Woj: Kawhi Back in SA Working Out with Team; Spurs Expecting a March Return

[BatManu20]

Woj has spoken! Let's go bitches!



968256157960851457

[Chris]

Woj bomb!

[Chinook]

Hope it works out with Leonard back and the team having adjusted to him. Score one for Jabari's prediction skills

[TDomination]

Let's get it on!

[SpursforSix]

:pop: too late. I have no way to integrate him into the lineup at this point.

:pop: did you see what we did to Cleveland?

[spursistan]

Fuck yeah :lobt2:

[Proxy]

itshappening.gif

[Proxy]

:pop: too late. I have no way to integrate him into the lineup at this point.

:pop: did you see what we did to Cleveland?

needs to re-get over himself

[SpursforSix]

For real. Thank goodness.

Hopefully, we'll find out before the end of this season if it's chronic or not.

[Slippy]

Great news . Hope its not another tease. Cant be good for the team to have one more kawhi setback.

[spurs2112]

:flag:

[LkrFan]

:lol

[marinoman]

Quit playing games with my heart!

[cd021]

League = fucked :claw:lma:lobt2:

[Robz4000]

I'll believe it when I see it.

[SpursforSix]

coincidentally, San Antonio just had a "low tissue" alert

Y'all nigs need to keep it in the shower

[NASpurs]

He was training in the hyperbolic time chamber to save the Spurs. :lobt:

[SAGirl]

heh... soon as the team won against a playoff team on the road... Kiwi said... hmmmm maybe we have a chance if I get back.


Realistically though, what happened is that the team and him had a target for him to be back for real after the ASB and he missed it, prompting huge disappointment from Pop and thus he made the statements he made to the media that he wasn't expecting him back this season. Pop also had to get the other guys on the team ready to make a push in the middle of a really strong schedule if they wanted to make the playoffs.

Kiwi's camp meantime was leaking through Jabari Young that he was still trying to play this season and Jabari had said, he'd look at an early March return before proclaiming Kawhi as not returning.

The good news is that he finished whatever he was doing in NY and is back with the team in SA.

[r0drig0lac]

https://media.giphy.com/media/cT9tZDsVQL1II/giphy.gif

[spursistan]

https://i.imgur.com/M67Y1RF.jpg
March 3rd vs Lakers would be very optimistic..But i would give him until the Magic game on March 13th to get ready; otherwise he would have to shut it down at that point..

[SAGirl]

Hope it works out with Leonard back and the team having adjusted to him. Score one for Jabari's prediction skills
At least he is plugged in to Kiwi's camp. I think the timeline he personally gave was based on his "sources."

[ducks]

Dude would be fresh for playoffs
And wanting to prove he is worth supermax extension

[bklynspursfan]

Dude would be fresh for playoffs
And wanting to prove he is worth supremes extension

NBA = Fucked

[Darius Bieber]

But does Kawhi bring culture to the team? :pop:

[Down Under]

He spent a further 3 weeks in NY? Must've seen a lot of specialists.

[BillMc]

March 2018 right? Right?????

In all seriousness, good news.

[Darius Bieber]

But finally being able to see a non-trash player in the lineup is nice.

[dabom]

https://i.imgur.com/M67Y1RF.jpg
March 3rd vs Lakers would be very optimistic..But i would give him until the Magic game on March 13th to get ready; otherwise he would have to shut it down at that point..

3 of those games are 50/50. All other games are wins with Kawhi.

[ducks]

He spent a further 3 weeks in NY? Must've seen a lot of specialists.

Takes a long time to run test and get results
3 weeks is not that long

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

:pop: too late. I have no way to integrate him into the lineup at this point.

:pop: did you see what we did to Cleveland?

:pop: We're not risking another injury. Don't expect him back this year.
:pop: We are all racists.

[DAF86]

Beating Houston on the second round as the underdogs would be sweet, tbh.

[BillMc]

:pop: We are all racists.

:lol

[Seventyniner]

March 3rd vs Lakers would be very optimistic..But i would give him until the Magic game on March 13th to get ready; otherwise he would have to shut it down at that point..

Agree with the 13th. Dodges that brutal three game road trip.

[BillMc]

Beating Houston on the second round as the underdogs would be sweet, tbh.

:toast Any season that allows us to continue to torture D'Antoni is a success in my book. There's a special joy in it.

[marinoman]

I said it it another thread, kawhi is too competitive not to comeback and pop saying hed be surprised if he comes back was prolly a message to the spurs players and there 4 game losing streak and to stop waiting for him.
kinda like when he said we went from poor me to screw you

[bklynspursfan]

Beating Houston on the second round as the underdogs would be sweet, tbh.

Better yet, beat the Dubs then the Rockets. Give CP3 a taste of WCF just to take him out.

[TXstbobcat]

Fuck Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!

:claw

[NASpurs]

Kawhi's going to use the first round matchup as preseason games by the time he comes back. March is coming up in a flash.

[Dre_7]

I wont believe it until Apo confirms it with his sources.

[BillMc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPgPrtOxvK4&feature=youtu.be&t=10

[Dre_7]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPgPrtOxvK4&feature=youtu.be&t=10

:tu :claw

[DPG21920]

That is good news. If it comes to fruition, then it at least kills one portion of the rumor mill that Kawhi is not interested in putting his body on the line for a team that he does not want to play for.

He may still want out, but that portion of the rumor would be untrue if he comes back after all the Isiah Thomas comparisons.

[K...]

It was the news that zaza not suspended that triggered him. It's personal now

[BillMc]

:tu :claw
:toast

:claw

[Dex]

Finally, some good news regarding this whole fiasco.

Here's hoping Kawhi comes back healthy and happy.

[marinoman]

Woj said hes not doing 5 v5 full contact and closer to the end of March then beginning

[spursistan]

That is good news. If it comes to fruition, then it at least kills one portion of the rumor mill that Kawhi is not interested in putting his body on the line for a team that he does not want to play for.

He may still want out, but that portion of the rumor would be untrue if he comes back after all the Isiah Thomas comparisons.

Agreed it doesn't necessarily mean he is OK with the state of the roster/team, but that it is mostly relating to the injury and the "mental thing" part become a far more plausible theory for this saga as of now.....

It is a good sign that Kawhi wants to push through it..

[spurraider21]

He was training in the hyperbolic time chamber to save the Spurs. :lobt:
for how many days? dude's gonna be old as fuck

[Emperor]

3rd place team in the West about to add a Top 5 player to their squad.Wow.

[weeks]

I'll believe it when I see it.

