Woj: Spurs Held Players-Only Meeting to Implore Kawhi's Potential Return to Lineup

[BatManu20]

Spurs are starting to turn on Kiwi, tbh.


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[r0drig0lac]

humm

[BatManu20]

Part that stuck out the most.


The conversation was described as tense and emotional at times, league sources said.

Several teammates spoke up, expressing frustration and confusion over a growing divide with Leonard that has created significant tension between the franchise star and the Spurs, league sources said.

Leonard, 26, was resolute in response, insisting that he had good reason for sitting out all but nine games with a right quad injury this season, league sources said.

[r0drig0lac]

maybe it's time to start thinking there's a chance he's not a Spurs soon

[Robz4000]

Jesus

[Big Empty]

Not good. Not good

[gambit1990]

this is some weird shit...

[Dex]

Well, fuck a duck.

[Ron Swanson]

What a fucking mess.

[LkrFan]

Well, fuck a duck.

:lol

[Chinook]

You could see it all season. This shit with Kawhi has blown up chemistry. They started to patch it up when Pop essentially ruled Kawhi out, but then he had to leak about a return. I think that leak more than anything is what would have caused this meeting.

[Big Empty]

Seems like alot of friction. If Kawhi is indeed a pussy then the players expressing frustration may have spooked him not to potentially re-sign this summer. I cant see him signing the extension this summer. If he doesnt its time to trade him and rebuild. End of story.

[TimDunkem]

Guy wants a supermax but routinely misses games for tummy aches, and is about to miss a whole season with a sore quad. Meanwhile, guys are breaking bones, tearing knees, and coming back midseason just fine. I don't advocate rushing back from serious injuries, but this whole quad thing smells like bs.

[cd98]

Supermax.

[SAGirl]

:wow. Teammates got to be thinking he just doesn't want to play at this point.
Potentially Manu's last season, perhaps some teammates will not even be back next year.

It puts that Manu hug to LMA in perspective as well as his clear statement that mentally for him, Kiwi isn't coming back this season.

It also explains Tony's change of mind. Originally he wanted to stay positive but he said at this point it doesn't make any sense. Also confirms Kiwi is right now making the choices depending on how his leg is feeling.

[robert1886]

I wonder if the players leaked this just to piss him off

[spurs1990]

Someone put up a poll on whether Spurs should offer the supermax.

I'm very interested to know who supports doing that knowing what we know this morning.

[Chinook]

:wow. Teammates got to be thinking he just doesn't want to play at this point.
Potentially Manu's last season, perhaps some teammates will not even be back next year.

It puts that Manu hug to LMA in perspective as well as his clear statement that mentally for him, Kiwi isn't coming back this season.

It also explains Tonya change of mind. Originally he wanted to stay positive but he said at this point it doesn't make any sense. Also confirms Kiwi is right now making the choices depending on how his leg is feeling.

It's Kawhi's fault at this point for not thinking he needed to keep them in the loop. Jabari going around shilling for Kawhi, acting like this is normal and that the Spurs are the weird ones. That was clearly slanted BS a bunch of folks here ate up.

I'm not sure it is Kawhi's choice at this point. I really do think Pop shut that shit down after he heard Salters' report. When the team finally decided to start hitting back against Kawhi, it wasn't going to be a one-time thing, it seems.

[bigfan]

Assuming this is true you know the front office was also aware of it and supported it. Hate to say it but Leonard has checked out just like The Worm did back in the day. Trade his ass.

[robert1886]

It’s probably best to Supermax him for trading purposes

[bklynspursfan]

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[SpurPadre]

He's being increasingly anti-Spurs material by the day. He's lucky the team doesn't have an Avery Johnson-type in the locker room or he would've punched his bitch-made ass and knocked him the fuck out, tbh.

[r0drig0lac]

Someone put up a poll on whether Spurs should offer the supermax.

I'm very interested to know who supports doing that knowing what we know this morning.

you offer the supermax and if necessary, trade him later, no doubt

[TheRemix]

Don't think this is a bad thing. There was a lot of tension and they're finally being straight up about it and laying it all out on the table. These guys are grown men and i'm sure they're just letting out steam. Can't just brush this aside and pretend this situation isn't bothering anyone on the team.

I'm sure kawhi really wants to be here. He just doesn't want to be like derrick rose, grant hill, IT.. that just my humble opinion. Also the money is of course important to him

[Keepin' it real]

As a body language and facial expression expert, I could CLEARLY tell that Kawhi has stopped giving a shit about the Spurs.

You can stick to your "He's an introvert" "He's always been quiet and stoic" beliefs, but last night, it was obvious.

