Here is Where a Little Game Theory May Come in Handy
Let’s think how we would feel if we were in Kawhi’s shoes. If I were Kawhi, I think I would be very frustrated because I can’t shake what is now a long-term injury. It’s limited me for years and I hate the idea of playing on it and risking setback when I’m hopeful that I can nip it in the bud once and for all.
The times I’ve skipped USA ball and taken a full summer to rest, it’s recovered nicely, but then it tends to creep back in over the 82 game-plus-playoff-grind. I tried to correct the root causes last summer but that really makes it hurt even more.
No more. Playing on it now I may risk the chance to fully heal, and therefore my ability to be truly elite, and also earn $200 million. I don’t want to succumb to biased team doctors who maybe misdiagnosed me or external pressures and risk losing that edge which sets me apart like Isaiah Thomas did.
Kawhi emphasized that he doesn't want to take any steps back in his recovery: "I can’t come back unhealthy." #Spurs
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) March 7, 2018
But instead of being supported by my team and teammates, I keep hearing them say the craziest stuff about other injuries being worse, so what? I’m a slow healer? Or I’m fine now and not hurt?
Tony Parker on his return from the career-threatening quad injury he suffered last May: I’ve been through it. It was a rehab for me for eight months. Same kind of injury (as Kawhi), but mine was a hundred times worse. But the same kind of injury. You just stay positive."
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) March 23, 2018
Then I turn on the TV and hear them say how I’m isolating myself isn’t helpful!? How do all the plane rides help? I get stiff and can’t rehab as much.
If Manu says you should be with the team, you should be with the team. He’s the consummate professional. https://t.co/8itQgxmtsk
— Quixem Ramirez (@quixem) April 15, 2018
That kind of pressure and stress isn’t helping me heal. If you have something to say, say it to me. Not a reporter. Even if you have a good point to make, why make me look bad unnecessarily? We’re supposed to be family, right?
Do I want out? Maybe. Would I prefer to stay and get a supermax? Yes, as a matter of fact I like the idea of $200 million bucks. You don’t? So even if I dreamed of playing where I grew up in Los Angeles, or just getting out of San Antonio because it now feels toxic, ideally it would be in Fall of 2019, when I was next eligible to be traded since signing a supermax means I have to stay one more year.
But if you don’t offer me an extension, I’d prefer to just be traded now rather than stay one more awkward year then leave. I can play one year with a new team and then opt-out and go anywhere I like for the 2019-20 season.
“So you DO want a divorce!?”
“Well! You said you wanted brutal honesty right? There you go. You asked. What, now you don’t want to hear it cause the truth hurts? “