Retirement is a personal decision for any athlete, and it’s not anybody’s place to tell a player when to retire, according to former NBA star JJ Redick. He recently criticized ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith for his disrespectful comments about Kawhi Leonard injury and suggested that he retire from basketball.
"It's nobody's place to tell a player when to retire."@Rjeff24 reacts to Kawhi's injury ⬇️
(via NBA Today) pic.twitter.com/BVbWV9AiU9
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 26, 2023
Redick was appalled by Smith’s comments and took the time to explain just how much work Leonard had put in to come back from an ACL tear. He told Smith that he had played zero high-level basketball and did not understand the requirements of doing so.
JJ went on to describe just how meticulous Kawhi Leonard’s work ethic was through injury. Kawhi’s workouts left Redick in awe of just how much weight he was lifting and how much Kawhi was “getting after it.” Redick blasted Smith for questioning Leonard’s injury just because he couldn’t see it.
“Let’s give the guy some credit, he did it in Game 1. He went out there and battled in Game 2. Guess what? If he could play, he would play,” said Redick.
The former NBA star’s comments were in response to Smith’s claim that Leonard was the “worst superstar in the NBA” and should retire. Smith’s lack of empathy towards Kawhi Leonard and his injury was downright disrespectful.
“Kawhi Leonard should be celebrated for being able to come back from an ACL tear and still be that good of an NBA player. Instead, analysts like Stephen A. Smith distort people’s perceptions to destroy, instead of praise,” said Redick.
Redick also pointed out that retirement is not a decision that should be made lightly, and that it’s important to respect the players and their choices. It’s not anybody’s place to tell a player when to retire, especially when they have put in the work to overcome an injury and continue playing at a high level.
The Claw: Why Kawhi Leonard is a Game-Changer in the NBA
Kawhi Leonard’s journey to becoming one of the best players in the world has been marked by perseverance and a tireless work ethic. The two-time NBA Finals MVP is a dynamic scorer, elite defender, and has a knack for hitting clutch shots when it matters the most.
Leonard’s all-around game is what sets him apart from other players in the league. He has a remarkable ability to make plays on both ends of the court and is known for his tenacious defense. He can defend multiple positions, making him a versatile weapon for any team. Offensively, he can score from anywhere on the court and is a consistent threat from beyond the arc. His mid-range game is also one of the best in the league.
Leonard’s work ethic is second to none, and his commitment to improving his game is evident in his performance on the court. He’s known for his intense workouts, and his preparation before games is meticulous. He’s a student of the game and studies his opponents carefully, making him a difficult player to defend against.
Leonard’s accomplishments speak for themselves. He’s a five-time All-Star, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and has won two NBA Championships with two different teams. He’s also won two NBA Finals MVP awards, which speaks to his ability to step up when it matters the most.
In short, Kawhi Leonard is one of the best players in the world because of his complete game, his tireless work ethic, and his ability to rise to the occasion in big moments. He’s a true game-changer in the NBA and a player that any team would be lucky to have on their roster.
