Once again, the Los Angeles Clippers will be without their best player when it matters the most.
Kawhi Leonard will miss Game 4 of their first-round matchup vs. the Phoenix Suns, and he already missed Game 3.
That’s why ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith went as far as to call him ‘one of the worst superstars in NBA history,’ mostly because he’s rarely available.
Notably, that didn’t sit well with his friend and colleague Jay Williams, who took some time on his show to defend Leonard from all the backlash.
“Let’s not act like Kawhi Leonard…is all of a sudden making the choice not to be available.”@RealJayWilliams disagrees with @stephenasmith saying Kawhi is one of the worst superstars the NBA has ever seen. #KJM pic.twitter.com/KHfUYVyws5
— Keyshawn, JWill & Max (@KeyJayandMax) April 24, 2023
Williams states that the media shouldn’t hold anything against Leonard for not being available to play, as it’s not like he’s choosing to sit out.
He’s got a valid point, as it’s not like the players decide to get hurt.
However, Leonard does have a history of choosing to sit out.
His San Antonio Spurs teammates resented him for doing so in his final year with the organization, so he may not have the benefit of the doubt at this point in his career.
There’s no doubt that Leonard is one of the best — if not the best — players in the league when healthy, and he was balling out before sitting with yet another ailment.
But he shouldn’t be exempt from criticism just because he’s hurt, as the fans and the media have never given Joel Embiid or Zion Williamson a pass for that.
Truth be told, Leonard’s tenure with the Clippers has been a failure, and even though it’s not his fault, that’s just the reality of their situation.
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