Stephen A. Smith lambasts Kawhi Leonard over health issues: "The audacity to literally want to represent Team USA"

For as much greatness as Kawhi Leonard has shown throughout his career, some have been critical of his track record when it comes to injuries. It has continued to hamper his progress and his LA Clippers' championship window due to his questionable availability. It is a sentiment that ESPN's Stephen A. Smith strongly highlighted on "First Take" on Thursday.

During the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Kawhi Leonard only played in Games 2 and 3 of the first round due to some swelling in his right knee. His team ended up losing the series in six games to Dallas. Meanwhile, he also missed 14 games in the regular season, which is an improvement over his 30 missed outings last season.

Smith argued that he wasn't too fond of the Clippers forward's addition to the Team USA roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"He's not on their level as somebody who prides himself in being an ambassador for the game of basketball," Smith said, "promoting the Clippers, promoting the NBA, promoting everything. And then you have the audacity to literally want to represent Team USA? You can't even represent the Clippers, 60% of the playoff games."

Smith said that Kawhi Leonard varies differently from LeBron James and Stephen Curry, who are athletes revered for their skill set on the court and their consistent availability. When it comes down to it, Smith values the NBA product as a global brand that is driven by its various superstars for continuous promotion.

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Grant Hill talked about the value that Kawhi Leonard will bring to the 2024 Team USA roster

Following a disappointing showing at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Team USA managing director Grant Hill put in the work to construct a competitive roster that can rival other elite teams in this year's Olympics.

Regarding Kawhi Leonard's role on the team, Hill pointed to his championship resume and Leonard's reputation as a winner on the court, as per San Diego Union-Tribute.

"Although Kawhi has not played in FIBA [international tournaments], he's played in big games," Hill said, "he's had in big moments, he's won championships. That kind of experience is valuable."

Judging by the final roster, it's evident that Hill envisioned a versatile unit capable of elite shotmaking and imposing defense. Considering how physical and competitive international teams are, Kawhi Leonard can certainly establish his presence at the defensive end.

Despite not having experience playing in international tournaments, Hill said that Leonard will be good to go once the time has arrived. Be that as it may, it remains to be seen how he'll adjust to the new environment.