Kawhi Leonard OUT has a DRASTIC EFFECT on the Clippers! - Stephen A. Smith | NBA Countdown

Stephen A. Smith and the NBA Countdown crew blast Kawhi Leonard's availability ahead of their first round matchup against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.
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[@1of1lance]

Who is here after the Clippers W

[@ITsupportian]

Me

[@xolabusakwe4504]

yep

[@coolio35551]

Lmao Kawhi and Embiid getting USA roster spots while clearly injured is really interesting

[@natedogg890]

Especially since Embiid is from Cameroon

[@frf5000]

​@@natedogg890has lived in USA for 11 years and had a child there. Itd be weirder if he played at cameroon

[@BrianLockett]

Embiid is at least recovering from a successful surgery and we can at least expect him to walk out on the court and give it a shot. Kawhi is more mysterious than a ninja clan, hidden away in the mountains somewhere. You never know how he's doing, when he's leaving or returning, or even what his injuries are, half the time.

[@BrianLockett]

​@@natedogg890The man decided to become an official US citizen and has planted his new family life here, so he has every right and freedom to play for the USA. If any nation on Earth has room for foreign-born people playing for their new nation, it's the USA. Past slaves, native indigenous, and conquerors aside, everyone here is an immigrant people.

[@kylesawkon4074]

@@frf500011 years lol not tht long

[@Ballin-97]

“In April and May, Kawhi and Embiid shall not play” - Basketball Gods

[@kingrob5879]

It was written

[@TriBandah]

😂😂

[@euro51116]

Its wild that we have not seen Kawhi have a meaningful run in 5 years and he still has the reputation that he does

[@donjuan2067]

​@@euro51116 Facts

[@realone296]

Kawhi performs when playing unlike the CHOKER from Phily...

[@rah0210]

If I'm the clippers theres no way id want him in the Olympics

[@kimberlyland1369]

If I were in the Olympics, I wouldn’t want him in the Olympics.

[@chrisaustin22]

​@@kimberlyland1369Trade him out for Kyrie in the Olympics

[@ilovejeffhardy3906]

Replace him with PG13 since PG should’ve been picked instead of DBook 😅

[@PerformanceMatrix]

@@kimberlyland1369😂😂😂😂😂

[@8ight6ix0z]

@@ilovejeffhardy3906hell no, at least d book went to the finals 😭

[@JaysonWashington]

Is anyone even shocked this has happened to Kawhi???

[@ishyameru6232]

I was expecting it before it even happened, anyone who's surprised doesn't watch ball. Kawhi is more injury prone than AD at this point

[@alex4863]

Some people just have horrible luck, people keep hammering Kawhi but he keeps getting up n trying again. People wonder why Kawhi doesn’t market/ use social media, because it’s human mentality like this. Why doesn’t Embiid get heat like this? Because biasness

[@bo0gi3]

not at all. Even though he played a good number of games in the regular season

[@psychotropnilachtan8869]

Well he usually destroys Mavs in first round before getting injured.

[@mixedpleasure4324]

Nope. Would have been shocked if he was healthy through out a hole playoff run. I dont think we will ever see that. Even when he won with the Raptors he was limping around. Last time we saw i healthy Kawhi he choked down a 3-1 lead to Denver in the bubble

[@Dreadheadreese]

this aged horribly

[@terrellbivens6927]

The comment I was looking for

[@tylawsbennie4990]

Was looking to see who said it😂

[@natestrothers4109]

It’s one game

[@nigelwalker6684]

😂😂😂

[@SixthSensNumbTheDrifter]

😂

[@CoachRJ334]

As we speak right now the Mavs are getting hammered 56-30 at the half .....

[@ricosolomon]

Toronto Raptors fans would strongly disagree 😅😂 Thankfully Woj was the voice of reason: "well its a Team effort"

[@geese8891]

If kd and klay didn’t get hurt raptors would’ve got swept

[@EyeLoveTheStars]

Y’all caught lightning in a bottle with his health and willingness to play.

[@teejones8279]

That was 5 years ago idiot

[@nathanjackson2136]

@@geese8891and if kyrie and love didn’t get hurt the Cavs beat the warriors. Injuries are part of the game

[@tylerhenry5537]

​@@geese8891and if kyrie and love werent hurt golden state would not of won

[@davidtran2026]

If today is any indication, Kawhi might as well sit out the entire first round. Mavs are getting throttled right now.

[@salftt]

People talk about Kawhi like he's guilty

[@Paulafan5]

He had 2 serious injuries and sports medicine can only do so much. It's not his fault. It's a reality, but it's not his fault.

