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Spurs: Kawhi’s trade demand proves that Pop’s ways are wearing off

By Robbie Stratakos

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Kawhi Leonard’s trade demand to the San Antonio Spurs is an indication that Gregg Popovich’s ways are beginning to wear off

Gregg Popovich is arguably the best head coach in the National Basketball Association, but the drama that presented itself between he, the San Antonio Spurs and Kawhi Leonard this season was an eye-opening series of events.

And based on what likely comes next in this relationship, as well as what has occurred within the last year, it’s becoming clear that Popovich’s ways are not resonating as much with his star players.

Last week, Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports reported that Leonard wants to be traded by the Spurs – which, after the series of events that unfolded this season, is not surprising at all.

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The Spurs began the 2017-18 regular season without Leonard due to a right quadriceps injury, and the forward didn’t make his season debut until December 12th. But even in his return, Leonard didn’t look like his stellar self. Averaging just 16.2 points per game and being granted just 23.3 minutes a night, he was unable to produce at the high level he did on both ends the year prior.

After being in and out of the lineup due to recurring injuries, it was determined that Leonard had to sit out for a longer period of time. Sure enough, he never played another game in the season, but in late-March it was revealed that the Spurs held a players-only meeting to push Leonard to return to the floor – which he never did.

Throughout the chaos, Popovich gave off the impression that it was up to Leonard when he would be ready to return, referring to him as “he and his group,” and some Spurs players said that the team was approaching the rest of the season as if Leonard wasn’t returning.

On the flip side, Leonard felt the Spurs disrespected and betrayed him. To add fuel to the fire, point guard Tony Parker said he underwent a similar injury to Leonard that was “a hundred times worse.” Former Spurs forward and current FOX Sports analyst, Stephen Jackson, stirred the pot with an appearance on “The Herd” back on March 26th when he criticized the Spurs and provided insight for their treatment of Leonard (skip to 4:00).

Very few people truly know the full story as to what took place between Leonard, Popovich, and the Spurs organization. But in the interest of fairness, this is a two-sided issue. On one hand, it appears as if Leonard could’ve returned this season, but that the Spurs may have disrespected and misguided how hurt he truly was. Nevertheless, their relationship appears to be irreparable at this point.

Leonard is just a year removed from averaging 25.5 points per game and helping lead the Spurs to the Western Conference Finals; he’s also a two-time Defensive Player of the Year recipient. The Spurs aren’t going to trade him away for spare parts and a couple of second round draft picks.

Heck, they may even opt to keep him based on the notion that they won’t get equal value for his services considering that he’s hitting free agency after the 2018-19 season. At the same time, this is the second consecutive offseason that a star or prominent player within the Spurs organization has asked for a trade out of San Antonio.

Just under a year ago, big man LaMarcus Aldridge decided that he had enough and wanted to be traded away from Popovich and the Spurs. Granted he and Popovich worked things out, and the big man ultimately stayed put, Aldridge asking for a trade out-of-town spoke volumes. Now, Leonard (the best player the Spurs have thrown out on the court since Tim Duncan) wants out, and there’s a more realistic chance that his request is granted.

Popovich gets the most out of his players on a yearly basis. They’ve gotten away with below-average point guard play over the last four years and haven’t missed the playoffs under him since the 1996-97 season. The Spurs were also tied with the Utah Jazz last season in points surrendered despite Leonard playing in just nine games (99.8 points per game).

They’re a team that is always prepared for its opponent and doesn’t let injury be used as an excuse – which is admirable. With or without Leonard, the Spurs will likely remain a playoff threat under Popovich. At the same time, no one can deny that Popovich is a different breed of head coach in both a good and bad way.

On one hand, Popovich always has the Spurs in the playoffs and is constantly in his players’ ear. Simultaneously, constant criticism and overreaction can do a number on players’ morale. Now, if you look at Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Ginobili, they were unfazed and/or overcame the adversity Popovich challenged them with.

So, from that standpoint, you could make the case that Leonard doesn’t have the mental makeup that Spurs icons before him possessed. But when your two best players ask for trades – which Popovich admitted he never experienced before – it may be time to look in the mirror and tweak your ways. But, at this stage of his career, it may be too late for Popovich.

Must Read: Where should the San Antonio Spurs trade Kawhi Leonard?

The Duncan-Parker-Ginobili era is over. Parker and Ginobli are on their last leg, and the Spurs are a team with a confusing future ahead. Popovich is one of the most successful head coaches in NBA history, but at some point in one’s career, there comes a point where their my way or the highway stance no longer works.

Whether he’s in the right or wrong, Leonard wanting out signals that things are changing in San Antonio. Aldridge asking for a trade was one thing. Leonard asking for one is a whole different situation – one that, if granted, will end the Popovich dynasty.

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