[phxspurfan]

:spam:

[vander]

I hope he's actually healthy and not just doing this because of all the negative press. I thought that chronic tendinopathy took a long time to heal, like possibly even years.

[dbreiden83080]

For fucks sake let’s go already. Renew my faith in you. Let’s do this shit.

[lil'mo]

3rd place team in the West about to add a Top 5 player to their squad.Wow.

Kawhi is no longer a top 5 player

[phxspurfan]

https://media.giphy.com/media/hxx5gSPUf7EAM/200.gif http://www.bullshift.net/data/images/2013/09/tank-1920x1200.jpg https://media.giphy.com/media/hxx5gSPUf7EAM/200.gif

[MaNu4Tres]

Huge news. The fact that he'll be back working with the team after spending nearly a month working away from the team can't be anything but positive.

The team just needs his presence more than anything. If he can make a comeback and be himself again by the end of March, what a huge bonus that will be...both short term and god-willing long term.

[TheDoctor]

http://www.bullshift.net/data/images/2013/09/tank-1920x1200.jpg

Destroy that Tank boys.

https://i.imgur.com/gXB0LAh.gif

[dbreiden83080]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPgPrtOxvK4&feature=youtu.be&t=10

Rocky 2 is a classic..

[weeks]

if he really comes back better than his last comeback, i like our chances

[TheDoctor]

Rocky 2 is a classic..

1-4 are. Creed was good too.

[BatManu20]

Kawhi in 2 weeks.

https://media.giphy.com/media/xrhj6w8wVQ688/giphy.gif

[dbreiden83080]

1-4 are. Creed was good too.

Agreed. 5 was awful and 6 was okay..

[dbreiden83080]

If he can make it back and be back to what he was last season down the stretch run there will be a couple of teams in the West shitting themselves. They thought the Spurs for once would be no problem in the playoffs. Maybe we can still stir it up.

[TheDoctor]

Agreed. 5 was awful and 6 was okay..

Exactly :tu

[Dre_7]

Agreed. 5 was awful and 6 was okay..

5 was awful. 6 was pretty good IMO. I honestly think 6 was better than 4, maybe even 3. 1, and 2 are definitely the best.

[Leetonidas]

I guess his uncle gave him permission then since he was calling the shots :lol

[Chris]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/1433dd2a-5bd3-426b-9412-98c6423c949e_1.c7db0df65dcc3eff49ab0b60304342bc.jp eg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF

[YGWHI]

I hope he's actually healthy and not just doing this because of all the negative press. I thought that chronic tendinopathy took a long time to heal, like possibly even years.

A week ago I said -BEFORE Woj article and Jabari Young tweet- that he was working hard to return this season.


I already knew it since Kawhi's camp say exactly the opposite.

They find very weird all these rumors since they're working so HARD to Kawhi to be able to play again this season. If this doesn't occur it won't be because they didn't try...
http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=272386&page=8

But I'm worried.

Kawhi doesn't give a shit about media but a player is succumbing to the pressure to play through an injury when his next contract and other potential implications depend on his return.

IDK...I thought he was working but wasn't ready yet.

[SAGirl]

Woj said hes not doing 5 v5 full contact and closer to the end of March then beginning
If that is true... I hope the team is still in playoff contention by then. They have a small margin for error.

[John B]

I hope it cleared any doubts in his mind that his body is ready and can give 100%. Now to get back to NBA level competition.

[DPG21920]

I honestly don’t care if he’s playing this year. I just want him around the team and present. And hopefully available to media to speak.

If he’s injured; rest. No one will begrudge him that.

[YGWHI]

If that is true... I hope the team is still in playoff contention by then. They have a small margin for error.
Butler is out for March. I doubt Wolves would win many games without him, they have a hard schedule.

I can't see Blazers nor OKC having a better record than the Spurs in next month.

[SASdynasty!]

Good. Now put Parker back in the starting lineup and make a title run.

[Russ]

https://i.imgur.com/M67Y1RF.jpg
March 3rd vs Lakers would be very optimistic..But i would give him until the Magic game on March 13th to get ready; otherwise he would have to shut it down at that point..

Two games with Golden State?

"DNP Rest."

:flag:

[Spurs9]

Sit him against any Zaza games?

[MannyIsGod]

heh... soon as the team won against a playoff team on the road... Kiwi said... hmmmm maybe we have a chance if I get back.


Realistically though, what happened is that the team and him had a target for him to be back for real after the ASB and he missed it, prompting huge disappointment from Pop and thus he made the statements he made to the media that he wasn't expecting him back this season. Pop also had to get the other guys on the team ready to make a push in the middle of a really strong schedule if they wanted to make the playoffs.

Kiwi's camp meantime was leaking through Jabari Young that he was still trying to play this season and Jabari had said, he'd look at an early March return before proclaiming Kawhi as not returning.

The good news is that he finished whatever he was doing in NY and is back with the team in SA.

Nah, what happened was Pop put the pressure on his camp by going to the media. Now Kawhi is back. I think Pop is tired of being dicked around a bit because he's never had to deal with this from a star on the team and had to remind them that ultimately Kawhi doesn't have as much leverage as they probably thought. Especially if he wants a supermax. LA is nice, but I'm not sure they want to give up that much money to get there.

[marinoman]

If that is true... I hope the team is still in playoff contention by then. They have a small margin for error.
And not the 7 or 8 seed either

[BillMc]

5 was awful. 6 was pretty good IMO. I honestly think 6 was better than 4, maybe even 3. 1, and 2 are definitely the best.

This.

I liked 6 and Creed better than 4 and the dreadful 5. It's a really strong series with only 5 being outright bad.

[Russ]

Nah, what happened was Pop put the pressure on his camp by going to the media.

Pop was signaling that he didn't expect (or care if) Kawhi came back.

Pop was using the last desperate trick in the coaching handbook, used by Gene Hackman on his star player in "Hoosiers" as Hackman turned his back and walked away:


I can tell you this: I don't care if you play on the team or not.


That always gets the star's attention.

[daslicer]

Some positive news.

[hater]

I hope he's actually healthy and not just doing this because of all the negative press. I thought that chronic tendinopathy took a long time to heal, like possibly even years.

Good analytic post. Thats how I think as well

[daslicer]

The last time a superstar returned to the NBA late in March:

znlcaBU-G_k

[spurraider21]

:spam:

[Play Boban]

We’re third in the West without him, and would be third in the West with him. NON-FACTOR.

[BillMc]

Woj with a little more detail. Says late March.


http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=22589549

[Russ]

The last time a superstar returned to the NBA late in March:

znlcaBU-G_k

Unfortunately, it didn't end well for Jordan or the Bulls.

