NO WAY should Kawhi be on team USA's Olympic basketball roster

On The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith gives you his renowned point of view, breaking barriers beyond the world of sports, and tackling pertinent issues across entertainment, pop culture, society, business, and politics. Three times a week, you'll hear his LIVE unfiltered opinions on the day's biggest headlines as well as straight-shooting interviews with top celebrities, game-changers, and thought leaders across the societal arena.
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[@kingsoindabuildin8036]

This dude could say f you and your family and will still add "its not personal". Lmao kawhi live in his head rent free

[@yourenotthatguy6295]

Kawhi should retire. He's never healthy. FOH

[@jasmithactor]

Bro acting like he going to play 36 minutes a game…Jesus Christ 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@supernotnatural]

Kawhi Leonard DESTROYED 76ers who had Ben + Embiid + Butler by himself. Stephen "Dumb" Smith

[@wraynephew6838]

yes but how long ago was that? are you going to say Kawhi Leonard is better than Embiid or Jimmy Butler now?

[@Darrencollinsjr]

When was that???

[@yourenotthatguy6295]

That's not his point. You people have no brain

[@Nca021]

@@wraynephew6838 What????? He's on a different planet than embid and jimmy fkn butler. Tf are u talking ab? Yall act like cuz a player gets injured that makes them worse than another player. Kawhi is literally the same player he was in toronto but even more efficient. Yall prove everyday yall dont know, watch, and understand basketball.

[@wraynephew6838]

@@Nca021 how many MVP awards does Kwahi Leonard has? how many all nba honors. CASE CLOSED!

[@RenzoLeva]

This is the same bum that said Kyrie is trash. SAS is str8 trash.

[@alex4863]

If there’s one player that triggers SAS in the NBA it’s Kawhi Leonard lol 😂

[@Ben2bwild]

And Kyrie lol

[@headcreeps2138]

Man's said "Pablo" Banchero 😂

[@jbl324]

I get it but he deserves to be on the team. Its not just about the game its his legacy, pride to represent USA, once in lifetime experience to see and feel being there. Family ect not just about playing

[@shadow_realm47]

Magic and Bird were cooked and they still went. They have a nasty lineup even if Kawhi bron ad embid don't play a minute. Ty Steph Tatum KD Bam with Ant as 6th man is a whole all-star team.

[@d.supreme8592]

You’re doing too much. Why doesn’t he deserve to be there ? He should’ve been on team USA a long time ago

[@forthdimension686]

Doing the most📣

[@user-zk4ko1fs7b]

Y

[@LeroyzkiSmithsonian]

Did you even watch the video? He didn’t say it’s because of skill, it’s because Kawhi hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and that he should rest instead. Kawhi hasn’t played more than 70 games in a season since 2016-17.

[@Koza1t]

Faxx

[@DigitalBaller1]

He said nothing about deserve. He said the clippers shouldn't let him do it because of his injury history.

[@5starathlete804]

That’s not your money Kermit let it go. You just like talking down on brothers

[@kittymuse4005]

super star bros that opnt give him smoke

[@oneluv72]

Let us not forget that the DREAM TREAM in'92'!! The legendary Larry Bird went with a back injury!! Which was with him most of his entire career as well!! BUT HE'S STILL A REPRESENTIVE U.S. BASKETBALL TEAM 💯🏀🏀🏀

[@Hakeem990]

Facts

[@drewt8138]

Larry Bird was on his way out of the league and didn't really play as MJ, Clyde, Pippen & Barkley were the focal points of that team. Kawhi is 32 & $40 mil a year. That argument is not even in the same universe. If he blows something out in the Olympics, who's picking up the tab? Hint: not the United States government

[@oneluv72]

@drewt8138 it's not the same universe, BUT it's in the same atmosphere!! Put it like this, Rodney Roger's said, "One dribble pull-up, going left off glass,"... "One dribble, going right. Spin. Shot. Bucket.” “He scored nine times or eight times in a row. Left the court to go lay down because he couldn't sit on a bench. He had to lay down because of his back, and the legendary Bird said ‘Young fella, look like ‘84 huh?’ ....THAT'S THE DIFFERENCE, my friend!! I really don't know what Kawhi will do!! Multiple right knee injuries compared to continuous back pain/pains!! I'm not a physician/ doctor or sports doctor. All I know is that Bird was 35 and Kawhi is 32!! I that far off in age categorie!! 💯🫵🏾🫵🏾🏀🏀

[@LeroyzkiSmithsonian]

So many people here clearly didn’t watch the video first.

