Bally Sports Southwest (DR) / NBA (DR)
Although inseparable for seven seasons, Kawhi Leonard and Gregg Popovich have not always maintained very cordial relations at the Spurs. The legendary coach did not hesitate to attack his player, including during a crazy sequence in 2016.
Arriving in relative anonymity in San Antonio, he quickly discovered the demands of the owner. Drafted by the Spurs in 2011, Kawhi Leonard immediately had to deal with the high expectations of the franchise and its guru, namely Gregg Popovich. An arrival in the NBA certainly difficult for a player of only 20 years old, but which did not prevent him from achieving a lightning integration into this new system.
Started 39 times during his rookie season, The Klaw gradually took on even more importance in the rotation. This, before winning a Finals MVP title in 2014, then establishing himself as the main star of the team thereafter. A process which, however, was not always accompanied by good understanding with his coach, which would have led him to take off in 2018.
Gregg Popovich’s lunar outing for Kawhi Leonard
At the start of the 2016-17 season, when Tim Duncan had just retired and Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were no longer far away, Kawhi had the keys to the Spurs truck. As such, Popovich was particularly picky with him. A severity which was notably reflected during a match in Sacramento, during which the legendary tactician sharply criticized a choice made by his star:
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LEAKED Audio Of Kawhi Leonard & Greg Popovich Arguing In 2016????:
Pop: “Look at the court. He’s wide a** open, throw the damn ball!
Kawhi: “Who?”
Pop: “Good God, the white guy!”
Also, you can see Ime Udoka laughing on the bench as an assistant coach???? pic.twitter.com/q8SOASRKe5
— LegendZ (@legendz_nba) October 3, 2023
Gregg Popovich : Look around you ! Damn, he’s wide open, pass the damn ball!
Kawhi Leonard : Whose ?
Gregg Popovich : White-faced, good God!
By “blank”, understand Davis Bertans, who was waiting as usual to receive the offering from one of his teammates behind the 3-point line.
However, the fact that Coach Pop’ described the Latvian as open at that time can be called into question. Indeed, DeMarcus Cousins seemed able to intercept a possible pass from Kawhi if it had taken place. This sequence did not prevent the relatively easy victory of the Texans (105-110) and at least had the merit of greatly amusing Ime Udoka, at the time a simple assistant.
Even when the Spurs were well ahead in a seemingly affordable match, Gregg Popovich did not release his grip on Kawhi Leonard. Sometimes in a slightly exaggerated way, as in this action involving the “white beak” Davis Bertans.
2023-10-06 19:10:00
#heated #exchange #Kawhi #Popovich #Pass #damn #ball #white #man