But Jordan had been out (playing baseball) for two years.

Kawhi wouldn't know a baseball from a grapefruit.

[Play Boban]

This front-running SOB. He wants to play in the playoffs after not putting in the time during the season. Entitled!

[Play Boban]

Unfortunately, it didn't end well for Jordan or the Bulls.

But Jordan had been out (playing baseball) for two years.

Kawhi wouldn't know a baseball from a grapefruit.
Kawhi couldn’t tell a piece of toilet paper from the Mona Lisa tbh. He can’t even wipe his own ass.

[emanueldavidginobili]

late March? I’m going to say he’ll be back March 13th vs. the Magic

[daslicer]

Unfortunately, it didn't end well for Jordan or the Bulls.

But Jordan had been out (playing baseball) for two years.

Kawhi wouldn't know a baseball from a grapefruit.

Bulls overachieved in my eyes when MJ returned that season. Prior to his return they were 34-31 and after he returned they went 13-4 with him. The bulls lost to the Magic but they were not the favorites to win that series. The series however turned out to be very competitive and it showed the bulls were only 1 piece away from being a title contender again. That 1 piece turned out to be Rodman.

[sasaint]

I honestly don’t care if he’s playing this year. I just want him around the team and present. And hopefully available to media to speak.

If he’s injured; rest. No one will begrudge him that.

He has been "available" to the media. If he had indicated that he was going to say anything he would have been surrounded by the press. Frankly, the lack of any word at all from Kawhi is the weirdest aspect of this whole episode. It was the thing over which he had real control, and he refused to say anything. I honestly would have been happier if he had said something to dispel rumors about his distance/disaffection with the Spurs than I am about his potential return in March. So late in the season, I am not sure there will be sufficient time for him to re-establish good chemistry with his teammates. His longer term health is more important than a return this late under the prevailing circumstances - especially if he remains a Spur (to be selfish about it).

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Well, well.................March..........



Interesting...............








I may have to dust off the old SPAM pen.

[emanueldavidginobili]

When and if Kawhi tells the Spurs he’s ready to play, I hope he’s ready to play 30 MPG. That’s BS limit restriction when he came back was terrible. Never could get in a rhythm and rotations were wacky.

[SAGirl]

968264313466126336
If it's late March... then he will have between 5-10 games left on the season to get acclimated and get some rhythm with teammates. Cutting it really close, but I'd still play him if I am coach (provided there is no risk whatsoever of a recurrence, bc after him being out almost all season, why risk a recurrence that late?)

[Dex]

968264313466126336

March 13th against Orlando definitely seems like the best bet, as long as Kawhi is ready. Obviously needs to get some 5v5 time in, but if his body really is ready to go, I wouldn't expect much.

3/23 is against a tough match-up with Utah, and coming back any later than that obviously isn't good for chemistry and continuity.

[SAGirl]

968267634226712576

[ducks]

Well, well.................March..........



Interesting...............








I may have to dust off the old SPAM pen.

[NameLess Scrub]

Stop it guys. He's not coming back.....

[ducks]

Stop it guys. He's not coming back.....

Did you say trump would not be president to?

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgAsNtmlQJU

[Budkin]

Fuck yes.

[TDomination]

If we can get this kawhi we will be a tough out.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=211s&v=areMJQl_7s8

[Mr. Body]

I see no way they can integrate him very well. What a mess.

[SupremeGuy]

Jesus Fucking Christ :claw

[ElNono]

Fake news!

[Uriel]

Best case scenario: Leonard returns to the Spurs in late March, he returns to form by the playoffs, the Spurs upset the Rockets in the 2nd round and make the Western Conference Finals. Then everybody forgets any of this ever happened and he signs a supermax extension in the summer.

[Play Boban]

:lol lol at all you homers specifying dates when he’ll be hack like you’re doctors or something. :lol

[Play Boban]

Kawhi won’t be back this season. I know this because I have science on my side. Kawhi’s injury is mental. He’s fine! Scared!

[Slippy]

Even if the integration doesnt go smoothly. its positive news that kawhi Leonard wants to play with the team. Bodes well for the future

[tmtcsc]

At best I'm keeping my expectations in check and at worst I'm feeling pessimistic about his return. Its good news that he's going to attempt to come back but there are no guarantees he's going to play in another regular season game. All we know for sure is that he's going to try. This could be a PR move on his part for all we know.

Glass is half empty as far as I'm concerned and could prove to be one last team distraction in the end.

[David Stern]

I see no way they can integrate him very well. What a mess.

That’s what was said about the Lakers in 2001. Derek Fisher was not going to make a difference, yet he did in late March (he didn’t play all year prior to then). The Lakers didn’t really have their true full team until a week left in the season (Kobe sprained his ankle soon after Fisher returned), and the Lakers came together. So spare me your debbie downer bullshit.

[Old School 44]

Best case scenario: Leonard returns to the Spurs in late March, he returns to form by the playoffs, the Spurs upset the Rockets in the 2nd round and make the Western Conference Finals. Then everybody forgets any of this ever happened and he signs a supermax extension in the summer.

Best case, Kawhi comes back against the Warriors, Zaza attempts to injure him. Pop leaves the bench and proceeds to beat the living shit out of Zaza and gets suspended for the season. Kawhi seeing the loyalty from Pop, goes nuclear for the rest of the season. He resigns with the Spurs. LeBron, admiring from afar, decides he wants to play for Pop and the Spurs.

[David Stern]

Bulls overachieved in my eyes when MJ returned that season. Prior to his return they were 34-31 and after he returned they went 13-4 with him. The bulls lost to the Magic but they were not the favorites to win that series. The series however turned out to be very competitive and it showed the bulls were only 1 piece away from being a title contender again. That 1 piece turned out to be Rodman.

The Bulls honestly should have beaten Orlando in 1995. They gave game 1 away, blew game 3 in the final minutes, and imploded in game 6 up 8 (with the ball) with 3 minutes left and failed to score another point. They were in position to win that series in 5 or 6 games. The next season was easily a no-contest when they added Rodman.

[tholdren]

Trade

[TXstbobcat]

This.

I liked 6 and Creed better than 4 and the dreadful 5. It's a really strong series with only 5 being outright bad.

5 was unwatchable lol. I though Creed was really good.

[Ice009]

The article says late March. I don't know, that doesn't sound like he's ready at all. It sounds more like a last-ditch attempt. That doesn't leave much time in the season at all. If he were already training and looking to come back by mid-march, I'd feel a lot more optimistic with him having a month on the court with his teammates.

Was he actually working out in New York, doing any rehab? or was he just there for medical opinions?