[@dasaucee9296]

He said kawhi miss due to health, tell me the last year Ad was healthy

[@Mo_Wat5]

@@dasaucee9296 hmm idk maybe this year, are you even watching

[@drewmeyer9679]

@@dasaucee9296this year

[@yourenotthatguy6295]

​@@dasaucee9296That's not the point. Goofy.

[@drabdillahisaid17]

I don't why anybody will silent to you given the fact that you said kawhi should retire from NBA couple of years ago

[@cjsnedegar834]

So if Leonard shouldn't be on the team then Davis shouldn't be on the team either. Can't either one stay healthy.

[@IDK_0402]

AD played 76 games this year goofball

[@pinbarbecue1100]

​@idk-rb6ph first time in his career, tho😂😂😂😂. He is injury prone too

[@Dre5420]

And now he's injured his mcl​@@IDK_0402

[@lightningjuniorsuper]

Here’s the difference AD’s body isn’t breaking down like Kawhi’s is

[@jaspreetgakhal8274]

@@lightningjuniorsuperAd also ain’t winning like Kawhi. Anyone can win with Lebron holding your hand

[@YungJay216]

Dumbest statement you've probably ever said in your career

[@UnrulyRebel-hd2pl]

And there have been some dumb statements 😂

[@therealtapedeck]

Brother do a little research. The fact that you think this was the dumbest thing he’s said. Nahh man he’s said way way more stupid shit lmaooo

[@DigitalBaller1]

You clearly haven't followed this guy's injury history. I absolutely agree with Stephen A. Especially if I were a Clippers fan.

[@devontacosby8593]

@@therealtapedeckespecially his conspiracy theories about goat James

[@matthewlee4697]

​@@UnrulyRebel-hd2plexactly! Lol😂

[@bigtimetv9109]

You dont like Kawhi in real life im convinced

[@reallife0728]

KYRIE IRVING!!!!🏀🏀🏀💯💯💯

[@RaiVibez]

You by far the biggest Kawhi Leonard hater I know 😂

[@jonesvaughn8946]

My only gripe is WTF is Joel embiid on team USA when he ain't even American🤦🏾‍♂️

[@sashliyanage8465]

How come non Americans can play for usa team? Is it even lega. 🤔

[@dre27321]

@@sashliyanage8465 Anyone can play for any team they have citizenship in. hes a citizen in France, Cameroon and America so he could play for any of those teams

[@dre27321]

he has US citizenship and has lived in America for almost half his life, why wouldn't he play for team USA?

[@flash012234]

@@dre27321 So has Giannis, still plays for his home country

[@dre27321]

@@flash012234 nah, Giannis isn’t a US citizen. He’s only a Greek citizen the only other team he could play for is Nigeria even though he’s currently not a citizen(they have a rule that you can pretty much immediately gain citizenship if your parents are Nigerian). So not a good comparison at all

[@user-zk4ko1fs7b]

Ain’t none of yall writing them checks y he not playing

[@BallBlitzerr]

Stephen A might be the biggest hater of all time

[@kylelaforest9919]

Him and Skip

[@hope92hf]

i think so too

[@matthewlee4697]

It's personal for him....he doesn't like kawhi because kawhi is close with Greg popovich who both doesn't like doing interviews with the media which includes steven a smith .

[@maxkamper7451]

This man don't know nothing did you how much people in Europe wanna see Kawhi live..

[@brucehaughton1791]

It’s crazy how much Steven A. Talks so negative about this man. It’s coming of kinda personal and strange ….

