Get your money & walk away! - Stephen A. & JJ Redick face off about Kawhi's reliability | First Take

[@DudeFromCleveland]

I love when SAS and JJ go at. They both bring the best out of what a sports debate should be

[@dwightyawg7781]

Enjoy it while you can cuz he’s about to get the Kellerman treatment

[@whatsgood5043]

Lol SAS ‘sassy’

[@talkwithdev2004]

💯💯

[@talkwithdev2004]

@@dwightyawg7781 think so?

[@Flingoh]

@@talkwithdev2004 100% SAS cant take it when someone comes back at him with actual facts, JJ knows how to argue in the right way. People don't give him enough credit

[@jonaslundholm]

I love how JJ challenges Stephen A to be more serious. For a while there SAS was entering cartoon territory.

[@dominoowens5116]

😒

[@Mook05]

Thats a defeatist arguement. What does that have to do with the point?

[@esquivelmarcus]

SAS was switching his takes every 5 seconds. Hurt, personality, bring crowds, reliability. Dude is garbage.

[@squeakyclean7]

😂😂Yes.. i think of it as his wrestling persona

[@cky7765]

​@@esquivelmarcusyet you keep on watching him 🖕

[@Onthehop08.]

Now this is how a hot take is supposed to look like! This was great between Stephen A & JJ.

[@byanasim1026]

Stephen in his feelings let's hope he don't send jj away like max, he can't stand looking bad

[@lavishlex918]

🤯Vibez Felt Like Stephen A. & Skip In 2015 When Seattle Won Da Superbowl 😶‍🌫️

[@James32324]

Incredible take!!!!!

[@lilholyy]

jj took the L here

[@THEREALMOEMONEY]

SAS A CLOWN

[@TheKiddballer21]

I love that ESPN is finally posting full segments instead of the 7 minutes or less thing that they were doing

[@DaPhantomThief]

Taking leaf out of FS1 book

[@scrubled6854]

Well if they go around 8..10min it's better for them as far as monetization goes lol they def didn't do this for us

[@kawilui]

JJ : You haven’t played high level basketball. SAS: I start covering basketball since you 8 yrs old.

[@Vetionarian]

both very good points. this was a solid debate

[@b.r3228]

Playing vs covering are very different

[@andrewgiegerich8211]

@@b.r3228 basketball is not that hard on your body to the point this is a constant conversation

[@b.r3228]

@@andrewgiegerich8211 tell that to Brandon Roy, Greg oden and thousands that had careers cut short or college kids that would have made it to the league but suffered a major injury because "it's not that hard on the body"

[@albertdaley9093]

Stpehon still been given out opinions tho not facts jj gave facts tho

[@damianwashington6072]

Max is sitting back somewhere sipping his tea ...laughing at Stephan A ....and JJ going at it 😅

[@thefighter5182]

Then Max will completely agree with JJ Redick like he should. 100%

[@3dknight5]

Max got his own show and hes a commentator for espn when they host basketball game he ain't sitting back nowhere max is working 😂

[@DavidYangMusic]

Im not gonna lie i love JJ but i agree with stephen A on this. I think the last time i felt kawhi’s presence in the NBA was when he went to toronto. Its been a long time since then. Sadly he should consider retirement because of the nagging injuries. Fans who go to clipper games want to see him and i feel like thats a rarity so its not fair for either side.

[@jianyang9033]

You don’t watch kawhi and media didn’t show him! He plays very year except 2022( torn acl), and he play more than a lot of player KD , Zion and kyrie ..

[@bryanlayton6400]

@@jianyang9033 if he wasnt out that year they quietly made the final 4 they could have won. those 2 years effected by covid were super weird seasons though.. i feel like covid effected outcomes of both seasons.

[@robreeto]

​@Lucas Walker he want the $$$ though

[@ThatDoesntWorkForMeBrother]

@Lucas Walker That’s similar to what the 80’s Celtics did with Bill Walton (Who was also injury-prone) at the end of his career.

[@GameCritiquewithNeo]

Guys I thought of something everything has a origin. So aren't we all brother and sisters?

[@semere95]

JJ is as usual the most fact based and fine tune in his tone in here. My respect to JJ. He just doesn't make noises but set tones and put forward facts. Love it!!!

[@gingfreecss751]

He got handled pretty well with his facts

[@Kevinschart]

They all have facts...JJ just condescends and you guys eat it up.

[@gingfreecss751]

@@Kevinschart He has no personnality, no narrative. He think, the debat is only based on facts. He basically take no risk

[@AdanBean]

@@Kevinschart agreed. People hate SAS so much they just like seeing someone talk down to him but don’t analyze that JJ really ain’t saying nothing

[@mannedi8665]

On a business stand point it is really a huge liability. You have 2 players with almost 50M contract but unable to play when you need them esp in the post season. It is also a disservice to the fans who pays top dollar to attend games and not seeing those stars on court. A franchise cannot be held hostage for so long. They can give them one last try next season.

[@tommytexter4054]

No more.