[Dex]

Kawhi won’t be back this season. I know this because I have science on my side. Kawhi’s injury is mental. He’s fine! Scared!

Thanks Trump.

[ismael-robert]

With all this time he was out hope he tried the platelet injections kobe got or prolotherapy...i had prolo and it worked when the standard steroid injections failed. Insurance wont cover it but he can afford it

[ducks]

Leonard could have voted for trump more blacks voted for republicans then ever
His generation of blacks are sick of democracts doing nothing for them

[DMC]

Team will lose games they should win, short term outlook will say "integration woes, nothing to see here" then it will continue and it will be "Maybe we can get something good for him, like Klay Thompson"

[Keepin' it real]

itshappening.gif

https://i.imgur.com/haimkDf.gif

[BackHome]

To late he is not close to basketball shape

[ducks]

To late he is not close to basketball shape

Better shape then mills

[Proxy]

To late he is not close to basketball shape

he's fucking human shape

[Chinook]

Better shape then mills


he's fucking human shape

Feel like between you two, an opportunity for a joke was lost.

[Play Boban]

Thanks Trump.
:bobo

[Proxy]

Feel like between you two, an opportunity for a joke was lost.

haha, I'm doing my best, which is not very good

[Mr. Body]

That’s what was said about the Lakers in 2001. Derek Fisher was not going to make a difference, yet he did in late March (he didn’t play all year prior to then). The Lakers didn’t really have their true full team until a week left in the season (Kobe sprained his ankle soon after Fisher returned), and the Lakers came together. So spare me your debbie downer bullshit.

Lol, slow your roll, hoss. David Stern can suck my dick.

[UZER]

I see no way they can integrate him very well. What a mess.

Yup. Pop hasn't been able to integrate LMA and Kawhi for 2 years. Now it's going to happen in less than 20 games?


Bulls overachieved in my eyes when MJ returned that season. Prior to his return they were 34-31 and after he returned they went 13-4 with him. The bulls lost to the Magic but they were not the favorites to win that series. The series however turned out to be very competitive and it showed the bulls were only 1 piece away from being a title contender again. That 1 piece turned out to be Rodman.

Pop handing out 3peats but can't muster a 2peat. :lol

[ECOV]

:lol lol at all you homers specifying dates when he’ll be hack like you’re doctors or something. :lol
same for the people who talk alot of shit

[szkorhetz]

5 was unwatchable lol. I though Creed was really good.
3 and 4 are the best. It's a toss-up between them ,TBH

[SAGirl]

968264313466126336
If it's late March... then he will have between 5-10 games left on the season to get acclimated and get some rhythm with teammates. Cutting it really close, but I'd still play him if I am coach (provided there is no risk whatsoever of a recurrence, bc after him being out almost all season, why risk a recurrence that late?)
A revision on this:
If he still has to do the 2 days in between games and minutes restrictions then there just aren’t going to be enough games left. He would have to come back and be able to play whatever games there are left ( including B2B) for at least the 30 minutes.

So, I am starting to see why Pop was skeptical of him playing this season, even knowing as he must have known that Kawhi was planning a come back by the end of March.

I remain skeptical. It’s good to hear he has progressed with his injury though and perhaps he can give the team some moral support and hope with his presence.

[Rummpd]

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22589002/kawhi-leonard-back-working-san-antonio-spurs

Full story link most of it old news

[John B]

LMA already found his game and got his confidence back. Spurs defense without Leonard is one of the best in keeping teams under 100, and Kawhi will just tighten it even more. Now to close out games in the 4th where LMA has had problems with. Kawhi plays iso and can score on anyone. I really don’t think LMA and Kawhi games really need to mesh together because of this. It would be nice. But both play iso games vs beautiful passing game. The young guys have gotten valuable big minutes and experience. The only odd man really is Gay who still can’t seem to find his game. But i’ve seen him postup Draymond and was very effective. I really think this team is due. With the adversities they had throughout the season. This team is due. This is no longer Timmy’s team, but a young team who I think would like to prove themselves they belong. It should be fun watching the last leg of the season going into the playoffs. And I feel the Spurs have a very good chance. Go Spurs Go :flag:

[spurs10]

A revision on this:
If he still has to do the 2 days in between games and minutes restrictions then there just aren’t going to be enough games left. He would have to come back and be able to play whatever games there are left ( including B2B) for at least the 30 minutes.

So, I am starting to see why Pop was skeptical of him playing this season, even knowing as he must have known that Kawhi was planning a come back by the end of March.

I remain skeptical. It’s good to hear he has progressed with his injury though and perhaps he can give the team some moral support and hope with his presence. Yeah Pop knew what he was talking about. It's not easy to jump in up to speed. However I thought earlier in the season after about 7 games he was looking much better. His last game, his ninth, I was excited and saying ‘He’s back!’

[sananspursfan21]

:lol @ everyone saying Kawhi won’t make a difference if/when he returns

[hombre]

Leonard could have voted for trump more blacks voted for republicans then ever
His generation of blacks are sick of democracts doing nothing for them

Check out the Russian bot.

[rasuo214]

Kawhi doesn't have to be back to full game shape to have an impact (playing 30+ mins on B2Bs). Pop should have him come off the bench initially so it doesn't mess with LMA and it gives the Spurs flexibility on whether to integrate him with the SL or not.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

A revision on this:
If he still has to do the 2 days in between games and minutes restrictions then there just aren’t going to be enough games left. He would have to come back and be able to play whatever games there are left ( including B2B) for at least the 30 minutes.

So, I am starting to see why Pop was skeptical of him playing this season, even knowing as he must have known that Kawhi was planning a come back by the end of March.

I remain skeptical. It’s good to hear he has progressed with his injury though and perhaps he can give the team some moral support and hope with his presence.

If I understood correctly, after he returned in december he was getting 2 days between games because he was feeling pain the day after a game, not because the team was holding him back, as many suggested. He'll need some time to get in playing shape, etc. but I imagine if he still feels pain the day after a game he'll be shut down for the season, instead of getting 2 days between games again, it'd be pointless.

[SAGirl]

:lol at anyone who thinks I was examining the # of games left and was talking about impact.

This is what I was talking about. There's an escalation of minutes and observation of how his body is responding. If you only have 5-10 games at most, assuming no setbacks there's no sufficient games to bring someone back safely. BG got what I was referring to.


If I understood correctly, after he returned in december he was getting 2 days between games because he was feeling pain the day after a game, not because the team was holding him back, as many suggested. He'll need some time to get in playing shape, etc. but I imagine if he still feels pain the day after a game he'll be shut down for the season, instead of getting 2 days between games again, it'd be pointless.