[@qeeb3557]

This was a great take. You have to actually watch the video. New arena for the clippers next year you gotta make sure kawhi healthy for that

[@jaobille79]

Kawhi wont be playing 30+ mins in team USA lol

[@maurice2245]

@@jaobille79right he’ll probably play 10 minutes a game,this is just a glorified vacation

[@caljensandie365]

@@maurice2245Glorified vacation is when individual cannot afford to pay for their own vacation.

[@youngsatch]

If it’s from a health point of view then it’s nothing wrong with what he’s saying. Anyone who’s mad didn’t watch the vid lol

[@KingOnSight]

I understand what you’re saying Stephen A. But we do realize Kawhi is a grown man who could make his own decisions. Imagine Disney/ ESPN stopping you from doing this podcast even though it’s on your personal time. I know his injury history is bad but nobody should stop him from trying to capture an Olympic gold medal to add to his resume. Especially when we see you guys got a free center with Joel Embiid who also has a bad injury history.

[@Harlem-kc8im]

He was right 😂

[@LESSUR775]

Hahahaha please wait to end the playoffs to see the results 😂

[@J3TRO1]

Hmm now break down the other guys injuries the same way I'm just saying

[@drewt8138]

Outside of Anthony Davis, there has not been a single superstar in the history of the NBA more fragile and not another person on this roster can compare to Kawhi Mr. Glass Leonard. You buggin

[@J3TRO1]

@drewt8138 hmm Embid...KD...Also miss multiple games for injury every season matter of fact Embid not healthy now even crazier thing probably only people on roster who haven't sat out this year is the Boston duo steph & Bron take a lap bruh 🤣 but AD Embid & Ben Simmons yeah they get all the injuries KL normally just his knees

[@drewt8138]

@@J3TRO1 You're talking injuries. Every athlete is injured. Kawhi was getting minute restrictions and load management nights in his early 20s in San Antonio. That's not the same thing. And, honestly, you're right. Stephen A's logic could also apply to Embid. He's not healthy and he won't be healthy when the Olympics start and even when he finishes, he's gonna need all the rehab he can get. Same logic applies. But Kawhi is miles ahead of everyone else on the roster in games missed & load management over the course of his career. You take a lap! You're actually proving the same point

[@J3TRO1]

Of the last 4 seasons kd zion & klay all above Kawhi look it up most of kawhi injuries are just "load management" hell tbh they'll probably barely play him anyway but in reality who really better on the court or more reliable or deserving in his position? My point im tryna how they gone pull injury card on kawhi from a forward position but literally all 3 of bigs ad bam & embid just as injury probe but everyone just like oh yeah we winning lmao if we lose is cuz kawhi why you add em then lmao

[@williamlong4523]

Larry bird and magic hardly played when they was on dream team in there later years

[@carlgilmore-murry5789]

Only reason why I can agree to an extent is for this reason: as a Clipper he’s been injured & unavailable during the playoffs every single year so is it wise for him to play for team USA when he’s rarely available for the Clippers during the postseason ?? He absolutely deserves a spot but I can understand why letting him play is a red flag

[@ghostdog45]

This Kawhi hate gotta stop. Absolutely pathetic SAS.

[@Hakeem990]

I second that Kawhi deserves that Olympic gold. And team USA will need him

[@matthewlee4697]

He's been salty because kawhi doesn't like doing media interviews and he knows kawhi would probably never do an interview with him . Also kawhi has a close relationship to Greg popovich who also doesn't like the media and has rubbed steven a smith and other sports media folks the wrong way for years so the hate runs deep.

[@Diddys-BoyToy]

He didn't say he isn't good enough. He said Kawhi shouldn't be playing so he can stay healthy.

[@yourenotthatguy6295]

​@Hakeem990 You people need to attend an English class cause y'all ain't making no sense.

[@kittymuse4005]

@@Diddys-BoyToy is AD healthy?

[@clrconscience]

Contrary to y’all in the cmmts I agree with Stephen A 100%. The only ppl that get hurt as consistently as him on the roster is Joel and AD, but they need them bc we have no bigs. We have other really good Forwards we can replace Kawhi with. I don’t even understand why they would want someone like him that gets hurt so easily when there are other good options. Can’t count on him, and that’s aside from the argument of keeping him healthy for the Clippers.