Those of you who will say, "B-b-but he clapped a few times," I can't help you. You're easily fooled. He's gone.

[duncan2k5]

Let the guy heal... No one can feel what he feels... He has consistently been the hardest working spur... Gave us absolutely no reason to doubt him in years... Always shown up to play in the playoffs... Now we are quick to throw him under the bus because for whatever reason we think he is lying... Wtf... The guy is in pain... Let him heal

[SpurPadre]

Let the guy heal... No one can feel what he feels... He has consistently been the hardest working spur... Gave us absolutely no reason to doubt him in years... Always shown up to play in the playoffs... Now we are quick to throw him under the bus because for whatever reason we think he is lying... Wtf... The guy is in pain... Let him heal

Tell that to Manu and TP, then, and see what they tell you.

[spursistan]

Kawhi ass-wipers..Now downspin this shit..

Anyone one who still think Pop and Spurs medics are holding him out :lmao..

[cd021]

LMAlpha holding his number 2 accountable tbh

[jmard5]

Bummer.

When you try to recall different Spurs playing/dealing with injuries in the past: Manu with a sprained elbow, Patty Mills with his shoulder injury, Duncan with his plantar fasciitis and bum knees, Tony Parker's successful return from quad injury, etc, you'll definitely want to ask, WTH exactly is going on with Kawhi? :bang

[TimDunkem]

Let the guy heal... No one can feel what he feels... He has consistently been the hardest working spur... Gave us absolutely no reason to doubt him in years... Always shown up to play in the playoffs... Now we are quick to throw him under the bus because for whatever reason we think he is lying... Wtf... The guy is in pain... Let him heal

It isn't just about simply coming back. The man can't even speak up about it. His teammates are as in the dark as any of us. That's ridiculous. He's not being payed millions to sit out and hide his progress from the team.

[SAGirl]

It's Kawhi's fault at this point for not thinking he needed to keep them in the loop. Jabari going around shilling for Kawhi, acting like this is normal and that the Spurs are the weird ones. That was clearly slanted BS a bunch of folks here ate up.

I'm not sure it is Kawhi's choice at this point. I really do think Pop shut that shit down after he heard Salters' report. When the team finally decided to start hitting back against Kawhi, it wasn't going to be a one-time thing, it seems.
At least functionally they haven't ruled him out for the season and Pop answered sarcastically a question about him having a deadline for Kiwi to return with "why would I do that?" It's difficult to discern how Pop really stands on the whole thing.

But this leak is about teammates wanting to talk to Kiwi face to face and from man to man... no bullshit about the organization and things that don't concern them. And it was quarterbacked by Tony. The players wanted to know what's up him regardless of PATFO.

Maybe it was the organization that leaked this meeting if there is a real rift. This is unlike anything that went on with LMA last year. He kept his own dissatisfaction to himself and waited until the season was over to air his grievances. Kiwi has held the team hostage all year and if he's just being cavalier about not wanting to play that's unfair to teammates

[rjv]

Don't think this is a bad thing. There was a lot of tension and they're finally being straight up about it and laying it all out on the table. These guys are grown men and i'm sure they're just letting out steam. Can't just brush this aside and pretend this situation isn't bothering anyone on the team.

I'm sure kawhi really wants to be here. He just doesn't want to be like derrick rose, grant hill, IT.. that just my humble opinion. Also the money is of course important to him

i agree, but be warned that trying to be the voice of reason in ST is like trying to discuss science at a creatonists' convention.

[bklynspursfan]

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[cd021]

It’s probably best to Supermax him for trading purposes

He can't be traded for a year afterwards then. Spurs should probably move on after this season and build around LMAlpha

[Chinook]

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Danny was probably drunk during the meeting, so what would he know?

[Dex]

976860395494367238

Weirder and weirder by the minute.

Then again, there were also multiple "sources on ESPN" who said he would be back against the Pelicans, and they were obviously talking out of their ass then. So who knows what's really true or not anymore...

[bklynspursfan]

Danny was probably drunk during the meeting, so what would he know?

Green also said a couple weeks ago he speaks with Kawhi on his progress and stuff and what not, and wasn't left in the dark.

[bklynspursfan]

In agreement with Green here

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[baseline bum]

They started to patch it up when Pop essentially ruled Kawhi out

No they didn't, they lost 3 of 5 games after before the GSW game where ESPN claimed Kawhi was close to returning. Plus one of their wins in that stretch was barely surviving a home game against the worst team in the league when they pulled out that 2 point win at home vs Memphis. The chemistry looked like shit then too.