Hopefully you are right. There's no point in further injury management with 5-10 games left in the season, which is why I think Pop said what he said. He'd have to be 100% with basically no complaints whatsoever and the ability to play without any restrictions other than what prudence dictates and one just doesn't know how his body will handle it. You are right though. If there's any setback it would e pointless to continue to attempt to come back this season. Hopefully it goes peachy from here on out.

[BillMc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgAsNtmlQJU
:lol:toast

[r0drig0lac]

:lol @ everyone saying Kawhi won’t make a difference if/when he returns

yeah, it's weird, lol in "chemistry", if he's 100% healthy he should come back, it's not as if Spurs without Kawhi had any chance in the playoffs

[FkLA]

SPAM :cry :claw

[duncan2k5]

Why do ppl say Pop couldn't integrate LMA and Kawhi? Just because LMA wanted more shots? We had balanced scoring, one of the best offensive teams in the league, and won a franchise record number of games... LA could have scored more points last year if he stopped taking fade aways over guards in the post...

[bklynspursfan]

Why do ppl say Pop couldn't integrate LMA and Kawhi? Just because LMA wanted more shots? We had balanced scoring, one of the best offensive teams in the league, and won a franchise record number of games... LA could have scored more points last year if he stopped taking fade aways over guards in the post...

Agreed. Some of that ownus is definitely on LMA being too passive.

[MoSpur02]

Dabom starts the GT thread and good news all of a sudden arrives. Nice job. No offense to BatManu20. I'm sure he's a team player.

[Canyonero]

He was told LeBron is coming next season tbh

[Dex]

Why do ppl say Pop couldn't integrate LMA and Kawhi? Just because LMA wanted more shots? We had balanced scoring, one of the best offensive teams in the league, and won a franchise record number of games... LA could have scored more points last year if he stopped taking fade aways over guards in the post...

Agreed. Obviously, Kawhi being in the starting lineup is going to take SOME shots from LMA...there are only so many shots to go around. But it's not like Aldridge is simply taking more shots this year. He's getting out more on the break, getting earlier post-up position, doing work on the offensive glass, and the team is actively searching for him more. All of that can still happen with Kawhi on the floor.

[dabom]

Dabom starts the GT thread and good news all of a sudden arrives. Nice job. No offense to BatManu20. I'm sure he's a team player.

About time some people see the correlation. :claw

[BillMc]

Kawhi and Spurs talk begins at about 3:26


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKwdmop70Qs

[Phenomanul]

The real March Madness...!

[TheDoctor]

Kawhi and Spurs talk begins at about 3:26


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKwdmop70Qs
Thanks Bill :toast

[BillMc]

Thanks Bill :toast
:toast No problem, Doc.

[bklynspursfan]

Kawhi and Spurs talk begins at about 3:26


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKwdmop70Qs

That super max talk was interesting. Thanks for sharing :tu

I stopped caring when Broussard went on about our chances beating GS. I (personally) like our chances more against the Warriors than the Rockets if I'm being completely honest.

[Dre_7]

That super max talk was interesting. Thanks for sharing :tu

I stopped caring when Broussard went on about our chances beating GS. I (personally) like our chances more against the Warriors than the Rockets if I'm being completely honest.

I am at work and cannot watch for the next several hours, what was said about the super max?

[bklynspursfan]

I am at work and cannot watch for the next several hours, what was said about the super max?

Basically that you have to qualify for the super max by getting first team NBA, or winning MVP, but I just did a search, and it seems that talk was not entirely correct, he left some out.



A player qualifies for the DPE [Designated Player Exception], which can be used to give a player a contract extension or to sign him as a free agent, if he does one of the following:


1. He makes one of the three all-NBA teams or is named either defensive player of the year or most valuable player the previous season.


2. He has made one of the three all-NBA teams or has been named defensive player of the year in two of the prior three seasons or the league’s most valuable player in one of the three prior seasons.



So Kawhi is eligible based on #2 I guess? They made it seem like he wouldn't be this summer

[sasaint]

Basically that you have to qualify for the super max by getting first team NBA, or winning MVP, but I just did a search, and it seems that talk was not entirely correct, he left some out.



So Kawhi is eligible based on #2 I guess? They made it seem like he wouldn't be this summer

Yep, All-NBA in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

[Dre_7]

Basically that you have to qualify for the super max by getting first team NBA, or winning MVP, but I just did a search, and it seems that talk was not entirely correct, he left some out.



So Kawhi is eligible based on #2 I guess? They made it seem like he wouldn't be this summer

Thank you! :tu

[rjv]

A revision on this:
If he still has to do the 2 days in between games and minutes restrictions then there just aren’t going to be enough games left. He would have to come back and be able to play whatever games there are left ( including B2B) for at least the 30 minutes.

So, I am starting to see why Pop was skeptical of him playing this season, even knowing as he must have known that Kawhi was planning a come back by the end of March.

I remain skeptical. It’s good to hear he has progressed with his injury though and perhaps he can give the team some moral support and hope with his presence.

i think this place has finally gotten to you. you've become the resident debbie downer.

[bklynspursfan]

Yep, All-NBA in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Yea. Nick Wright, was not Right.

[hater]

:lmao BSPN can the relationship be salvaged

All we got is rumors qnd not even a word from Kawhi and “can it he salvaged” :lmao stupid qnimal turds

[MVPCues]

Kawhi at 75% (in terms of conditioning and game sharpness) is better than everyone else on the team. If his leg is healed enough to play, work him in almost immediately, limited at first, and slowly build up his minutes. There are plenty of enough games to have him and the team ready for a playoff run.

[Russ]

Regarding the SuperMax:



So Kawhi is eligible based on #2 I guess? They made it seem like he wouldn't be this summer

I think they were saying Kawhi is definitely qualified for the SuperMax this summer.

But if the Spurs don't offer it (or if he turns it down), then Kawhi would have to requalify next season to to eligible for it in the future -- and that might be difficult.

[BillMc]

Regarding the SuperMax:



I think they were saying Kawhi is definitely qualified for the SuperMax this summer.

But if the Spurs don't offer it, then Kawhi would have to requalify next season to to eligible for it in the future -- and that might be difficult.

That is correct. If Spurs don't offer it (or he doesn't sign it) he would need to make an ALL NBA team or win DPOY or MVP next year to qualify in 2019. While obviously a healthy Kawhi has a good shot at these things, he won't want to take the risk. This summer will be huge one way or another.

[polandprzem]

He already gave that leg a try and it did not worked so what's different in this situation?
Only thing that can be positive from all the infos that was thrown is that he works with the team and that was not the case last time he was to come back.