[@DeMarcusFountain-sv6fi]

No more tries. 3 seasons in a row, same result every time. Clippers got a new stadium being built in Inglewood and they can't build that on the back of injury prone players. It's time to blow this experiment up

[@benlee4573]

I disagree, even with the additions of all these role players, this is a complete waste of time, money, and assets the Clippers organization have invested in for there 2 superstars. What’s the point of paying 2 players massive contracts if they don’t even bother playing? Even Ty Lue is fed up with this bs, you can tell by his emotions from games 3-5. Clippers have a better chance trading away their 2 superstars and probably get a player like Dame, Kyrie, or even Luka! Just imagine the Clippers with Luka! It’s over!!!

[@adr3naline23]

Kawhi is done , I said this months ago I’m NOT buying a single thing from Kawhi , you guys need to let go

[@marckusduverger9776]

@Lucas Walker: Why would the Bucks or Nuggets trade for Kawhi? Cut their depth for a guy who doesn’t play much when they already have an actual shot?

[@calebmcleod4089]

That initial remark from SAS was very potent. JJ is correct that he has no first person knowledge of the athletic demands of an NBA game, but through the testimony of those who do which can corroborate SAS's position and the varied opinions of players which may conflict with JJ's account he can state his case.

[@calebmcleod4089]

@first nameThat's some huge disrespect to JJ their in my mind. JJ was THE GUY in college and was absolutely transcendent at that moment in a way SAS never was. Also it's wrong to minimize the integral nature of the 3 ball. In this era that's one if not the most important component. JJ is a legendary shooter and for good reason.

[@patrickzamier9960]

@@calebmcleod4089 legendary is a stretch

[@SojiFro_0]

Man this hurts me more than when Brandon Roy went down.

[@730FlightRisk]

Is it the same injury?

[@doublez_]

Wasn’t Kawhi’s prime longer?

[@SojiFro_0]

@@730FlightRisk both similar knee injuries.

[@shaundrahammond3282]

@@doublez_ It was, but Brandon Roy was hailed as the second coming in Portland.

[@AqwDragulum]

Kawhi was fortunate to play for a decade and get two rings out of it. I wouldn’t mind if he decides to retire now

[@TheMechwarrior25]

I love how they cut off the segment right when JJ Reddick basically said that getting rid of kawaii probably wouldn't change anyway 🤣

[@junebuggy240]

Remember Jordan Poole got reps and became who he is when minutes were available. It's not always pointless.

[@WhineyOne]

​@@junebuggy240 change what?

[@tigerhoods7927]

JJ Reddick told Stephen A Smith & Mad dogg “listening to both of you it’s obvious neither of you have never played a high level of basketball” 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@730FlightRisk]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 he wasn’t lying

[@josephgreene4174]

What's so hilarious about that? It's obvious they haven't played professionally they are sports casters not athletes.

[@RobbieStacks90]

JJ Redick has never won a single thing. Never played for a national championship in college, was a non-factor the one time he did play in the NBA Finals, and spent his whole career as a role player when he was drafted to be a starter. Why is he talking about playing at the highest level when he had to be worried about job security throughout his career? You'd think he was a star by the way he runs his mouth sometimes.

[@ryankayombya7576]

​@@RobbieStacks90 so?

[@2pacladen776]

@@RobbieStacks90 and still played high level basketball that’s the point

[@poochie-son]

He's is unreliable when it comes to his health,but he's never unreliable when it comes to getting to the negotiating table...POWERFUL!!

[@spencerwhitsett9350]

😂😂😂💯

[@Topo-yq3uh]

SAS is 100% right on this one though!!!

[@reishakyu3553]

@@Topo-yq3uh nah you clowns are wrong😆 aged like milk🤡

[@thefighter5182]

SAS is 100% WRONG

[@mahyarshami2760]

While I like JJ usually agree Stephen A is right Kawhi is done obviously the Knees cant handle the NBA anymore

[@lexis4490]

But if the NBA owner is going to keep paying him and taking the gamble, why is that Kawhi's problem?

[@samuelgoma1373]

U weren’t saying this 2 weeks ago

[@LuckyJackson2020]

mf u dont know how his body responds

[@vbn2678]

@@lexis4490 That's not his argument though. Their top earner playing 50 games a season and then no showing in the postseason is the Clipper's problem. And they should be looking at a way to remove that problem. Whether that's by trade (unlikely) or a buyout (slightly more likely) they need to do something, because the situation is only going to get worse; he's played less games year on year and it's going to continue to trend downwards while his money goes up.

[@shannysalcedo3627]

​@@vbn2678 or how about this...just save him for the postseason..play maybe 20 games in the regular season

[@HCaulfield115]

Love it when JJ & SAS go back & forth with great points

[@ThaIsh721]

Man…Truly sucks to see Kawhi injured again. He’s such a great talent. Imagine…Paul George and Kawhi healthy and then the way Russell Westbrook played, Zubac, Powell at times…Clippers could have went farther possibly.

[@brad.w9872]

Westbrick doesn’t play that way with the 2 stars

[@angelusgnz5784]

It seems like ‘Could, should & would’ is the story of the Clippers franchise

[@ThaIsh721]

@@angelusgnz5784 I totally agree.

