in any way questioning the legitimacy of his injury, but he is the worst superstar you can have on your team.” Not just trade him or drop him, but retire him. Stephen A. surely feels strongly about this issue.

It doesn’t end there. He also criticized the player’s lack of interest and dedication towards his team and the game. He said, “He makes no effort to promote the game, to promote his team, to promote the NBA brand, zero. In his New Balance commercial, you had little kids speaking because he wouldn’t talk.”  But is Smith’s relentless criticism of the player fair? Can Kawhi be blamed because of his unfortunate luck with injuries? There are two sides to this coin.

Nonetheless, there is no doubt that their star player’s absence has cast a huge shadow over the Clippers’ playoff ambitions. As long as the 32-year-old player remains unhealthy, he won’t be able to play to his best potential. The ball is in the hands of the LA Clippers front office. Will Steve Ballmer and Co. pay heed to Stephen A. or will they continue trusting in Kawhi Leonard? Let us know what you think