Get credit where credit is due: From an entertainment standpoint, Stephen A. Smith is unparalleled in the sports media landscape. He and ESPN understand that Smith’s value lies not as an analyst, but as a performer. Smith gives hot takes with a gravita and passion that can be downright weird if the viewer knows not to take anything he says seriously.
The problem is: a lot of his viewers do it. When Smith says, « I also know it’s time for Kawhi Leonard to turn a lot of attention his way, » after losing LA to the New Orleans Pelicans, misinformed viewers begin to believe that A) The Clippers fall apart and B.) It’s Kawhi Leonard’s fault. Smith didn’t stop there.
Smith is right in the sense that about a year and a half into the Leonard / Paul George era, the Clippers failed to live up to expectations. They fell far short of their goal of a title in last year’s playoffs and they have struggled lately, losing seven of their last 12 games. And the blame for these deficiencies should be spread across the entire organization, including Leonard.
But pointing your finger directly and exclusively at Leonard means borrowing one of Mr. Smith’s favorite words, blasphemy. Leonard has had another spectacular year so far this season, averaging 26 points, six rebounds and five assists with excellent efficiency while playing his normal shark-like defense. The Clippers beat teams by an average of 10.3 points per 100 possessions when Leonard is on the ground.
Leonard was the engine of the Clippers, as it was last year in the postseason. There’s no denying that he had a bad game 7 against the Nuggets in the second round and only went off the field 6-22. However, as a talking head, it’s easy to keep pointing out this game, breakdown, and other losses that the Clippers saw as a cause for panic this season, especially with this year’s playoffs two months away. Until the Clippers prove otherwise, they’ll be a giant porthole target for media artists like Smith. It’s too easy for them and the Clippers haven’t made it easier for themselves. And if LA disappoints again in the postseason, all of that criticism may have been confirmed retrospectively.
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Related title :
– Stephen A. Smith blows up LA Clippers& # 39; Kawhi Leonard: & # 39; It& # 39; s time for him to improve& # 39;
– Clippers& # 39; Paul George: Achieves team high 28
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