[@Tre313.]

Westbrook wouldn’t have had close to games like that with PG and Kawhi playing

[@ThaIsh721]

@@Tre313. You probably right on that. It seems that Westbrook would play better and get those stats with a team that has no expectations.

[@obikapekele2859]

“He doesn’t even have something to say anything in his own commercial” 😂

[@Will_Deal]

Quiet in his own commercial 😭🤣😂😂 I gotta see it

[@isaacberry389]

The reason why I agree with Sas this time around isn’t only because Kawhi got injured it’s because they rested him on a schedule all season long just so his body would be ready but it still wasn’t enough it’s gotten to the point where in order to keep Kawhi healthy for the playoffs you’d have to sit him for like 60 games during the regular season but then you lose chemistry, and your team might really need him to win enough to games to even make it to the playoffs so then it’s like what’s even the point. His body can’t withstand this sport long enough for you to trust him on a team anymore and that’s the sad reality

[@outlander234]

It has opposite effect. The more you rest the less you will be prepared for max effort in the playoffs. You cant play on 70% and then turn it up to 110% in the playoffs and come out unschathed.

[@isaacberry389]

@@outlander234 regardless there’s not a good outcome😭

[@Davos-st8ok]

@@outlander234 He didn't go on 70% you moron. They ramped up his usage towards the playoffs.

[@OgLoC2]

He has had arthritic knees his whole career, why do you think they did load manage him. Their doctors know something you don't. And its a fact that he has it. The Clippers were doomed the 2nd they got him.

[@isaacberry389]

@@IshoDominatesLuciferAndGoetia I know that, I may not have named all of the issues that come with resting that long lol but I felt like I didn’t need to

[@martaviouspaul7117]

Stephen A is spitting facts in the playoffs Kawhi and PG has been a straight failure and a waste of time it’s time to blow this up it’s been 5 years and nothing is showed for it time to rebuild or trade these two

[@IvanRodriguez-kp3nr]

I love JJ but bis problem is he is all about the players even though they wrong. Leonard has been atrocious with the Clippers cause he is NEVER on the floor

[@JuliusC1973]

It's been a regular Season Failure as well. They've only played in 30% of The Clippers Regular Season Games in the last few years. It's time for The Clippers to draft and build around some other Franchise Level Players, whom they have right now is not working.

[@ThisAinThatMetro]

Been saying since 2016 Kawhi is the worst star the league has seen. More resting than playing and still getting paid while sitting he started this load management culture

[@newrecruit100]

If the Clippers wanna blow everything up then by all means they can. But Stephen A calling him the worst superstar ever and bringing up his personality is irrelevant. It’s Kawhi’s choice and all this is unfortunate. JJ is spot on. If Kawhi still wants to play and a team is willing to pay him, that’s his choice.

[@infamouskidd8767]

I'm a thunder fan and I highly and I mean HIGHLY approve of this message!!!

[@TraeFittz]

JJ has more Authority to speak on this because he’s Played the Game, period. SAS never likes to admit hes wrong.

[@secondchance5080]

Stephen A got JJ with this one

[@moejaffa9809]

100%

[@MrCXG23]

Very solid rebuttal!

[@youssoufnjikam4690]

AD is not really a threat in my opinion, there is a huuuuge lack of consistency with him.

[@Dre4tf]

@@youssoufnjikam4690 I agree with you on his consistency but to say he’s not a threat is crazy. Even when he’s not on offensively his presence is always felt defensively. I expect a big game from him today

[@youssoufnjikam4690]

@@Dre4tf in comparaison to what other big guys such as Joel, jokic, Adetokunbo are bringing to the table, we should be expecting more from AD.

[@justinlawrence4658]

Haven’t event finished the segment but I died laughing at the beginning when Stephen A mentioned to JJ how he has been covering the NBA since he was 8 years old. 😂😂😂 seems like SAS knew JJ was about to school em’

[@gelidgee]

I was scrolling the comments to see if anyone brought this up lmao

[@calioumarx4289]

Actually Steve a Smith school him

[@Kevinschart]

JJ can have his opinion, but he's acting like he's master of the universe and only his opinion matters.

[@patrickzamier9960]

Completely opposite, sas schooled him

[@thefighter5182]

SAS can have his opinion, but he's acting like he's master of the universe and only his opinion matters.

[@wilsonsmanz]

SAS is right from the perspective of the organization. Why on earth will they keep paying him when he keeps getting injured and if his body just cannot take it, why build a team with him as the anchor to have the team falling apart every season. You don't need to play basketball to understand that simple idea.

[@cfwcheeze]

Because they knew the risk when they went all out to sign him as a free agent??? Kawhi himself said the ONLY reason he considered the lakers that year in free agency was in case of injury he could be the 3rd guy & contribute in other ways outside of scoring. He's in his 30s now & it's been known for years his knees were breaking down. The clippers took their chances though & got atleast their first conference finals appearance out of it.

[@user-dh7dj3yw1b]

Exactly

[@varunaX]

not just paying him, paying him a MAX contract. 45 million dollars. its insanity.