[@Christian-eq6pq]

He’s not even supposed to play. I don’t think people realize he has a degenerative knee condition. It takes so much just for him to be on a court but when he is, he’s a beast

[@travisk4466]

I just don’t feel like the dude cares at all. If his injuries are as serious as you guys are stating then retire. He has no problem cashing the checks though

[@Gamagoot]

@@travisk4466if he didn’t care clippers wouldn’t be in the playoffs

[@315giants]

has all this smoke for Kawhi but says nothing about Embiid. cuz he likes Embiid .. dude has a real vendetta against Kawhi. cant believe he had the audacity to say something about max kellerman not being a journalist when this is how he carries him self dudes a clown and idk why ya put him on a pedestal and allow him to have such loud voice in the community

[@Eb-sq3jd]

At least Embiid would play through his injury

[@SquidysTents]

@@Eb-sq3jdYou want Kawhi to play with a torn acl? 😂

[@will_9910]

@@SquidysTents 🙃 Yes

[@alfonzo4552]

Yes play him. It's the playoffs nobody is healthy

[@xDaPrincex]

Na he has went on about Embiid. This segment about Kawhi

[@Pinkgreen190]

He just hasn't been the same since the ZaZa Pacheapshot injury. It was a miracle he got that 2019 ring.

[@christopherwarburton1889]

Exactly this!

[@euro51116]

Larriors had their dynasty cut short by the basketball gods for this crime

[@ultimateyagerman]

​@@euro51116 cut short? They literally won more than they deserved. That franchise had no business winning more than 2 titles in that era.

[@jygbtn]

He shouldve 3 rings by now.

[@euro51116]

@@ultimateyagerman the KD era really skews the warriors legacy. I dont get why KD gets all the hate and people deligitimizing his rings but those same people never hesitate saying "4 time champion Steph Curry"

[@ThePatman1980]

My Clippers, who I’ve given up on, is up 26 at the half against Dallas and without Kawhi? Interesting. Still early. This is their last dance. Now or never, Clippers.

[@MarcusLeonard307]

We don't want or need disloyal people like you. My Clipps will take it in 5.

[@iLLustrious85]

As a raptors fan, he was there precisely when we needed him haha .... Yes we load managed him for like 22 games

[@SierraSantmyire]

The only reason raptors have a championship is because kd tore his Achilles 😂

[@fuzzbutthead8597]

@@SierraSantmyireand Klay went down. I bet if Klay didn’t go down, GS would’ve still won, even without KD

[@xDaPrincex]

​@@fuzzbutthead8597 hell na without KD I don't see them winning but with KD I say GSW woulda won, Raptors team was still great though.

[@superdennygumper7412]

@@SierraSantmyireand the Warriors only have rings because of injuries to Kyrie and Love (2015), Kawhi (2017), and CP3 (2018). See how that work?

[@thefighter5182]

If Kawhi joined the Warriors and then KD joins the Raptors then Kawhi's Warriors would beat them for sure.

[@waiyinchung4242]

That comment aged well after game 1😂

[@jrmop0965]

Clippers still have PG13 Westbrook and Harden They be good

[@tomszymanski]

Stephen A is just upset because Kawhi doesn't answer his phone calls.

[@philipsmith8630]

Fold like clean sheets 😂😂😂

[@mj8607]

Stephen A. Smith should RETIRE.

[@sturner973]

Why for telling the truth about Kawhi?

[@mj8607]

The only truth is what diagnostic testing has indicated, what his health team says and what Kawhi himself feels and says.

[@brunito747]

word

[@antonioyoung2977]

The only truth is once again Kawhi ain't playing. At this point, the reasons have become irrelevant.

[@iamkp6600]

Paying all these analysts to look dumb asf 🤣

[@stormageddon248]

They don’t look too affected to me

[@Bella_Kilori]

2 rings…… 2 FMVPS…. nothing more needs to be said….

[@Poaf-1]

He’s scared .

[@Shaolin91z]

No need to be in the Olympics🥶

[@tyrellwilliams317]

An u would keep paying him just bc of that 🤔

[@takermajc5354]

ITS TIME TO MOVE ONE FROM THE PAST BUDDY

[@marcusgoodwin9640]

A lot to be said no one cares about them 2 rings from 1920

[@sturner973]

Not too surprised Kawheel chair is not there but still collecting checks 😂😂

[@xDaPrincex]

💀💀💀💀

[@daysinndurham236]

always injured.

[@Kai-lp5ej]

Kawheel chair 😂😂😂

[@1dgoines]

They’re up by 25, SAS take is 🗑️ rn 😂

[@jeannoel4535]

Lmaoo

[@DJ-yz9xl]

Kawhi is a 2 time finals MVP. Stop throwing dirt on his name 😤

[@S1I2D]

How can it be justifiable for Leonard to be on the USA Olympic basketball team when he can't show up for work.