[NASpurs]

976860395494367238

lol #holocaust

[SAGirl]

Danny was probably drunk during the meeting, so what would he know?
Savage...
:lmao

[LkrFan]

Well, if y'all don't want him:

976860274807525377

Name your price sons. :)

[r0drig0lac]

976860395494367238

damn my nigga

[SPURt]

What if Kawhi is using outside doctors to conceal a degenerative injury that would take away any chance the Spurs would offer him a super max contract? What if he gets the super max contract signed and he really will never recover or be the same again? People have done shadier things for $200 million.

[BatManu20]

Such a weird situation and it's clearly being manipulated by the media. Strange shit for sure.

[spursistan]

You can't make this shit up-- a most unspursy moment that you could imagine :lol..

It just seems that this Kawhi's saga has reached the point of no return; it is not blowing over, and it won't until he gets traded this summer. One day we will learn the contours of it all..You bet Parker will spill the beans in a tell it all book..

[SAGirl]

What if Kawhi is using outside doctors to conceal a degenerative injury that would take away any chance the Spurs would offer him a super max contract? What if he gets the super max contract signed and he really will never recover or be the same again? People have done shadier things for $200 million.
I 've never thought his,injury is made up.

All this,drama helps conceal how alarming it is this dude is turning out to be Tiago Splitter with a sore calf that basically retired him. I am exaggerating, Tiago also had a bad back but you get my point. Any way you look at it this quad thing sitting him out all season isn't a minor problem.

[bklynspursfan]

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[Russ]

Here's the part of the Woj article that struck me:


Leonard has impressed his coaches and teammates in 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 workouts, and there had been a belief his rehabilitation was cycling toward a return to the floor in the past week, league sources said.

That seems like a new tidbit.

[SpurPadre]

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No, Brandon, it's your game that's funny, tbh.

[Spurs da champs]

Such a weird situation and it's clearly being manipulated by the media. Strange shit for sure.

By Woj of all people.

[Chinook]

No they didn't, they lost 3 of 5 games after before the GSW game where ESPN claimed Kawhi was close to returning. Plus one of their wins in that stretch was barely surviving a home game against the worst team in the league when they pulled out that 2 point win at home vs Memphis. The chemistry looked like shit then too.

No. They lost one game (on the road without Green) and then beat Cleveland. Then Kawhi's camp (since it obviously wasn't the team) claimed he was close to returning. That February 26, almost two weeks before Salters' report. It was right after Kawhi got back from NYC. Then about a week later (after the team got back to losing), Kawhi gave that press conference and Salters' report came out.

[Play Boban]

It's unfortunate it's bad for the team, but to know I'm right after all this time is oddly satisfying. Even the Kawhi suckers on here are having to acknowledge the truth at this point.

[Dex]

By Woj of all people.

Woj is still one of the best in the business, but he hasn't been as reliable ever since he went to ESPN.

Surprise surprise.

[bklynspursfan]

Here's the part of the Woj article that struck me:



That seems like a new tidbit.

Yea. But Kawhi's people haven't cleared him, so it all seems pointless. It's good to hear that he's looking good at least

[apalisoc_9]

No. They lost one game (on the road without Green) and then beat Cleveland. Then Kawhi's camp (since it obviously wasn't the team) claimed he was close to returning. That February 26, almost two weeks before Salters' report. It was right after Kawhi got back from NYC. Then about a week later (after the team got back to losing), Kawhi gave that press conference and Salters' report came out.

Oh fuck of retard. They looked awful and was an .500 team even before kawhi first returned. What baseline bum was saying is true.

You making out this teams shittines entirely based on chemsitry is bolloks. The team is garbage without kawhi. A sub 50 win team team.

As i have been saying, kawhi doesnt give a shit about San Antonio anymore. I am the biggest kawhi fanboy.

But i can tell you with 90% certainty, he doesnt give a rat ass about San Antoniom

[SAGirl]

976861016964456448

976861257885155328
He has potential to be a good representative for the players at the NBPA meetings. Maybe that's why he wasn't cut. He's clearly aware of the need for rest and good meals in relation to performance and isn't afraid to voice concerns or address media.
/sarcasm

[FvckMavs]

976861311194759169

Jabari Young jumped out to wipe his arses.

[baseline bum]

No. They lost one game (on the road without Green) and then beat Cleveland. Then Kawhi's camp (since it obviously wasn't the team) claimed he was close to returning. That February 26, almost two weeks before Salters' report. It was right after Kawhi got back from NYC. Then about a week later (after the team got back to losing), Kawhi gave that press conference and Salters' report came out.

LOL one game being some kind of proof of good chemistry.

[Chinook]

Oh fuck of retard. They looked awful and was an .500 team even before kawhi first returned. What baseline bum was saying is true.