[dabom]

i think this place has finally gotten to you. you've become the resident debbie downer.

My sources indicated Kawhi was coming back for the Playoffs earlier. She tried to make fun of me even though I'm gonna be right yet again. :lol

So she's betting on him not returning.

[SAGirl]

i think this place has finally gotten to you. you've become the resident debbie downer.
Nah. I am Being realistic. Not sorry if that makes you cry inside.
It's going to be really challenging to integrate him back if his injury management is as careful as it was in January. Pop had said he'd be surprised if Kiwi can manage to come back this season and looking at the schedules and how late he's rumored to be ready to play, I simply understand what Pop meant.

[dabom]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=272368&page=2

[rjv]

Nah. I am Being realistic. Not sorry if that makes you cry inside.
It's going to be really challenging to integrate him back if his injury management is as careful as it was in January. Pop had said he'd be surprised if Kiwi can manage to come back this season and looking at the schedules and how late he's rumored to be ready to play, I simply understand what Pop meant.

an alternate theory is that all the pollyannaish energy you have was wasted on KA.

[SAGirl]

an alternate theory is that all the pollyannaish energy you have was wasted on KA.
:lol
See now you call me Pollyanna bc I thought all along he's a rotation caliber roleplayer while the hate crew here thought he should be in China... or worse. yea that's not the same.

[illusioNtEk]

One thing that both Pippen and Pierce said on ESPN is that since next year is his contract year they don't blame him sitting out... because of risks to injurys or not perform the best he could....

Now that KL is playing maybe the Spurs should offer a Max now so KL will know we are committed to him and that this could be one thing off his mind.

I say offer max now

[rjv]

:lol
See now you call me Pollyanna bc I thought all along he's a rotation caliber roleplayer while the hate crew here thought he should be in China... or worse. yea that's not the same.

i didn't question the assessment.

[bklynspursfan]

968547792523231232

968547513140699137

[hater]

968547792523231232

968547513140699137

:lmao not being able to walk up to the guy and talk to him :lmao

What in the fuck is this shitshow??

[hater]

This Kawhi sounds like a fucking ghost tbqh

[hater]

:lmao roaming around

Probably scavenging for trash and shit

[bklynspursfan]

968548714498453504

[Russ]

968548714498453504

This is a step-by-step process.

Tomorrow he'll say "hi" to his teammates.

[Dex]

:lmao not being able to walk up to the guy and talk to him :lmao

What in the fuck is this shitshow??

Ever stop to think that maybe Danny or the other players have talked to Kawhi but they are choosing not to share that conversation with the media who will blow everything out of proportion?

[BillMc]

968548714498453504

Practice? We talkin' about practice man?

[bklynspursfan]

968551154954194944

Manu also confirmed he's playing tomorrow

[bklynspursfan]

Practice? We talkin' about practice man?

:lol

[SAGirl]

i didn't question the assessment.
Ok fair enough. I just call things like I see it. If that’s pessimistic for you that’s fine by me.

I was encouraged originally by the news, but then realized that late March is really really late. So it put in perspective what Pop said. There’s a legit chance there’s not enough time to integrate him safely. He’s had a wait and see how his body reacts approach and an escalation of minutes very gradually in the past as a precaution, because he’s been experiencing pain of varying degrees all along. 5 games 6 games left in the season it may not be enough. I am really hoping for the best pollyanistic-like, but I also don’t think this is news to Pop.

It’s news to us.

[Robz4000]

He hasn't even begun the process of relearning how to wipe his own ass. Nothing to see here, folks.

[SAGirl]

My sources indicated Kawhi was coming back for the Playoffs earlier. She tried to make fun of me even though I'm gonna be right yet again. :lol

So she's betting on him not returning.
:lol
You have no sources. Jabari Young had stated Kiwi was trying to get back and that Pop’s statement wasn’t definitive as in shutting him down for the season. Kiwi is still trying to play this season and although unlikely Pop left the door open. And that’s still the way things are right now.

[NameLess Scrub]

Agreed. Obviously, Kawhi being in the starting lineup is going to take SOME shots from LMA...there are only so many shots to go around. But it's not like Aldridge is simply taking more shots this year. He's getting out more on the break, getting earlier post-up position, doing work on the offensive glass, and the team is actively searching for him more. All of that can still happen with Kawhi on the floor.

If Aldridge had come in shape, he would've been more impactful, Kawhi or not

[Keepin' it real]

It'll be sad if Kawhi comes back then his leg explodes. Pop and medical staff will be like:

https://sistasertraline.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/hf6d06d86.jpeg

[bklynspursfan]

After tomorrow's game, the next game is Saturday. If they hold a practice during that extra off day, hopefully he can participate. After that Saturday game, it's a Monday game, then again, 2 nights off (Thursday game in GS).

Assuming they hold practice sessions when there is an extra day off in between, 1 has to imagine he has to participate at the very least in 1 of them. After that, it's games every other night the rest of the month. There is a 6 game home-stand which might work in his favor too for extra sessions, but I really hope to see he's participating in next week's full team practice.

March 13th-17th IMO are the best dates to return. Obviously the earlier the better, but realistically, to get in some practice and contact drills, those might be the most realistic

[rjv]

Ok fair enough. I just call things like I see it. If that’s pessimistic for you that’s fine by me.

I was encouraged originally by the news, but then realized that late March is really really late. So it put in perspective what Pop said. There’s a legit chance there’s not enough time to integrate him safely. He’s had a wait and see how his body reacts approach and an escalation of minutes very gradually in the past as a precaution, because he’s been experiencing pain of varying degrees all along. 5 games 6 games left in the season it may not be enough. I am really hoping for the best pollyanistic-like, but I also don’t think this is news to Pop.

It’s news to us.

i just take the approach of what happens happens and that we only know a fraction of what is going on.

[Raven]

It'll be sad if Kawhi comes back then his leg explodes. Pop and medical staff will be like:

https://sistasertraline.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/hf6d06d86.jpeg

from tendinitis? i swear...

[bdictjames]

Maybe Kawhi needs to go to Germany and talk to Kobe Bryant's cryotherapy staff, lol.

[Keepin' it real]

from tendinitis? i swear...

He's played only 9 games? From tendinitis? I swear...

[r0drig0lac]

968548714498453504

This is a step-by-step process.

Tomorrow he'll say "hi" to his teammates.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif

[Dex]

Maybe Kawhi needs to go to Germany and talk to Kobe Bryant's cryotherapy staff, lol.

Then go to Miami and pick up some of LeBron's roids.