[@juliusmadjitey2230]

all they said about the Game here was the opposite

[@julieberbuni7454]

Stupid Stephanie Smith said they're not beating Mavs without Kawhi? What basketball He's watching? No Kawhi No Problem

[@only1adonis]

What basketball IS HE watching? Not “what HE IS” watching. Remedial. EARLY elementary. Toddlers speak like that. Zero excuses. Be better.

[@kimberlyland1369]

To Stephen A’s point- why would Team USA choose someone who can’t even play through the NBA season?!

[@romanmesic]

apparently it doesn't

[@charlesguthrie517]

Only real ones knew we had it today

[@clownfish92]

Clippers blowing Mavs out rn btw

[@kiela3580]

But Mavs got whooped without him

[@RayMon504]

Stephen takes great pride in mispronouncing Kawhi's last name ON PURPOSE. The man can't stop saying Kawhi Lennit if his life depended on it.

[@jaysouthmusic8230]

😂😂

[@slowodanx]

should be renamed from kawhi leonard to kawhi injured.

[@agentcodybanx8909]

That's just the new york dialect

[@monojuice]

it’s an accent

[@TheKondinho]

lmaooo Kawaah Lennit

[@aSurrealBox]

This didn’t age well

[@fabfive2205]

I was just saying the same thing 😂

[@natestrothers4109]

It’s one game

[@user-yh8ub6md9t]

They gpt it right flippers sucks !!!

[@EEazyM0neySniper35]

I think LA can beat mavs without Leonard the entire series.. playoff P with harden zubac and a deep bench will do fine

[@justinlong5589]

This aged well the Mavs got smoked by the Clippers Lol!!

[@wetsaapbrehh7839]

yeah idk if it does cause the clippers just ran through the mavericks without their best player

[@OneSmoothUser]

Game 1!!🎉 I'm back to for all the haters😂😂😂

[@SoldierBoy3064]

it's time for James harden to step up... if not now then when? when

[@Gmanu29]

James Harden Houston Rockets needs to step up

[@alabamamanofficial4817]

​@@Gmanu29He stepping up right now🔥🔥

[@AP90x]

Mavs better take advantage if this sh’t. I know teams get relaxed when a star isnt there but they have to get these guys tf out of here as quick as possible

[@xDaPrincex]

Exactly, they better go up 2 & keep their foot on the gas. Send them tf on home, them & Denver so mf overrated, I can't wait to somebody sends both of those teams packing, Denver might be next year or some but I look forward to it.

[@AP90x]

@@xDaPrincex mavs went in and did exactly what I was fearing they would do. Came in relaxed and f’cked away this game. Now kawhi can rest an additional game and the mavs will need game 2.

[@O.G.1Love]

This aged like milk. Game 1 Clips baby!

[@shaunwillis7815]

Their strategy is to let him go off and get the victory. I can't fukn wait till Monday to hear these excuses 😅

[@G-Blockster]

Yet the Clippers blew out the Macericks today without Kawhi Leonard, stealing Game 1 of the series. 😅

[@sdadsada6429]

Everybody forgot that Russ exists? I hope that he will remind everybody how good he is and i think that he will have a big night today.

[@Dreaaddy]

You said that like Russ is still in his prime 🤣

[@theprocessss]

Oh lord…

[@mamamia5905]

Bless your heart

[@bigvsouthphilly2156]

I just told my brother Westbrook is gonna ball out tonight. Triple double russ will be back tonight

[@theprocessss]

@@Dreaaddy even w prime Westbrick they’d still lose. He couldn’t even take down a rookie Mitchell w a better Paul George vs a worse team than Dallas

[@Data_Man]

Didn't look like they needed him in game 1

[@mildol7271]

Am I mistaking or did I hear Stephen A. Smith say the Clippers had slim to no chance of winning without Kawhi❓

[@DeRicardo4980]

Stephan A. for well you know is now a 🤡🦝

[@Buhay_Thailand]

I can’t wait for their alibi next broadcast 😂😂😂

[@cesarlara3466]

Clippers won. What will he say next???

[@EvSpace744]

They rigged it

[@davonthomas8524]

@@EvSpace744rigged what

[@LaMar34_34]

I hate the way Stephen A “reports” because he takes personal shots at players.