[@BTCBlizzy]

Just wasting money. And JJ is speaking from a player’s perspective and often shows his player bias. But the fans do not care about that. We know he works hard. But if he is unhealthy, WHAT IS THR REASON FOR PAYING HIM!? It is crippling to the franchise.

[@samkellogg2805]

​@@BTCBlizzy exactly but guess what they paid him🙃 they had the option and they signed the check. Their choice.

[@madden226]

Wow this was amazing. I loved every moment between JJ and SAS. Great segment 👏 👍

[@excellingdeicide2967]

True💯✅️📈

[@millieatr]

Love when they keep it real

[@NastyTete]

SAS said “I get my info from former players, like you JJ, so if their word isnt’t credible, should yours?”….checkmate

[@sleepwalkernation]

JJ needs to be on there full time.

[@seowth]

I LOVE the JJ sipping tea while Stevie A is doing his sweet talk BS @ the start!

[@iamstan_rimp]

JJ be intentionally getting under Stephen A skin 😂😂😂

[@phonefamoustv7930]

Only thing JJ did today was show his bias as a former player. JJ usually wins these debates but today he got Cooked

[@jameslopez488]

Yea he do 🤣🤣

[@therocksaysthis8821]

​@@phonefamoustv7930 Thank you!! I'm with SA on this as well. Leonard has been an utter failure as a Clipper.

[@daniel.sandoval]

JJ IS intentionally getting under Stephen A's skin.

[@igotznochill407]

He gonna end up like Max Kellerman

[@stephenreynolds1710]

Brilliant debating. Saw JJ’s part before was so good, he explained everything so well. Great response by SA. Man, he’s a pro.

[@universe-ie2mk]

Shoutout to lebron. We never had to question his durability. Even in tough times, even when he had lesser teams, he played and im sure he wasnt 100% healthy each postseason. I marvel at his greatness.

[@vsha89]

He's averaged 58 games the last 4 seasons and that's not including the covid year. Not sure what you're watching

[@datsapaddlin6449]

@@vsha89 That just comes with age he played more than that when he was at his peak. This dude has played 20 years straight in the NBA.

[@withallduerespect5073]

@@vsha89 the mileage doesn’t even compare and still plays more than kawhi lmao

[@LukeWeyrauch93]

I like how LeBron wasn’t even mentioned in this video and yet there’s always someone out there that’ll bring him up and compare him to someone else without even knowing what they’re talking about.. he’s missed more games in the 5 years with Lakers than in the first 15 years of his career.

[@zay57]

​@@LukeWeyrauch93 He has more mileage on his body than anyone in NBA history, He's never suffered a major injury and has played more than half the season every year of his career. He's the gold standard for durability stay mad.

[@bigfamilyX]

“You played for clippers “😂😂😂😂😂

[@v8rmusic406]

Stephen went ham ngl 👀🔥

[@thefighter5182]

Honestly to be fair that I completely agree with JJ Redick. Because JJ Redick got Stephen A with this one. 100%

[@dominiqueandre7750]

JJ went there for real !!! 😂

[@drosmokekush]

“and you know he doesn’t really say anything” 🤣🤣🤣 5:25

[@WrestlingIsReal649]

Why jj getting Cooked liked this 😂😂😂

[@zephaniahmcdaniels]

He said that SAS & Mad Dog sound crazy calling for Kawhi's retirement when they've never played high level basketball. Honestly? He deserves every minute of this talking to

[@_andresss07]

His turn to get cooked i guess lmfao

[@juliusperseus8612]

Can't Believe the Kawhi & Pg Clippers is About to be a 5 years old experience already... wow.

[@JBadge]

That's insane

[@efrainesparza5679]

And they have done absolutely nothing

[@juliusperseus8612]

​@@efrainesparza5679 Exactly... When They Say : "don't Believe the Hype" _" Don't Talk to us ! "_ *Where Are they Now ?* smdh...

[@aquaticlibrary]

Insane considering how little they’ve played together in the playoffs

[@ASAP_AJ]

I won’t ever disrespect SAS journalism work and credibility. He is on it 1000% and he’s right here.

[@thefighter5182]

I won't ever disrespect JJ Redick journalism work and credibility. He is on it 1000% and he's right here.

[@brooklynblack9015]

He’s a liar 🤥

[@seriousnewsnetwork2707]

Really impressed with how Stephen A responded after JJ seemed to have blown him out with his earlier comment. At this point it is not terribly farfetched for Kawhi to retire especially if his long term health maybe compromised. They say he limps everywhere

[@dariellopez3687]

Who said he limps everywhere

[@tredd7385]

Andrew Wiggins JJ Steph 0-5 in the 4th with 5 TO JJ protects Steph so hard.

