Kawhi Leonard accused of blackmailing the LA Clippers has become a hot topic in the NBA after reports surfaced regarding his sudden withdrawal from the Team USA roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This summer, Leonard was set to represent his country in what many anticipated would be a significant comeback after his recurring injuries. However, he shocked fans and insiders alike by pulling out from the team, and a controversy quickly ignited over who was to blame.
Reports suggest that Leonard’s camp insinuated that the Clippers organization had a hand in his removal from the roster, a claim that has fueled intense criticism, particularly from ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. According to Smith, Leonard not only unjustly blamed the Clippers but also “blackmailed” the team in the past, forcing their hand in key personnel decisions.
Stephen A. Smith Accused Kawhi Leonard for “Blackmailing the Clippers”
During a segment on ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith went all-in on Kawhi Leonard, accused him of blackmailing and orchestrating a behind-the-scenes blame game that unfairly targeted the Clippers. “He gets sent home, and then you have people in his camp, according to my sources, blaming the Clippers,” Smith revealed. “They thought the Clippers were behind the scenes, having something to do with Kawhi Leonard getting sent home, which is why Lawrence Frank [Clippers President] was so vociferous in supporting him.”
.@stephenasmith goes OFF on Kawhi Leonard 😯
“I can make a legitimate argument that Kawhi Leonard is the worst superstar in the history of any sport.” pic.twitter.com/0z9ajTalzG— First Take (@FirstTake) October 24, 2024
But Smith didn’t stop there. He escalated his critique, claiming that Leonard effectively “blackmailed” the Clippers when he first joined the team in 2019. The accusation stems from Leonard’s apparent demand that the Clippers acquire All-Star forward Paul George or risk losing Leonard to their LA rivals, the Lakers.
“This man blackmailed the Clippers,” Smith said bluntly. “You don’t do what it takes to get Paul George, I’m going to the Lakers.”
The Clippers, under immense pressure to secure Leonard, gave up a massive haul to land George. The trade included budding star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and five first-round draft picks, a monumental price that has since left many questioning whether the deal was worth it, particularly given Leonard’s ongoing injury woes.
Brian Windhorst Sheds Light on Team USA’s Decision to Send Leonard Home
As the drama unfolded, NBA insider Brian Windhorst weighed in with additional details surrounding Kawhi Leonard’s withdrawal from Team USA. Windhorst explained that Leonard had undergone knee surgery in May 2024 after playing just two games in the Clippers’ playoff series earlier that year. Despite the surgery, Leonard still showed up for Team USA’s June training camp, eager to compete in the Olympics.
However, after evaluating Leonard’s condition, Team USA officials made the decision to send him home, determining that he was not ready to play at the required level. “He’s recovering from surgery,” Windhorst said, “but Team USA took one look at him and said, ‘You can’t play, you’re not ready to play.'”
The decision by Team USA left fans perplexed, especially considering Leonard’s insistence on participating despite his ongoing rehab. Windhorst noted that Leonard has not played in any games since he was sent home and remains “nowhere close” to returning to NBA action.
The Clippers’ High-Stakes Gamble: Was It Worth It?
When Kawhi Leonard initially joined the Clippers, the excitement was palpable. Paired with Paul George, the Clippers were instantly considered title contenders. However, the reality has been far more disappointing. Leonard’s frequent absences from key playoff games, including this latest controversy involving Team USA, have called into question the wisdom of the Clippers’ massive investment in him.
The trade for Paul George, in particular, has come under scrutiny. While George has been solid, the cost of acquiring him—especially the loss of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has since blossomed into a star for the Oklahoma City Thunder—has many analysts wondering if the Clippers sacrificed their future for a player who has yet to deliver on the court.
Now, with Leonard sidelined indefinitely following knee surgery, the Clippers may be facing another season of uncertainty. Their season-opening loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday highlighted the challenges the team will face if Leonard is absent for a prolonged period.
There’s no denying that Kawhi Leonard is one of the most talented players in NBA history. His two NBA Finals MVPs speak to his brilliance on the court. However, his frequent absences and ongoing injury problems have overshadowed his potential legacy in Los Angeles. Fans who once saw him as the savior of the Clippers now view him with a mixture of frustration and disappointment.
Stephen A. Smith’s accusation that Leonard “blackmailed” the Clippers only adds fuel to the fire. If true, it paints a picture of a player who not only forced the team into a high-risk deal but also hasn’t lived up to his end of the bargain.
Kawhi Leonard’s legacy is on the line. While his past achievements are undeniable, his time with the Clippers has been marked by inconsistency and controversy. If Leonard wants to silence his critics—Stephen A. Smith included—he needs to get healthy and deliver a deep playoff run for the Clippers. Anything less, and the narrative surrounding Leonard will shift from one of triumph to one of “what if?”
The Clippers, meanwhile, find themselves in a precarious position. With an aging core and a depleted cache of draft assets, their window for success is closing. If Leonard can’t return to form soon, the team may have to reckon with the possibility that their gamble didn’t pay off.
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