[rjv]

Yet Leonard's return to San Antonio, as well as some of the conversations he has had with teammates, seem to make the "out for the season" hysteria of last week seem unnecessarily apocalyptic.
"It's always good to see his face," guard Danny Green said Tuesday. "He said he'll be back, so we knew he was going to be back eventually at some point -- playing-wise, not just being around. If he's that confident mentally, I know he's going to get the work done to get it done physically."

https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-Leonard-back-in-the-building-12713673.php

[marinoman]

These reporters act like this is National Geographic. “If you look closely youll see a wild and elusive kawhi in his natural habitat. We don’t wanna get too close, we may spook him.”

[SpursforSix]

Maybe Kawhi needs to go to Germany and talk to Kobe Bryant's cryotherapy staff, lol.

http://giant.gfycat.com/PerkyDescriptiveBobwhite.gif

[UZER]

I see no way they can integrate him very well. What a mess.


968548714498453504

This is a step-by-step process.

Tomorrow he'll say "hi" to his teammates.

He's on a social minutes restriction.

[bklynspursfan]

https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-Leonard-back-in-the-building-12713673.php

Good stuff :tu

[UZER]

968547513140699137

Do the Spurs practice at the Menger Hotel?

[bklynspursfan]

Also, this quote from that piece:


Concerned with the slow progress of his recovery, Leonard spent the past three weeks in New York, rehabbing and consulting with additional doctors. He has also been in contact with teammates, letting them know he didn't consider himself done for the season.

"We're teammates, we still keep in touch via text," Green said. "He's rehabbing here, rehabbing there, feeling good."

[Dre_7]

Also, this quote from that piece:

That was the most encouraging part. Gives me a little more confidence that Kawhi will be with the Spurs long term.

[hater]

Ever stop to think that maybe Danny or the other players have talked to Kawhi but they are choosing not to share that conversation with the media who will blow everything out of proportion?

Sure if you live in fantasy land

Whats more believable:
- kawhi said something
- kawhi didnt say anything

[TXstbobcat]

3 and 4 are the best. It's a toss-up between them ,TBH

Have to go with 3 as the best.

[Dex]

Sure if you live in fantasy land

Whats more believable:
- kawhi said something
- kawhi didnt say anything

I don't believe the guys are dumb enough to just stonewall the franchise player.

[hater]

I don't believe the guys are dumb enough to just stonewall the franchise player.

Nah I meant hes not very approachable. Well nevermind we shall see

[spursistan]

https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-Leonard-back-in-the-building-12713673.php
Good to hear, tbh..


Still skeptical he could make it back in the next couple or 3 weeks and be anything better than 75% of his former self, but at least it is not for a lack of trying.

I don't think Pop completely shut the doors on him coming back, but he certainly gave an ultimatum.

March 23rd (10 games left) would be my cut off date if I were calling the shots..

[bklynspursfan]

That was the most encouraging part. Gives me a little more confidence that Kawhi will be with the Spurs long term.

Agreed. The way it was made out to be was Kawhi was doing his own thing not speaking with anyone.

[BillMc]

These reporters act like this is National Geographic. “If you look closely youll see a wild and elusive kawhi in his natural habitat. We don’t wanna get too close, we may spook him.”


He's on a social minutes restriction.

:lmao

[BillMc]

https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-Leonard-back-in-the-building-12713673.php

God bless Danny Green, the one Spur who actually occasionally tells us what's going on.

[BillMc]

That was the most encouraging part. Gives me a little more confidence that Kawhi will be with the Spurs long term.

Agreed.

Is it possible the sport media and even the normalyl evenhanded Spurstalk has overreacted???? :lol

[Chinook]

Article also said Kawhi is targeting the upcoming road trip as a possible return date. Looks like Pop's salvo hit the mark, even if they are just showcasing him for a June trade...

[cd98]

Well it will be interesting to see if Kawhi jells or we see a huge LMA drop off.

[dabom]

:lol
You have no sources. Jabari Young had stated Kiwi was trying to get back and that Pop’s statement wasn’t definitive as in shutting him down for the season. Kiwi is still trying to play this season and although unlikely Pop left the door open. And that’s still the way things are right now.

Again I'm always right and youre always wrong. :lol

[BillMc]

:pop: Danny, that's why Patty's starting now. Snitches get stitches. :pop:
:rollin

Well played.

[SAGirl]

Good to hear, tbh..


Still skeptical he could make it back in the next couple or 3 weeks and be anything better than 75% of his former self, but at least it is not for a lack of trying.

I don't think Pop completely shut the doors on him coming back, but he certainly gave an ultimatum.

March 23rd (10 games left) would be my cut off date if I were calling the shots..
March 23 is also my mental timeline. 10 games left is still reasonable (going to be tight for minutes management but at this point that can’t be helped).
——————————-
The most encouraging news overall is that he has been in touch with teammates and that he really wants to play it he can. It puts all the drama about him stonewalling the FO about wanting to leave at ease. It’s still great news even if he doesn’t manage to play after all.
——————————
Now it’s just wait and see how his body reacts pretty much.

[SAGirl]

God bless Danny Green, the one Spur who actually occasionally tells us what's going on.
:lol
:tu

[Dre_7]

The most encouraging news overall is that he has been in touch with teammates and that he really wants to play it he can. It puts all the drama about him stonewalling the FO about wanting to leave at ease. It’s still great news even if he doesn’t manage to play after all.

This :tu

Of course we all want him to play this year, but if he can't, this makes me hopeful that he and the FO will be able to work out an extension this summer.

Even if he doesn't play, they should still offer him the super max and get him signed long term so we don't have to worry about it anymore :lol

[spurs10]

Yes being back with the team is what matters the most. Hopefully he just needs to get back in form further, as they said he was working out and being tested in NYC.

[TheRemix]

Hoping for a return on march 15th. Got tickets to that game

[bklynspursfan]

God bless Danny Green, the one Spur who actually occasionally tells us what's going on.

Can't forget HOTS. He's good for giving us some info too

[BillMc]

Can't forget HOTS. He's good for giving us some info too

True my friend. :toast


:lol
:tu
:bobo

[SAGirl]

Again I'm always right and youre always wrong. :lol
sure dude... whatever helps you feel right about yourself.

[SAGirl]

Can't forget HOTS. He's good for giving us some info too
True...
Tony had said he preferred to stay positive.

[SAGirl]

Article also said Kawhi is targeting the upcoming road trip as a possible return date. Looks like Pop's salvo hit the mark, even if they are just showcasing him for a June trade...
I don't think he will be traded, unless he wants to... and even then Pop may try to use his jedi mind tricks to convince him to stay like he did LMA. Maybe we see some anonymous billboards around SA. :lol

[spurs10]

Agreed.