[@diwaltersp]

I've had a torn meniscus while in the military, during a course with full kit and load out for 3 months. About an extra 50-60lbs on my body, for 12hrs a day, and 2 days off the whole 3 months. It was brutal. I had a brace on the whole time and had to keep tightening and loosening it due to swelling. Then I developed rashes around the knee. I did what I had to do, and it was my decision. But I couldn't really "run" lol barely jog. And then it would lock up on me randomly. Kawhi could have gone out there but he would have been doing more damage to himself rather than helping his team. It's dumb. I'm a guard too and I did try balling with my bad meniscus. I played for 2mins and then I overcompensated and got a high ankle sprain trying to protect my knee. A very low time in my career lol they did the right thing with Kawhi. I have however fully recovered after surgery, at least in my knee. So he can definitely still play

[@orphanshade8225]

So retire? I think this is a little nuanced. One your in the military, been there done that doggy, your asked to go out there and influence an objective. You’re getting paid, in a socialist way, meaning in the service we earn what our rank earns. You can earn a bit more by being an early promote, but for the most part it’s static. Kawai is playing a different game. His pay is incentivized by the product he delivers, or in this case a potential product. Do you see a nuance there or do I really have to continue? Case in point the single biggest thing this guy did was win a championship in Toronto which extended his career. And their paying him premium dollar for this outcome a ship. Too me, in my way of thinking he hasn’t shown up enough to warrant the check. Now I put this on the NBA for allowing players to grift, but I think he’s grifting and needs to retire. I’m cold with these guys and the amount of money they are getting. What were you making a year in the service? 4o? Maybe? This guy is doing 40 Mill a season.

[@vladimiretienne5656]

Great debate… this is what first take use to be everyday .. jj is a great analyst going up against a goat…. I love how he is respectful and doesn’t let his reverence for Stephen A stop him from telling it like it is 👏👏

[@Theinsideoutsider]

Stephen A is right. Kawhi's value is in his great play some guys are good locker room guys so play won't matter (see haslem) some guys are box office although their play don't match typically as they age or her hurt (see Kobe Iverson) kawhis inability to play means his value is severely diminished. That's all Stephen A is saying.. it's not rocket science

[@LYE333]

Stephen a is not right 😂

[@danieltatum4262]

I like JJ but I feel like he goes out his way to be too smart and it makes he seem fake

[@shakadeveaux6851]

I've had this debate earlier based on Anthony Davis being injury prone my cuz said kobe was injury prone I don't agree mayb 1 big injury b4 the rash of em in his last 3 yrs in a 20 yr career no one else can compare

[@Theinsideoutsider]

@@LYE333 how so? I'm curious why you're thinking that way

[@jquillenwest6168]

That’s a dumb analysis cuz both Kobe and ai were a lot older than kawhi when they were done

[@Since91Too]

JJ put up such a good argument (and I think he should permanently be on the show) BUT.....SAS wins this battle.

[@trhone1978]

When Stephen A smiles, he has ammo… always remember that

[@BugaMane]

I love perk, I hope he keeps growing as an analyst so he can really debate like these two. Great conversation between SAS and JJ.

[@hardenxx1335]

SAS is 10000% correct.

[@thefighter5182]

NOT

[@timothykinoti7768]

In your eyes

[@thefighter5182]

In JJ Redick that I will trust him more.

[@J95Young]

SAS was on point, I love JJ and what he brings be he was being an apologist for Kawhi like he does for a lot of players but that doesn't make JJ wrong. You need more former players to advocate for their brothers but the facts are the facts.

[@Mrbadass0]

Stephen A Smith taking a shot at Skip in the beginning LOL

[@jsim519]

After what jj said about bird I just throw his thoughts in the trash

[@bee1979]

The thing is, it doesn’t even seem to bother or frustrate Kawhi or PG that they barely play. That’s part of the problem. No one can ever deny Westbrook’s passion or intensity for the game.

[@newrecruit100]

This is just nonsense and it doesn’t make sense.

[@whatwhat9004]

Just because Kawhi doesn’t talk about it out loud doesn’t mean it doesn’t frustrate him. Smdh

[@KinseyPro]

@@whatwhat9004 fans are spending money on a product that is hardly there and uncommunicative. Wouldn't you be frustrated?

[@whatwhat9004]

@@KinseyPro As a fan I would be frustrated. But it’s not fair to assume that Kawhi isn’t frustrated with the constant knee injuries and surgeries and rehabs. I’d guarantee that stuff does wear on his mind, but just because he doesn’t talk about it doesn’t mean he’s not frustrated about it. But even as a fan I also make it a point to never draft him in fantasy lol

[@hanspatmpouma1183]

Because Kawhi and PG are very mellow, laid back guys. So you don't feel passion or energy. In life there are some position that requires you to have a presence like being a franchise player but with those guys they are low key to a fault as if they are role players.

[@Lee-rj1zc]

Molly always looked good but this month OMG 😍

[@Aggarius]

I love that stephen A seems to really enjoy his debates with JJ

[@OnlyTheReal13]

“ You’re Kawhi Lennit “

[@steplaland]

Of course, JJ has Clipper mentality. He played for them.

[@damnthatsfr5475]

What does stephen a have then? A nobody mentality since he played for nobody?

[@willh69]

@@damnthatsfr5475 an ESPN Prime Spot Host mentality, who has the power to put people ON and turn people OFF. That's what mentality HE got!

