In the 2017-18 season, Kawhi Leonard suffered a quad injury that kept him out for most of the year. There were reports of tension between Leonard and the Spurs’ medical staff, as well as disagreements over his rehab process.
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Leonard eventually requested a trade from the Spurs, which led to him being traded to the Toronto Raptors in the summer of 2018. Many Spurs fans were disappointed and felt that Leonard had let the team down.
This is especially true since he had previously expressed a desire to stay with the Spurs long-term. Many viewed him as a Spurs lifer, much like Tim Duncan before him.
His departure was reportedly fueled by Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker going hard on him for not playing.
ESPN Staffer implores Spurs organization to retire the #2 jersey worn by Kawhi Leonard
ESPN San Antonio Radio analyst Mike Jimenez recently got on a podcast with a fellow Spurs reporter. They discussed the Spurs’ current status and their chances at the Wembanyama sweepstakes.
Jimenez made a compelling case for why Leonard deserves to have his jersey up in the rafters:
“I know a lot of Spurs fans hate Kawhi Leonard. Believe me, the way he ghosted the Spurs was so unprofessional, and immature…That guy is trash, but I want his jersey retired at the AT&T Center. We wouldn’t have that 2014 title without him, so we gotta put some respect where that name is.”
“It’s a love-hate relationship. That #2 jersey should be up there. If [Bruce] Bowen is up there, if Johnny Moore is up there, then the guy that was the NBA of the 2014 Finals should be up there.”
What is Kawhi’s legacy in San Antonio?
Leonard is undoubtedly the 3rd most talented player to ever turn out for the Spurs. His achievements since leaving San Antonio and his NBA 75 inclusion over Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are proof of this.
Over the course of his last 2 full seasons in San Antonio, Kawhi finished 2nd and 3rd in MVP voting respectively. He had a historic 2017 playoff run up until the point when Zaza Pachulia stepped on his ankle.
Overall, the situation between Leonard and the Spurs was one of miscommunication, distrust, and ultimately, a parting of ways that left some fans feeling betrayed.
However, it’s important to note that not all Spurs fans hold negative feelings towards Leonard, and many recognize his contributions to the team during his time in San Antonio.
