San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich told Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News Saturday that he did not consider superstar Kawhi Leonard a leader during Leonard’s time in San Antonio:
Gregg Popovich was asked about Patty Mills' role as a leader this season, given the offseason losses of longtime Spurs like Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard. His answer: pic.twitter.com/NQRAZfeX9t
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) November 25, 2018
Leonard spent the first seven seasons of his career in San Antonio before forcing his way out. The Spurs traded him to the Toronto Raptors in July.
Leonard’s career took on a superb trajectory in San Antonio, as he won a Finals MVP award, two Defensive Player of the Year awards and made two All-Star teams.
Keibard has mostly maintained his star-level production this season as a Raptor. He is averaging 24.4 points, a career-high 8.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 48.1 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from 3-point range. His outside shooting is down, and his defensive consistency has slipped, but overall, it’s impressive how Leonard has mostly picked up where he left off after playing just nine games during the 2017-18 season.