[@damnthatsfr5475]

@@willh69 I've been seeing stephen a. on tv for about 15 years and can't think of one person who he "put on" and he has very little credibility when it comes to discussing individual basketball players after he lied and said there is nothing personal between him and kyrie and then admitting that they do have personal issues not too long after. He brings nothing of substance to the world of nba media.

[@willh69]

@@damnthatsfr5475 yet you been watching him for 15 years. Why, might I ask? 😄

[@damnthatsfr5475]

@@willh69 I said "seeing" and not watching stephen a. for a reason, I rarely watch first take unless I'm bored and they put stephen a. on sportscenter and on the espn nba halftime show. I'm still curious about these people he "put on" or even "shut off" as well lol

[@evanderarcher8223]

Stephen A hate on kawhi is on another level

[@MildShredder]

Kawhi is a bad investment at this point. Toronto cashed in. San Antonio cashed in. The window has shut.

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

Toronto missed a bullet

[@andrerandall7873]

@@petergianakopoulos4926 Toronto a trash team

[@MrDyorke]

Not sure if this is a fact....but I heard Kwhai hasn't in 4 years as a Clipper ever played in front of the home crowd Clippers in a playoff game...thats wild!

[@tjohnson321]

Definitely not a fact. Too much info is available to repeat lies, and blatant ones at that

[@biggd54vikings]

They both had really great points from different perspectives. I would probably side with Stephen A on this one...When you low manage all year long to be available for a playoff push but can't even make it through, that is a major problem!

[@Matt-cl7ee]

People wanna dog on Stephen A smith because it’s fun. But he’s right. Objectively having Kawhi sucks BECAUSE he can’t play

[@steplaland]

Get him SAS, JJ defends his contemporaries like no other.

[@larrykeys8264]

As jj should

[@chrismathgenius]

​@@larrykeys8264 They're not always right, you know.

[@larrykeys8264]

@@chrismathgenius no one is

[@Ksingh24]

SAS is right on this one. JJ always, always takes the Pro Player side of any debate.

[@dfillmo59]

JJ gets in his feelings alot

[@ericgregory1889]

The fact these guys debate back and forth from 2 different sides is amazing

[@I_Shit_on_your_shit_point]

What exactly do you think a debate is? Its amazing that there are 2 different sides in a debate? Lol i mean…people are dumb. Really. Sadly.

[@Urinnerconscience]

Tearing a ligament is one of the worst injuries you can possibly have.. especially an acl or meniscus tear, I’ve had my own personal experiences and it’s no fun. I always liked Kawhi game, I hope he comes back better like last time.

[@hammeraffe]

How Bad is torn Meniskus?

[@jeffreyvalcin8872]

Dude was load managing for the longest. What is the point of not playing only to still get injured?

[@Roxas-ph3te]

​@@hammeraffe It can mark the end of you're career at the top if we're talking basketball. It pretty much ended Kobe's career, he was never the same afterwards

[@camrontillery3093]

​@@jeffreyvalcin8872 he played 4 less games then bron and a few less than other stars man

[@eeluaune3449]

🙏🏾

[@Jeremiah3997]

I usually don't agree or like what JJ says, but I loved his analysis on these two teams.

[@rockjm9876543210]

While JJ is right it was def a low blow to bring that up. It's no rocket science that SAS and Mad weren't professional athletes, but they're on this platform for their level of journalism and knowledge of the game from analysts perspective. He could've easily started off by saying "well as a former athelete this is my perspective".

[@fahimabrar277]

Stephen A is a big idiot though

[@manucr9183]

They deserved to hear it

[@Flawlesschick08]

I definitely agree with SAS on this one. Kawhi is a 2023 version of Brandon Roy. Brandon Roy was an absolute BEAST, but his knee injuries just wouldn’t allow him to be him. Kahwi is an absolute killer on the court, but he can’t be him anymore.

[@obynoomere1280]

You know Stephen A had to come back at JJ 😂.

[@God_Lee1]

JJ got SAS tripping up… I love it! 😂🤣😂

[@antoniomorgan731]

How? Explain

[@steplaland]

I hate people who end arguments by saying you didn’t play, you know nothing.

[@kevinlee9929]

Exactly. It's weak. Especially when there's players or past players saying the samething as the people who didn't play.

[@deweyfinn1497]

I'm mad at facts too believe me

[@KClouisville]

@@kevinlee9929 Exactly, and some of them played at a much higher level than JJ...which by his logic I guess he'd have to bow down to them because he never reached their level. That's the essence of just how stupid the "you didn't play" thing is. Ted Williams was one of greatest baseball players in history....and was a horrible manager. Having the ability to play a sport and having an ability to analyze it are two different things. Sure, a person who's played might have some insights others don't, but they're just as likely to have as stupid a take as a random person on the street.

[@jamiesWorld22]

they started playing jazz music in the background when he was talking 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@noahtaliferro3458]

If JJ was a GM. He’d have a nursing home as a roster, everyone would be on the IR. SAS is right on this one.