[@TheSGIIIShow]

True

[@jackiepage6120]

They’re up 30

[@ipsun1632]

Load management 10.05 version😅

[@tsvetanbliznakov7694]

Not a fan of either team, but Mavs winning in 4 was wild AF, so keep the same energy, Kawhi so absent, Clippers are used to playing without him and they destroyed the Mavs in game 1 xD

[@cityboychad]

ESPN is just mad because his absence affects their ratings.

[@dspbx718]

HOW JUST HOW DID HE GET SELECTED FOR TEAM USA!!!?

[@Realest2fye]

They’re desperate lol

[@averyb.476]

Thats what im saying! I figured he was healthy to get the nod

[@a-love-supremist]

it's just a formality, same with embiid. you can't not pick them because you think they'll be injured. pick the best players you can and swap them out later like the all-star game.

[@Blackpantherjet]

He is NBA American Basketball Player.

[@stupidityandbeyond9458]

Lmao they don’t need Kawhi against these low seeded Mavs team.

[@Trendlines_mc]

Who's here after Game 1 😂

[@kihoonlee]

Who’s here after the Clippers are up 56-30 (and I know it’s the first game, first half, and one game) but I just wanted to throw that out there

[@josemartinez-hl6ov]

I’m happy af watching this after the game🤣 clippers in 5

[@tkdanny]

God these people know nothing about basketball. Completely wrong about everything😂😂

[@mikey0066]

This didn't age well

[@KCNoJojoTV]

SAS was Super Duper Right 😅

[@dramaskrybe]

Seeing Leonard guard Luka is the one thing about this series that had me excited 😞

[@PressureFlipperZ]

I still think it will be a great series either way & I have a tough time being down on kawhi he is so good when healthy one of the very best to ever do it honestly

[@iGrapeDudes]

But he’s never healthy

[@mamamia5905]

Yeah every 3 years

[@PressureFlipperZ]

@@iGrapeDudes yes but I don’t think he should be attacked for that though he has earned his stripes & when @ full strength you can’t deny his greatness but I understand your side of it as well best ability is availability 💯

[@PressureFlipperZ]

@@mamamia5905 a lot of people / teams would love ❤️ that having a chance @ a chip every 3 years look @ Washington look @ Hornets look @ nets now etc.

[@aaronlewis7903]

I agree he plays with heart when healthy. That health issue is nothing he can control.

[@jaysalazar107]

Really happy it all worked out for the Spurs in the end. Can't be dealing with this nonsense from Kawhi

[@dojo1371]

If I wear Kawhi Leonard, SAS will be getting a letter from my lawyers

[@Sandcastle992]

For what? For telling the truth? He does nothing to promote the clippers brand, constantly load manages and hurts the franchise/ teammates by missing the regular season and playoff games smh

[@slowodanx]

because he told the truth? Welcome to reality, the truth hurts huh? Not everyone is so delusional like you.

[@littleoneforever6450]

For what for saying the truth😂😂

[@mamamia5905]

He would lose. Literally have proof to back up every word he’s saying.

[@GappyHilmore18]

You basically just called yourself soft

[@jacobmcklowski4428]

id like to hear what this panel has to say after the Lakers pathetic loss yesterday and half the table said Lakers in 6.

[@mamamia5905]

Nobody at that table said Lakers in 6. They said they should make it a 6 or 7 game series.

[@Sandcastle992]

No one picked the lakers to win anything. It's seems like you have selective hearing 🙄

[@dairyontedecoteau673]

Lakers was doing really good in the 1st half n then they folded as usual I was sad but Monday is a new day we gonna get a W

[@arsalanahmed8648]

Lakers fans are like the cowboys fans of the NBA

[@kimberlyland1369]

They never seem to talk AFTER these bold predictions!

[@Ralphie1545]

Fold like clean sheets was crazy😂😂

[@apeealmagro8299]

This segment should top the shaqtin a fool this week 😅

[@MAskeDJit]

Got the dub without our #1 guy. Shuddup Stephen. He coming back and we taking the series!

[@jimmychhun4726]

Well that was old fast!!! Great analysis idiots! Go clips! 😂 Still got a lot more to do, keep it going!

[@geocapistrano4364]

I’m glad Steven A mentioned the contract extension.. as a 🛋️ GM I would never have given Kawhi that extension until end of season period. I would have extended Paul George 1st based on the fact he has been more consistent at being available than Kawhi. Lawerence Frank needs to get fired for all these bad decisions and negotiations

[@colinthompson3111]

Please! Please! Leave this video up forever!! Steven A and Perk don't know basketball!!😊

[@donvolio4089]

Every time kawhi out, SAS says “I’m not questioning the legitimacy of his injury.” Maybe it’s time we all start questioning the legitimacy of his injuries. No one gets hurt that often.