BB was correct in what he said, but he wasn't talking about what I said.


You making out this teams shittines entirely based on chemsitry is bolloks. The team is garbage without kawhi. A sub 500 team.

They literally are an above-500 team without Kawhi.


As i have been saying, kawhi doesnt give a shit about San Antonio anymore. I am the biggest kawhi fanboy.

But i can tell you with 90% certainty, he doesnt give a rat ass about San Antoniom

We already know you're the biggest CoK worshipper on this site. All we needed to see where the threads talking about how physically attractive you found him to be.

[TimDunkem]

LOL one game being some kind of proof of good chemistry.

:lol

[SAGirl]

Woj is still one of the best in the business, but he hasn't been as reliable ever since he went to ESPN.

Surprise surprise.
I do believe Woj possibly embellished his report since BP3 and Danny disagree with the characterization of it. But the meeting did happen and the subject of the meeting was accurate. Woj didn't make it up. He has most definitely a good source.

[Chinook]

LOL one game being some kind of proof of good chemistry.

Still doesn't change the fact that they turned in a very strong performance in a game most folks expected them to lose handily. Regardless, that was when the leaks about Kawhi's return happened, not after the 2-3 stretch like you claimed.

[San Antonio Slayer]

It's not our business what is going on in the spurs locker room. and we just can't understand a shit what's going on there for real just because we have the best franchise in the nba where info leak is impossible-end of the story. kawhi is injuried and he is still the spur! fuck all the doubters and haters!

[$pursDynasty]

yea LDN and BP3 aside, why haven't the players with more weight in the organization done the same? I would be quicker to blow this off if MVParker, Manu or LaMarcus said something disavowing the reports. Their silence is deafening as the fires are starting to rage.

[rjv]

I do believe Woj possibly embellished his report since BP3 and Danny disagree with the characterization of it. But the meeting did happen and the subject of the meeting was accurate. Woj didn't make it up. He has most definitely a good source.

and that's the part about Woj that has changed and no doubt it is attributed to ESPN. i guarantee he is instructed to spice up his headlines so that it gets more clicks and then the rest of the article is obtuse enough where it needs to be in order to facilitate more conjecture. too bad about Woj selling out like that but he's big time now and making the $$$ so i'm sure he's content.

[Killakobe81]

maybe it's time to start thinking there's a chance he's not a Spurs soon

$200 million reasons to stay tbh

[Budkin]

The "Woj" label is starting to tarnish. Has he been right about anything with Kawhi?

[Nathan89]

2 players from the meeting confirm this is fake news.

It would've been very low class of them to force an injured player to return.

[MoSpur02]

Waiting for Kawhi's lawyer/friend/representative/personal assistant YGWHI or whatever to come and spin this.

Been saying for awhile now that Kawhi has been causing problems in the locker room, which is why the Spurs thought about trading him before the deadline. I don't want to believe because he's such a good player, but all this drama and stories coming out can't be a coincidence

[Nathan89]

Waiting for Kawhi's lawyer/friend/representative/personal assistant YGWHI or whatever to come and spin this.

Been saying for awhile now that Kawhi has been causing problems in the locker room, which is why the Spurs thought about trading him before the deadline. I don't want to believe because he's such a good player, but all this drama and stories coming out can't be a coincidence

By "spin" you mean go off of what two players from the meeting said and not a reporter outside of the meeting?

[wildbill2u]

I got to know a lot of Spurs players pretty well in the early days, back when they were very accessible to fans. I never met a player at any level of any sport that didn't want to get back to the game he loves asap. So the Leonard thing continues to puzzle.

This is a 26 year old man with a ghetto boy's mind, trying to make decisions on so much money, it staggers our imagination. He can make more in one year than several of us together can make in a lifetime. My guess is he has gotten a lot of outside advice on how to play his hand. If so, it probably bad advice from the Spurs standpoint.

But either way, the Spurs will be forced to offer the Supermax deal.

[SAGirl]

yea LDN and BP3 aside, why haven't the players with more weight in the organization done the same? I would be quicker to blow this off if MVParker, Manu or LaMarcus said something disavowing the reports. Their silence is deafening as the fires are starting to rage.
There's nothing to disavow.
The meeting happened. Maybe it wasn't a confrontational meeting. More of a: how you doing? Are you coming back? What's up? We need you... when are you coming back?" Than a begging drama or whatever ESPN made it out to be, but why come out with details of a private meeting?

What's bad about this leak is that Manu and Mills spoke yesterday and Tony spoke a few days ago about th team mentally moving on. They seem to be tired of getting asked about this.