[@makanoification]

Horrendous take

[@mannedi8665]

If he was the Clips GM, he'll be trading his healthy players for AD and Zion

[@larrykeys8264]

Like rob pelinka

[@cardellknighten4865]

Neither was wrong . Jj speaking from a athlete point of view . While SAS speaking from a fan/ journalist point of view . I can see what both is saying

[@wirelessbrain12]

@@larrykeys8264 Cold Take Pelina robbed everyone in the deadline

[@yoobollo420]

MAD dog completely wrong about the kings. Us fans are already happy with what we accomplished.

[@tigerhoods7927]

Lol one minute jj wants to be fake pro player than the next minute he is pro media 😂

[@alex-pt2hd]

you are stupid

[@makanoification]

Why is it that people that end with a 😂 emoji always say something unfunny

[@_andresss07]

@@makanoification Sounds like you have an issue.

[@Nicholson12345]

Jj was a player?

[@makanoification]

@@_andresss07 the issue is that it wasn’t funny

[@AlSemz]

Maybe they should reduce that hard work in practice so he can put in more hard work in actual games.

[@ojayciao9652]

To be honest, every since Kawhi and Paul joined, EVERYBODY has said the Clippers are "favorites"... My question at this point is..favorites to do what??

[@raymondrodriguez5715]

To rest star players and still go home in the playoffs.

[@broncos8664]

Favorites to be handicaps during the playoffs

[@princellasmith7562]

Stephen A Smith is right. Plus, I remember like two seasons ago when Kawhi Leonard and Paul George did not produce, and there were other players on other shows commenting about how if you're getting paid top dollar but you're expecting role players and bench players to get out there and sacrifice their body and do all the hard work to win games, you're kind of hypocritical. They talked about how it is harder for other players to get out there and work as hard as they can when the star players are getting tens of millions of dollars and not producing. I agree that you can't necessarily get mad at a player for being injured. It happens, but at this point, the Clippers have dished out way more money than what they've gotten a return for. Kawhi needs to just retire if he is not going to be able to either play a full season or give a monster post season. They load manage him all year so that he can be ready for the playoffs, and then when the playoffs come, he's no good. Apparently, his knees are just trash, so he needs to just go on his way and allow the team to make other moves. It is not fair to the top brass, his teammates, his coach, The Clippers fans, or the NBA fans at large. And, as far as Paul George is concerned, yeah, he gets hurt, but he is not hurt nearly as frequently as Kawhi Leonard is. He usually plays for most of the season, and he has at least put in maximum effort during the postseason. That one year, he basically led the team, and they made it to the Western Conference Finals. Had Kawhi Leonard been playing, they probably would have won the Western Conference and made it to the NBA Finals.

[@tjohnson321]

That 1 year😂😂, Kawhi was the reason they made it that far. He went down game 4 in semi against the no. 1 Jazz. The Clippers won 4 more games with Kawhi in those playoffs. Those are facts, the only time PG led the way is when Kawhi went down. The only time

[@MrJokey16]

SAS is true about this 💯

[@albertdaley9093]

🎩🎩🎩🎩🎩 sas been wrong about players for years he should retire he said Joel embid was gonna be a bust what happen ??? He said ginnnas aint never getting a ring see wat happen so prove me facts

[@MrJokey16]

@@albertdaley9093 he's been wrong about a lot of players but not this one, how much you want to bet Kawhi won't be healthy for the entire playoffs again for the rest of his career. Look at D-Rose. Never was the same

[@albertdaley9093]

@@MrJokey16 so should Steven Adams retire to huh Stephen hate black players would it be the same energy if lebron didnt play if you say yeah then ill say kawhi should but if you say no to lebron retiring then you just prove my point on meat glazing

[@MrJokey16]

@@albertdaley9093 Steven Adams is different bruh 😂 he hasn't missed the last 3 seasons because of injury like Kawhi has. Dude has literally played 104 of 246 games in the last 3 years. Even KD has played more games than that at 137. If he gets hurt next year and can't play the entire year or gets hurt in playoffs then he definitely needs to retire

[@albertdaley9093]

@@MrJokey16 the only difference is skin color stop meat glazing adams aint get no rings lock up the best players nothing kawhi did so show me stats in adams vs kawhi you loook like a 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@ibrahimharris6074]

I love JJ but I gotta agree with Stephen on this one.

[@lorenzobala1974]

JJ never played high level basketball either lmfao 😂 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Boogie__down_jay]

You wilding

[@Colmets1]

Facts. He acts like he’s a Hall of Famer. Can’t stand his arrogant attitude.

[@NotJam3s]

Whoa, this is a delusional take

[@bigdicdaddy6042]

​@@NotJam3s jj acts like he a hall of famer when he was a bench player best game was 25 never scored 30.

[@NotJam3s]

@@bigdicdaddy6042 no he doesnt. He acts like he is a ex NBA player chatting with wannabes. I dont understand why you cant apply that same logic to Stephen A. JJ is an NBA level talent. Thats so far ahead of most ballers

[@GameCritiquewithNeo]

Guys I thought of something everything has a origin. So aren't we all brother and sisters?

[@rodneydeal9133]

Love these 2 together

[@victorious541]

SAS, the MJ of journalism!

