Devin Booker has played against the Los Angeles Clippers in the playoffs but never faced Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers superstar is a Finals MVP and the three-time All-Star Booker knows that it’s a totally different challenge to face such a player in the playoffs. Appropriately, the Phoenix Suns guard recently gave Leonard his flowers ahead of their game tonight.
In the process of showing respect to Leonard, Book?took a subtle dig at the two-time champion. This, in turn, elicited the attention of fans, prompting them to reflect on the affair on social media.
Devin Booker unintentionally trolled Kawhi Leonard
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Noted journalist Tomer Azarly recently shared a clip of Booker addressing the media on his Twitter page. The Phoenix Suns guard can be seen saying, “We all know what he [Kawhi Leonard] is capable of. That’s a Finals MVP, a two-time Champ. He’s seasoned. He’s been here before.” He then took what appeared to be a subtle dig at Leonard, saying, “We know this is the time of year he plays and I have a lot of respect for him.?
Devin Booker on Kawhi Leonard:
“We all know what he's capable of. That's a Finals MVP, a two-time Champ. He's seasoned. He's been here before. We know this is the time of year he plays, and I have a lot of respect for him.” pic.twitter.com/93cETGa7ta
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 15, 2023
Many franchises practice load management – giving their team’s specific players a night off during an 82-game NBA season in hopes of preserving them for the playoffs. Most of the teams where Leonard has played used such load management to savor him. He has missed numerous regular season games over the years due to the practice, and of course, due to injuries as well, has been notably absent from the season until the playoffs begin.
Booker was full of praise for the five-time All-Star and didn’t apparently want to make fun of him. However, his statement spoke of what has been a reality – Leonard’s team frequently resting him to make him available for the playoffs in perfect condition. Fans weren’t going to miss that.
Fans reflected on Booker’s remarks about Leonard
Shortly after it was posted on Twitter, fans swarmed in to express their opinions. Most of them pointed out how the Suns guard unintentionally trolled the Los Angeles Clippers superstar.
“This is the time of year he plays” dev had to throw a lil spice in there https://t.co/Ab21yQoPtw
— v (@nesstx) April 16, 2023
Haha this is the time of year he plays! It has a Mariah Carey/Michael Bubble Christmas Vibe 😂
— Pj (@Pj1602) April 16, 2023
"This is the time of year he plays." Solid dig. 9/10
— Josh (@properjosh) April 15, 2023
Time of the year he plays??
— w1tcuh (@kawhisaveme) April 15, 2023
Be afraid of it. Its coming.
— 𝑳𝒖𝒗𝒗 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒆🏴☠️ (@HonourTheGift) April 15, 2023
Locked in https://t.co/rqD2NBEP1S
— J2 (@j_izeah) April 15, 2023
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Kawhi a silent assassin.. just gotta stay healthy
— Forever Laker24 (@Forever_Laker24) April 15, 2023
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What are your thoughts on Devin Booker’s comments about Kawhi Leonard? Do you think he intended to bring up Leonard’s notoriously increased presence in the playoffs? Let us know in the comments below!
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