[@Ecybersupreme]

Well this didn’t age well

[@Grizzle2894]

The sky is blue Taxes are due Kawhi is missing games? What else is new

[@gb5262]

Nice poet

[@donaldmonroe6823]

This objectively untrue he's a 2 time champion

[@superemesean5907]

HES PLAYED 120 out of 280 games since those two championships 🤣

[@brazy6191]

today's media makes you only focus on today

[@josephprendergast2420]

How many championship did he win for the clippers he hasn't done Jack for the clippers, do you think clippers fans care about the championships that he won in the past.lol😂

[@cjizzle26]

Man you can’t help an injury. If you’re not an athlete or train just shut up. Them players are in pain everyday. Some worse than others and a lot play through it.

[@lifefamilywithcurleymoe9106]

Out for the series and out for playoffs. No one is surprised.

[@Scotty2Hotty4]

No excuse for the clippers to lose.

[@abrowne153]

Not having their best player is a pretty good excuse

[@roberthall1818]

​@@abrowne153 Still have pg13 westbrook harden

[@MEANDMYDAD2023]

Toss up series, with or without Leonard.

[@chikinlikin6947]

​@@roberthall1818 Larden is in full playoff form and russ is now coming off the bench without kawhi its over

[@tonedavinci]

@@roberthall1818 3 known playoff underperformers

[@dredavinci1]

This aged well😂 IYKYK

[@phoenixkane1986]

They knew who they signed.

[@O.G.1Love]

Yes we do & we still pulled game 1 with a 12 point lead.

[@almonjoseph4382]

Kawhi over here missing playoff games but wants to play on team USA ?

[@jp23x]

Bruh these players that don't play shouldn't get so much money smh.

[@slowodanx]

thats what you get when you overpay stupid ghettokid manchildren millions of dollars for no reason. You reap what you sow. They have no ethic, no character, no personality, nothing. Just wannabe fame and money.

[@thepoet77]

Exactly.......that should be the narrative when it comes to these injury prone players.....or Kawhi should just simply retire.

[@imperialbengal4068]

⁠@@Healthy_Tokiit’s about entertainment. When you’re not playing you’re not entertaining people so you should get paid less. That’s like an actor only acting in half a movie but getting paid like he did the whole thing.

[@jp23x]

@@Healthy_Toki you couldn't be more wrong lol

[@jp23x]

@@Healthy_Toki we're not talking about me and I don't work in entertainment. I don't have to put on a show and get paid millions for it. It's like paying an actor millions of dollars to not be in the movie he was hired for.

[@andualemgetahun9416]

Lmaooo perk just said the mavs got better pieces than clippers

[@MrEdward2408]

4:18 is that the guy from good burger sitting on the sidelines? Lol

[@Jed-i]

Bruh I thought I was bugging when i first saw it😅😅

[@Kingofcardboard229]

So drastic they are winning by 30 points lmao, these ppl on these shows are clueless

[@kingcorey2987]

Keep in mind that Stephen A and Madd Dog said they taking Kawhi over Tatum in the playoffs

[@maybeitsme3102]

Remember when Micheal Wilbon said on TV “His son can’t have no JA1’s”(Ja Morant shoe) ahhhh good times 😂😂😂

[@darkerknight7010]

Clippers win. Shut up, Stephen A

[@XxMrManxX9451]

Forget that the Mavs are playoff chokers didn’t ya Steven 🤡

[@HHHPedigrees]

Kawhi should just retire.

[@igit_7296]

It’s one thing when an average fan or announcer says that Kawhi Leonard is the worst superstar in the NBA. It means something else when it’s coming from someone like Steven Smith, who is not only a great commentator, but had real talent and showed it in his college career playing basketball.

[@edr.2642]

Man people like Stephen A should not talk like this when they are clueless about the real NBA. What do you want Kawhi to do? Ofcourse he’s dying to plays. Smh.

[@htvlogs80]

Taking load management to a whole new level. 😂

[@julieberbuni7454]

This former backpack who won a ring in Boston don't know what his talking about. He and Stephanie Smith should be off the camera. Carry on.

[@blazingsword4824]

Love it when almost all people think the clippers have no chance without Kawhi against the mavericks and a few hours later reality hits back right in their faces! 1 game down baby! lets go clippers!!!

[@Kantodiez]

Kawhi signed onLy for reguLar season.

[@tarunguhanand2911]

Here's Stephen A singing his song. Must be real popular with the boomers, I for one have grown tired of it.

[@allclassallthetime4739]

Still say that a starting lineup lineup of Russ, PG and James Harden was enough fire to hang with Big D (Dallas not Doncic)