Is it possible the sport media and even the normally evenhanded Spurstalk overreacted???? :lol :rollin

[Keepin' it real]

Kawhi back in SA ...

Does this mean the recent post about a Kawhi sighting at HEB was legit?

[dabom]

I don't think he will be traded, unless he wants to... and even then Pop may try to use his jedi mind tricks to convince him to stay like he did LMA. Maybe we see some anonymous billboards around SA. :lol

Chinook was being sarcastic.

[SAGirl]

Chinook was being sarcastic.
Chinook sense of humor is sometimes so subtle that one cannot tell for sure. you can be right on this one. :toast

[spurs10]

Hoping for a return on march 15th. Got tickets to that game I’m thinking he will be there for that game!

[spurs10]

Does this mean the recent post about a Kawhi sighting at HEB was legit? Yes he was buying some molasses is the word on the street! :lol

[rjv]

Yes he was buying some molasses is the word on the street! :lol

i was under the impression that kawhi bought an icy patch, which worked, and thus the reason for his sudden return.

[tmtcsc]

i was under the impression that kawhi bought an icy patch, which worked, and thus the reason for his sudden return.

Nah, he rubbed some pinche Vicks on his leg.

[rjv]

Nah, he rubbed some pinche Vicks on his leg.

puro westside.

[Phenomanul]

Nah, he rubbed some pinche Vicks on his leg.

I heard he bought an egg, and went to visit a curandero in Alamo Heights... apparently Zaza gave him "ojo". Just to err on the side of caution, they also stuck a newspaper cone in his ear and set the brim on fire. His mental ills have been sucked out.

He's good to go, after he regains his conditioning, of course.

True story.

[rjv]

I heard he bought an egg, and went to visit a curandero in Alamo Heights... apparently Zaza gave him "ojo". Just to err on the side of caution, they also stuck a newspaper cone in his ear and set the brim on fire. His mental ills have been sucked out.

He's good to go, after he regains his conditioning, of course.

True story.

sounds about as true as anything else i'll read in this forum.

[TheRemix]

I’m thinking he will be there for that game!

Lets hope so :flag:

[Leetonidas]

I feel like this is all because of Pop calling him out and the media running wild with it...I hope his head is in the game and he's ready to focus and commit to the long term goal. but i cant help but feel like this is just a response to the negative press of late. Spurs whether Spurfan agrees are not are viewed by the league and the majority of casual fans as a world class organization and one of the best if not the best run franchise in the NBA for 20 years, and i don't think it's a good look for Leonard to appear to want out, because it's only going to look bad on him imo. but either way, i am happy he is back with the team. I just hope, if he does come back, that LMA's balls don't shrink to 2017 levels

[sasaint]

Ok fair enough. I just call things like I see it. If that’s pessimistic for you that’s fine by me.

I was encouraged originally by the news, but then realized that late March is really really late. So it put in perspective what Pop said. There’s a legit chance there’s not enough time to integrate him safely. He’s had a wait and see how his body reacts approach and an escalation of minutes very gradually in the past as a precaution, because he’s been experiencing pain of varying degrees all along. 5 games 6 games left in the season it may not be enough. I am really hoping for the best pollyanistic-like, but I also don’t think this is news to Pop.

It’s news to us.

I don't see the problem. The dude is already roaming around the weight room. Tomorrow he might lift one or go roam around the court while his teammates practice.

[ElNono]

Any updates on if he can wipe his own ass yet?

[tholdren]

Trade

[gilmor]

Manu is not 'positive' he will be back... see the new interview..

[Darius Bieber]

This stupid rollercoaster needs to end. Kobe Bryant played with a dislocated finger like it was no big deal.

[duncan2k5]

Ok fair enough. I just call things like I see it. If that’s pessimistic for you that’s fine by me.

I was encouraged originally by the news, but then realized that late March is really really late. So it put in perspective what Pop said. There’s a legit chance there’s not enough time to integrate him safely. He’s had a wait and see how his body reacts approach and an escalation of minutes very gradually in the past as a precaution, because he’s been experiencing pain of varying degrees all along. 5 games 6 games left in the season it may not be enough. I am really hoping for the best pollyanistic-like, but I also don’t think this is news to Pop.

It’s news to us.

There is absolutely no way Kawhi will be ready to play, and pop will hold him out and risk displeasing him and having him leave next year... If anything Pop will use this season and playoffs as Kawhis warm up... So he comes out strong from jump next season

[hater]

Breaking news: Kawhi is roaming around the Spurs gym parking lot wearing a hoodie and scavenging the trashcans

[hater]

If all hes doing is roaming around in his wheelchair yeah, he is not even close to coming back

Wake up homers

[Dre_7]

I feel like this is all because of Pop calling him out and the media running wild with it...I hope his head is in the game and he's ready to focus and commit to the long term goal. but i cant help but feel like this is just a response to the negative press of late.

Maybe, but I think he was planning on coming back to the team after the rodeo road trip. Based on both Danny Green's comments and Jabari Young's. For weeks now Jabari has been saying that Kawhi has been targeting March for a return. His return to the team now, in late February, works with that March time line. Gives him time to work into five on fives.

[bklynspursfan]

There is absolutely no way Kawhi will be ready to play, and pop will hold him out and risk displeasing him and having him leave next year... If anything Pop will use this season and playoffs as Kawhis warm up... So he comes out strong from jump next season

Kawhi even being partially ready to play is so much better than the rest of the team, except maaaaybe a dialed in Aldridge. He's a guy who will command attention, so hopefully his presence alone will help the team. I'm just hoping he can give us 15 games at least before the playoffs. I mean look at his first 15 games numbers from last season.

http://i63.tinypic.com/10geov7.jpg

[BillMc]

My hope is whatever games he plays in the regular season plus the first round of the playoffs will be enough so he's ready and integrated by the second round. Yes, obviously, I'm making an assumption that the Spurs can make the playoffs and win the first round while learning again to play with Kawhi, he with them, and his body gets back into game shape. But no first round team we are likely to face is unbeatable even with the Spurs still influx. The only fear, other than missing the playoffs, is we fall to the 8 or 7 spot and have to face Houston or Dubs in the first round. Otherwise, I think they can win while still "re-learning" how to play with KL. And if that learning curve extends the first round series, that may actually be a good thing as its more games for Kawhi before playing the big boys. (As long as they win that extended round 1 series, of course).

[coachmac87]

This stupid rollercoaster needs to end. Kobe Bryant played with a dislocated finger like it was no big deal.

It’s post like this that just shows how much you suck

#Trollhard