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 🖕

[@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.

[@GameCritiqueHub]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@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

[@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 😂

[@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!!!

[@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

[@HCaulfield115]

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

[@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

[@madden226]

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

[@excellingdeicide2967]

True💯✅️📈

[@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

[@obikapekele2859]

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

[@millieatr]

Love when they keep it real

[@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🤡

[@Ishermalj]

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

[@Ishermalj]

@@angelusgnz5784 I totally agree.

[@Tre313.]

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

[@Ishermalj]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@bigfamilyX]

“You played for clippers “😂😂😂😂😂

[@v8rmusic406]

Stephen went ham ngl 👀🔥

[@dfillmo59]

JJ gets in his feelings alot

[@tredd7385]

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

[@sleepwalkernation]

JJ needs to be on there full time.

[@Since91Too]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Will_Deal]

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

[@drosmokekush]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@NastyTete]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@dominiqueandre7750]

JJ went there for real !!! 😂

[@globalspiritualrevolutionmedia]

SAS is 💯 Right On Everything!

[@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

[@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.

[@hardenxx1335]

SAS is 10000% correct.

[@thefighter5182]

NOT

[@timothykinoti7768]

In your eyes

[@thefighter5182]

In JJ Redick that I will trust him more.

[@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

[@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 🤥

[@TraeFittz]

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

[@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

[@Ksingh24]

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

[@Aggarius]

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

[@regret81]

In fairness to SAS, he's talking to people not necessarily directly associated with the Clippers organization. If you're JJ, what do you think the Clippers would say? Of course, they would try to quell any concerns their fans and the media may have about Kawhi's health and his reliability. Also, I agree w/ SAS that Kawhi should retire. IDK what he has left to prove. He's already a two-time champion who's scheduled to earn over $42 million this season, which is more than most people will see in their entire lifetime. It's not like his life is dependent on playing basketball for "X" number of years.

[@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]

🙏🏾

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@prncemansa]

I understand that people like the back and forth between SAS and J.J. My problem is this, we can have the back and forth once you allow me to finish my argument. SAS let J.J. get out his full argument before saying his, as soon as he started talking J.J cut him off and I don't like that. (And for those of you who dont know, there was a part that espn cut out at the beginning of J.J explaining himself)

[@Raynard1234]

Stephen A got a point

[@rakimrobinson3142]

jj finally showing yall his true colors!!!! i love jj but he is so pro players he can show his biasness sometimes if you really listen. this was a clear point because how much is kawhi making? and how long hes been injured???? clippers fans gotta be feeling it.

[@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

[@rodneydeal9133]

Love these 2 together

[@Mrbadass0]

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

[@ibrahimharris6074]

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

[@seowth]

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

[@jamiesWorld22]

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

[@aquaman8000]

Well said Stephen A, the fact is he’s the most unreliable superstar. Period. Ask the Clippers fans and ownership if it makes getting out in the first round any easier because he had a “legitimate “ injury? Bottom line, he’s not available and the franchise has suffered for it the past few years.

[@princellasmith7562]

JJ Reddick is still trying to be friends with all of these current players, and I think it keeps him from being objective. I don't think that Stephen A. Smith is attacking Kawhi Leonard's personality, but he does have a point, and his comparison with Tim Duncan was pretty accurate. Tim Duncan did not talk a lot either, but he played and delivered and brought in five championships to the San Antonio Spurs. Part of your job when you are working for a public franchise like that is to help raise the profile of the brand, especially when you are getting paid tens of millions of dollars. It does not help that Kawhi Leonard not only doesn't have a big media personality but also does not play in the postseason because he's plagued with injuries. There are also complaints that he does not communicate with the coaching staff. That is frustrating.

[@carlocordova9238]

Love JJ to death but man SA just got a solid point. No matter how hard you show up in practice if you cant show up when it really truly matters to the team and all the fans watching then there is nothing else to talk about. Trade claw and PG. Next year will be no different with both of em in the roster

[@NoSpinster0909]

Please you crazy as Stephen A

[@Kmutts879]

Trade for who?