[@y2shuproblem]

Kawhi Leonard is one of the best players in the league and he will have at least a month from the end of the season to get ready for the Olympics. He absolutely deserves his call up Even if he doesn't play a lot of minutes, he can still be a part of the team.

[@chriswhit8677]

Why Kyrie didn’t get the spot?

[@kudzaiishegonese7667]

SAS be out here looking for clicks He won’t admit it tho

[@CoolTy23]

Replace Haliburton with Brunson or Kyrie

[@lv7601]

Kyrie is a nutjob he would start some stupid political stuff

[@Y210Sv]

Brunson overrated too. Yall see him inform and say he should be here. You weren't supporting when he was in dallas...

[@BKDISCIPLE_718]

@@lv7601what does any of that have to do with his game?? He’s too elite to not have on the team. Besides he’s been calm since arriving in Dallas lol

[@Jailbridge]

He’s got that clutch gene tho, 2 time finals mvp

[@user-lv4ir8fw4s]

Embid should not be there, he is only granted US citizenship not born in USA

[@devontacosby8593]

It’s crazy how SAS can criticize goat James and people have no problem with it 🤷‍♀️😂 but soon as he criticize KAWHI, KD, or STEPH it’s a problem

[@autobot622]

In all fairness he's not saying kawhib isn't qualified he is saying kawhi might not make it for his clipper squad. But what Stephen a is forgetting is Olympics have become an unofficial power broker camp where the best decide who they want to team up with and recruit after the dust settles. Why else do you think lebron is there again

[@frankhortoniv3739]

Not even going to lie, I was thinking this. I was like yeah y’all better have a replacement for Kawhi just in case

[@ftwsam2246]

I agree with you, I can't trust him.

[@stephonaugustin1384]

@@ftwsam2246Joel Embiid’s on the team. He missed a lot of games this season. Why didn’t SAS said anything?

[@ftwsam2246]

@@stephonaugustin1384 honestly I would've kicked him out too NGL, I'd rather have Brunson and Jaylen Brown Than Embiid and Kawhi. Hell throw Dame in as an alternate.

[@caljensandie365]

@@ftwsam2246Kawhi with 20 minutes is better than Jalen Brown and Branson. Brown can’t drive to left. Kawhi can play defense either of the Jalen can play defense and yes defense is need in international games and Olympic

[@caljensandie365]

When Stephen A, begin his sentence/statement with “I have love for the brother” it is never anything loving said: His analysts are always what players doesn’t deserve either salary increase or award.

[@maurice2245]

What about Embid then

[@njones0716]

Definitely should not. He can hardly ever stay healthy 😂in the regular season. Stephen A Smith im a long life time fan!!! Love your work ethic🎉

[@IDK_0402]

He's probably coming off the bench and won't be playing a bunch of minutes you Stephen A Dickrider lol. He'll be fine.

[@kelvinmatobula8310]

what about AD ???

[@brianvigneau2074]

He signed up first? Fool!!!!

[@sportbrawl480]

Kawhi 100% deserves to be here he was balling this year

[@shadyrest4162nd]

You saying he’s not Healy he wasn’t healthy last year and you bashed him.

[@flojohighperformancemotorc6263]

He's right! A lot of people are in their feelings. He is absolutely too fragile. How many games did he miss in San Antonio as well? If he gets hurt Steve Ballmer has to continue to pay this guy for several games. Some of you all do not understand business at all unless its coming out of your own pocket.

[@lastking4322]

He got a point you can like him or hate him but the truth hurts 🤕

[@mightymojnir]

At this point Stephen A, it just looks like you really don’t like Kawhi. Let him live, he’s an unbelievable talent that’s been healthier than he has been in years. He won’t have to play a ton of minutes out there.

[@zionh789]

Relax. For them Olympic Games are not so important. So when they got gold medal or not, it doesn’t matter. It's like an extended all-star event for them. They think it's just for fun anyway.