[@513ovaeverything7]

JJ doing his best to get booted off first take for good😂😂😂

[@eba1029]

Gonna get that Max Kellerman treatment 😂

[@co6672]

SAS "covering" basketball and playing in the league is not the same.

[@Raynard1234]

Stephen A got a point

[@brandoblack7318]

Stephen A took JJ Reddick to school today! Dropped him off with a ham sandwhich. Lol

[@erikpuka2627]

Kawhi Leonard playoff career/resume 2012 - losses in WCF to the Thunder 4-2 2013 - losses in NBA Finals to the Heat 4-3 (the Ray Allen shot) 2014 - wins NBA Champiomship and finals MVP Miami 4-1 2015 - losses to the Clippers in the first round 4-3 (the CP3 bank shot) 2016 - losses to the Thunder in WCSF 4-2 2017 - gets hurt vs Warriors while up 25 in mid 3rd quarter by Zaza Pachulua. In Oracle. Spurs proceed to get swept 2018 - only plays 8 regular season games. Then Spurs shut him down 2019 - wins the Championship with Toronto 4-2 vs Warriors 2020 - (the bubble year ) Clippers lose to the Nuggets and blow a 3-1 lead in WCSF 2021 - Wins 1st round vs Mavericks in 7. Gets hurt in Western Conference Semis vs UTAH in game 4. Series was 2-2 at that point. Clippers win in 6 but then proceed to lose in 6 to the phoenix Sins 2022- does not play at all. 2023 - plays 2 playoff games for the Clippers vs Suns. Then goes down never to play again. Since 2016-2017 (last 7 seasons)- he has finished a season only twice. The Toronto year and the Bubble year.

[@Kidnappthedoe]

If he didn’t win those rings my god 😂

[@burneraccount7510]

@@Kidnappthedoe yea kawhi is buns

[@SportsReports247]

Stephen A flexing on JJ!!!! I SEE YOU HOMIE!

[@nyombiandrew1194]

Stephen A is RIIGGHHHTTT!! and I liked the way he went at JJ

[@thefighter5182]

I liked the way JJ Redick went at Stephen A. Because JJ Redick is RIGHT.

[@BSTVsports]

I been yelling for the past 6 months that merely a fanboy and most of his takes have been reflective of it. I use to listen until I started listening to Gilbert no chill and began to decipher the knowledge between the 2. JJ sounds smart while no chill breaks down the metrics stats and everything to do with the game. It’s levels

[@Jah_Wicks]

JJ getting ahead of himself sometimes, journalism is journalism and basketball knowledge is knowledge

[@happyhogan17]

No

[@Aminah6623]

@@happyhogan17 Yes

[@manucr9183]

If JJ can't teach SAS journalism. SAS can't school JJ on how a player should and shouldn't do.

[@tappedndaily2321]

​@manucr9183 SAS wasn't schooling him. He was saying although he doesn't have the NBA experience, he's recieved information from individuals that do. Does it still mean he's not knowledgeable/ credible because he doesn't state names?

[@jav75]

Stephen A didn't talk to nobody. He's making stuff up!

[@Whyypreeeeeeeeee]

JJ said something every single viewer would want to say to Steven A and mad dog. These guys talk as if they know more than the players. Sometimes it's okay to be humbled

[@tigera6]

And JJ was being humble how?

[@Whyypreeeeeeeeee]

@@tigera6 get out your feelings, kid. SAS talks like he knows what it's like to be a professional athlete. JJ does. If he comes off as mean or rude, then maybe you need to be talked to that way

[@tigera6]

@@Whyypreeeeeeeeee except they are doing debate show as analyst/commentator. And being an ex-player carry no weight on the debate desk if the only point you can make is that the other guys didnt play. SAS spoke from the standpoint of fans and organization which completely valid and does sound insulting at all. Somehow that means JJ view is better because he played is completely non-sense.

[@kamotetops1572]

@@Whyypreeeeeeeeee "SAS talks like he knows what it's like to be a professional athlete" - He is talking about the BUSINESS side of the NBA. Asking Kawhi to retire would rest on Kawhi. (He still gets ALL his salary BUT that salary would be OFF the teams payroll!) He can UNRETIRE if he can play again.

[@levario888]

SAS shouldn't be making a public opion on this matter... keep your mouth out of other people's pockets man, mind your business and keep making wrong predictions.

[@travissmith6380]

SAS has all these "SCOOPS" but NEVER breaks a story and cant get an interview with ANY MAJOR NBA STAR. Not KD,Steph,Lebron,Kyrie...none of these dudes mess this guy like that

[@730FlightRisk]

Yeah he baseball capping

[@amadoumaiga8503]

Lol what, SAS can get an interview with most of these guys. He literally had one with kd not too long ago. He’s just past doing interviews often. And having scoops and breaking things are not necessarily associateted. A player can tell you something to clarify you about a situation but that don’t mean it’s breaking news.

[@Dontizzle24]

What you talking about lol this is not true.

[@travissmith6380]

@Amadou Maiga then why everytime woj or someone else breaks a story SAS comes on first take and says I've been hearing about that for months. Just keeps it to himself I guess????

[@battlerapwax4191]

Bro come with facts before talking please 😂