[@georgekouts]

Honestly, what JJ is saying is just noise. I mean, ok, yes, I respect his opinion as a former NBA player... but answers like this "it's obvious neither of you have ever played any high level of basketball", are unacceptable, and irrelevant to me when discussing a guys availability. The NBA is a money making business, teams aren't here to pay these enormous salaries and not get their money's worth! That's not how business works! Kawhi just finished his 11th season, and he's only played 65+ games 3 times in his career! So yes, Stephen A has a point! If you want to get superstar money, then be on the floor, and play like one. If you can't, due to physical health, mental health or what have you, well then go to the front office, work out a buyout deal, get your money and take a freaking hike! It's not rocket science! There are a number of players that have been milking these franchises for years now... and it's pathetic! You're a ball player, you're paid to perform and to be available! If you can't keep up your end of the bargain, then your deal should be terminated! The NBA is not the Salvation Army! Teams invest big money in players, therefore they demand, and expect a return on that investment! It's that simple! End of story!

[@larrykeys8264]

Just say you’re upset because he’s speaking on guys like you

[@Suki-xu9xs]

FINALLY YES! I’ve been waiting for a comment to say it like this!

[@georgekouts]

@@larrykeys8264 If that's your take after reading my comment (if you read it entirely)... then it's obvious that reading and comprehension aren't your strong points. The same goes for the halfwits who are giving your idiotic remark a thumbs up. But just so you know, I'm not upset at all, if I were, I would have stated so... I'm just speaking facts! The NBA is a business, not a handout for these primadonnas!

[@forzaacmilan36]

So you're saying if you tear your ACL, that mean that team is supposed force you to retire? Should Kobe be forced to retire in 2013? D Rose in 2012? Thomas in 2017.

[@DeMarcusFountain-sv6fi]

​@Forza Ac Milan Kobe didn't start getting injuries until after 15 years and more of playing. Same with Lebron. Kawhi and George are getting injured in the prime of their careers and its ridiculous to have that much money tied into players when they can't be available when you need them the most

[@rayb8870]

Love JJ, I love Kawhi but SAS probably right on this. What else is to happen? Franchise paying out huge figures for a player who is just never available.

[@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!

[@Lee-rj1zc]

Molly always looked good but this month OMG 😍

[@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 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@K_DC]

Agree with Stephen A on this one.

[@jon401]

SAS just sounds like he makes stuff up

[@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 👏👏

[@trhone1978]

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

[@Jeremiah3997]

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

[@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.

[@shawnchristopher5088]

SAS is one of the most divisive debaters in sports. None of the things he said are relevant and JJ didn't even get to say anything else. JJ is right, if you haven't played at high level then you can't possibly understand what it takes or the toll on the body. It's not Kawhi's choice he got a TORN MENISCUS, he didn't wake up and ask for that. No player does.

[@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

[@victorious541]

SAS, the MJ of journalism!

[@edwardkeeler]

stephen A is correct

[@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.

[@lorenzobala1974]

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

[@Jevildury]

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

[@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

[@obynoomere1280]

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

[@lowkiii7789]

While I think SAS saying Kawhi should retire is a bit extreme and maybe even disrespectful, I understand where he's coming from. JJ is talking from a player/emotional position. SAS is speaking from a capitalistic position, i.e., the owners. If any person watching this had that much capital invested in KL as Steve Balmer does, only for KL to be on the bench majority of the time, ya'll might feel a way too.

[@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

[@bertoyardie8731]

JJ but them in their place. Talking to people is very different from preparing your body for the riggers of pro sport. Neither SAS nor Mad Dog listened to what JJ said, they just listened to argue.

[@danielnavarro5369]

JJ got cooked on this one

[@teejones8279]

Cut the BS

[@IslandLife548]

Stephen A is right on this. We can be empathetic about Kawhi's situation. However, the NBA is a business, and being an NBA player is a job. Kawhi's injuries are unfortunate, but that doesn't change the fact that he is being paid to do a job that he may no longer be able to do. Any other job if an employee is unable to perform their duties due to injury, they are compensated with short/long term disability pay etc, and then their job is backfilled with someone that can show up and do the job. Blue collar workers deal with bodily injuries while doing strenuous jobs all the time without the luxury of being guaranteed millions of dollars to sit out. Blue collar workers have to punch that clock rain or shine, soreness or not to feed their families. So yes it sucks that Kawhi is injured, we truly feel for him but excuse me if I have less empathy for an NBA player walking away with more guaranteed money than most people make in many lifetimes than the average American that has to show up each day without the luxuries Kawhi has.

[@marquisecarter1906]

Much respect for SAS , having JJ on his show despite how they go at it . Both has valid points. JJ is that dude !!

[@yoobollo420]

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

[@kundakaps]

At 4:27 JJ was answered perfectly by Stephen A.

[@mikeillgaming4224]

I'm rolling with SAS on this one .. I would get rid of kawhi and he's my favorite player but what's the point of having an injured superstar at that price.