[@drewt8138]

I'm going to assume that most of yall in the comments no nothing about basketball, read the thumbnail & started texting immediately. When I see quotes about "Why doesn't he deserve" & "why you hatin on Kawhi" & " Kawhi hate gotta stop". I just shake my head. NBA players use the summer to rehab. So, if the Clippers go deep into the playoffs, God willing win it all, that's late May into June. Then the Olympics, then report back to mini camp, on to preseason and the start of the season is what October, November? Meaning an already fragile player won't have time to rest and rehab. Not speaking this into the air & may God be with him but what if he blows something out in December or January? Stephen A is asking WHO'S PICKING UP THE TAB? If you don't know basketball, THEN HUSH!

[@jamesblack3628]

He’s a hater. When Stephen a said Lebron was the best in the world kawhi ran him out of Miami. When Stephen a said Durant was the best, kawhi was dominating Durant before getting injured. Most importantly kawhi don’t talk and is not looking for attention.

[@cnote729]

I totally agree if I was Steve Balmer Hell no he couldn't play. Just want him to rest heal condition.....he's too fragile

[@gregbaxter4640]

He should have been on team USA years ago!! I get what he’s saying but he’s talking like he doesn’t have a ring already like he’s rung chasing or something… tbh this might be noo this is his last chance at getting a gold medal 🥇

[@joeyt.]

My prediction is there will probably be 2 players who will drop out either due to injuries or exhaustion from a long playoff run.

[@jgarcia309]

Considering that he was on the last confirmed slot he's likely play a 3rd string role behind Lebron and JT. I'm not too concerned about Kawhi getting injured playing 5-10 min. a game

[@Dee--Jay]

I was thinking the saame thing. His health ain't good enough over the past 5 years for him to be on there.

[@gmukoie7847]

“Pablo Banchero” now come on man…

[@Ben2bwild]

Steve Ballmer ain't complaining. Mind your business

[@acvibes1703]

Soon as he said let’s go back to 2018 I’m like oh my gosh

[@kennethko1534]

This team is now officially a dream team. Its the last chance to have LeBron, KD, Steph and Kawhi play together. They defined a generation of NBA basketball. The first 3 defined the super teams and Kawhi was the one to break their runs. I'm so happy grant hill got this done for all basketball fans around the world.

[@KenSherman]

Kawhi going out like Derrick Rose. So much potential but hindered by injuries during his career.

[@joserosario4917]

2 rings

[@matthewlee4697]

The difference is kawhi is a future hall of famer

[@dasaucee9296]

D rose has never lead a team to their first championship.

[@jesseb5985]

That’s how great kawhi is, even with a hindered career, dude still managed to pull off some success.

[@headcreeps2138]

He's not done yet. Bouta spank the Mavericks this week.

[@wraynephew6838]

There is no way you can tell me Jrue Holiday is better than Kyrie Irving or Jimmy Butler for that matter.

[@thomaslee2558]

dude can’t even do his research right he was one year off with his numbers

[@Khamiooooo]

Team USA need him but I feel where SAS coming from 💯

[@BMORETODAY]

This will actually help Kawhi! He will be playing all summer with superstars and get back to that Kawhi we know he can be

[@aqua_still_useless4384]

Honestly wtf? Kawhi Leonard is a top 10 player in basketball when on the court, let alone for the United States? like why is him being on team USA that controversial?

[@wohajnab85]

That was classless. You gotta stop with hate. He definitely deserves to represent the USA.

[@prakharagrawal153]

So sas saying nba matters more then olympics basketball for nation 😂

[@terrancebrown463]

Stephen A. Just mad Jalen Brunson a New York Knick didn't make the Roster Lol

[@5VIL2]

when you said he was the worse superstar in the league, he proved you wrong, wait until the olympics, he will destroy the competition

[@pacdonitti]

He actually should. If he can help them win!!

[@HurleyGonzalez]

Kawhi Leonard, should be on the USA team. You’re, wrong for saying otherwise.

[@Hakeem990]

Exactly Team USA will definitely need him with his skill set

[@Aquarius0622]

This mf really hates Kawhi from the bottom of his heart💀

[@briannao9251]

It’s crazy that this will be Stephen Curry’s FIRST EVER OLYMPICS!!!

[@MauriceWilsonIBO]

Factz! I happy Kawhi finally can get an Olympic gold but yea def think Kyrie/JBrunson or Paolo Banchero makes more sense for several reasons

[@yogeshn4349]

This guy been hating kawhi for a long time 😂😂

[@ashenafiwolde8982]

Stephen A Smith does not know what he is talking about. Klaw has three rings. He is a two time Finals MVP. And he is one of the best defenders in the history of the game. The only reason that he gets injured is because he gives you 110 percent both end of the floor. Stepen A Smith just wants to punish him because of load managment. He is not worrying about Klaw getting injured. Klaw is probally going to play 10 or 5 minutes per game. USA is going to blow all of them out by 20 points. The dream team are going to have fun. Yet, they might need him in the finials. Klaw can gaurd that French graff. Dream team is designed to show appration that those players are hall fames and legends. Kawi is one of the greatest players of all time - Top 10. It is time for usa baskatball team to give his due and celebrate his legacy. He deserves it.

[@masculean9855]

Well, they have depth. They might just let him watch from the bench.

[@kamtheory9358]

Honestly as a clip and mav fan I agree I want 2 fully healthy teams this series, no chances

[@doctorfeelok8575]

Clippers would have to have an exception in his contract stating if he missed "X" games in the season prior to any Olympics, he could not be an active player on the Olympic roster.

[@ChilledVibe25]

Three problems with the USA basketball roster. Problem#1 Too old (Not just Kawhi, but Anthony Davis, Lebron, Curry, Durant, really). Problem #2 To be fair and honest, why are there no white players on the team? (Could you imagine SAS commentary if the team was all white) I can name two white players that should be on that team. Problem #3 The majority of Americans want watch them because of the disrespect they showed to the Anthem and country. And now you want them to represent it!

[@ReubenDomingo1]

He said PABLO Banchero. lol

[@don_em6079]

Biggest beat around the bush Hater. He likes to talk about “availability” and trashes him. He never talks about how good he is.

[@ThatDoesntWorkForMeBrother]

With all of those great 3-point shooters and great post defenders, there's a very good chance that Kawhi Leonard and others will have quite the number of opportunities for load management in the 2024 Olympics. He'll be all right.

[@Manoftherisingsun]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂can’t be mad at dude for this one

[@Renjico00]

Kyrie should’ve been on the team. Shame on Grant for picking Kawhi over Ky. Pretty sure everyone on the roster has played with Kyrie before.

[@dasaucee9296]

Lebron, kd and AD miss so much games due to injury. You went all the way back to 2018, let me know how many games those other players played in the playoffs. SAS hates rhst man with a passion.

[@worlwidemanrjb]

Seriously I don’t know why he hate Kawhi so much bro. I got tired of him hating on him even though I love Stephen.

[@maxkamper7451]

There's a lot people wanna see him live in Europe the price's are 600€to 12000€ bruh

[@preciousndlovu6411]

Kwame Brown, you don’t even know the New York nick’s roaster Mr 1.5

[@chaneloladele154]

Ok I’m convinced Stephen is just Hating now. He obviously does not like Kawhi. Notice the comment at the end. “He ain’t gone talk nobody no way”. He really needs to stop. That man deserves to be there.

[@RobertHorry1956]

I agree with SAS. HE only wants to play so he can get a contract extension. He always hurt why is he playing for USA?

[@leanmeanmenace1744]

Man who gives a damn about any of that. we’re gonna be able to see Lebron, kd, Steph and Kawhi all playing together and on the same court. Who are all the best players of their era. We won’t have a chance to see that again.

[@tobyjohn-kq8hr]

I don't know if they going to win

[@troyc7726]

Kawhi barely plays when his team who is paying him needs him, he def shouldn’t be on the Olympic team.

[@kingbryson15]

I would replace tyrease with kyrie, and jrue with PG13, how’s Kawhi playing but not Paul!?

[@iespinosa31]

Stephen A doesn't deserve to speak on sports topics, yet he still speaks and gets paid to do it.

[@asapanime1875]

Damn he has a point . I clicked on the video ready to go upside you're head but you are right .