The last interview Tony gave around 3/15 or 3/16 he had said Kawhi wasn't practicing with the team and that he didn't know how he was doing. It makes sense Tony would have wanted to talk to Kiwi instead of learning things through the media, so he quarterbacked this meeting, but now they will get asked about this meeting instead.

[apalisoc_9]

LOL one game being some kind of proof of good chemistry.

Lol its like hey kawhi picked his nose in the bench that totally ruined the teams chemistry.

Complete im denial that this team is a sub 50 win team

[Keepin' it real]

Can the Spurs sue Kawhi for breach of contract? Getting paid $18M and electing not to play despite being medically cleared. If I were on the short end of that stick, I'd get litigious real quick.

[spursistan]

Waiting for Kawhi's lawyer/friend/representative/personal assistant YGWHI or whatever to come and spin this.

Been saying for awhile now that Kawhi has been causing problems in the locker room, which is why the Spurs thought about trading him before the deadline. I don't want to believe because he's such a good player, but all this drama and stories coming out can't be a coincidence


:lmao..

[SAGirl]

The "Woj" label is starting to tarnish. Has he been right about anything with Kawhi?
This thing isn't over so it's a developing situation. He leaked the chilling effect and the rift with the medical team and Kiwi did get his own doctors,and was vetting treated in NY... whether you want to characterize it as a chilling... Kiwi has his own medical team.

[MoSpur02]

This guy doesn't even communicate to his teammates the status of his injury or whatever. If he did then no meeting would have to take place. The Spurs and coaches all seem to be in the dark about all this just as us fans, which is irresponsible of Kawhi. He's the best player on the team. The go to guy when the game is on the line and you can't keep your coach and teammates in the loop as to how things are going? Really strange.

[Clipper Nation]

2 players from the meeting confirm this is fake news.

It would've been very low class of them to force an injured player to return.
:lol As if any of them are going to admit to begging.

[Darius Bieber]

Woj is still one of the best in the business, but he hasn't been as reliable ever since he went to ESPN.

Surprise surprise.

Should have kept with Yahoo, he had a ton more freedom there and didn't need to push any agenda.

[Darius Bieber]

Players having to do damage control for this trash team. :lmao

[SayTown]

Manu played with a broken arm in a cast in the Memphis playoffs series and a stress fracture in his leg during the finals.

[SAGirl]

Can the Spurs sue Kawhi for breach of contract? Getting paid $18M and electing not to play despite being medically cleared. If I were on the short end of that stick, I'd get litigious real quick.
His medical team hasn't cleared him. Nothing to do.

[rjv]

on the bright side, at least parker didn't call a private meeting with some of the players' wives.

[Reeko_Htown]

*Insert Iraq information minister pic*

[DPG21920]

Woj is a power broker and has been known to be cut throat. In this Kawhi scenario it’s not the Woj is lying. He’s using his power/sway, probably as favors to bigger franchises that work with him to create discord and interest in Kawhi leaving.

He’s trying to fracture Kawhi/Spurs since they shut him out like all the rest. Kawhi is the only player big enough for Woj to strike at.

The meeting happened; Woj was not lying. But HOW it happened is where he’s sowing his discord.

[Nathan89]

After watching the video I can easily see Woj being pretty much entirely accurate and the players disagreeing tbh. Just the base narrative one could get is that the team "ganged" up on Kawhi. Players would probably feel that is way off base. Plus you wouldn't want to do that to a teammate. "tense and emotional" can easily be disagreed with. Players may have different standards and interpret that completely different. Further the norm of a team could be different. Or simply that seems more "puffed up" and players simply feel they had a reasonable discussion to get information. One could characterize "frustration and confusion" as concern. Teammates perhaps feels any "divide" is not that significant. Especially, from Green's standpoint where he has kept in contact with Kawhi.

[spurraider21]

After watching the video I can easily see Woj being pretty much entirely accurate and the players disagreeing tbh. Just the base narrative one could get is that the team "ganged" up on Kawhi. Players would probably feel that is way off base. Plus you wouldn't want to do that to a teammate. "tense and emotional" can easily be disagreed with. Players may have different standards and interpret that completely different. Further the norm of a team could be different. Or simply that seems more "puffed up" and players simply feel they had a reasonable discussion to get information. One could characterize "frustration and confusion" as concern. Teammates perhaps feels any "divide" is not that significant. Especially, from Green's standpoint where he has kept in contact with Kawhi.
since players are basically denying the "tense" nature, and woj's source of a players-only meeting would have to come from (directly or indirectly) one of the players, i'm inclined to believe somebody in kawhi's cap leaked to woj... as in kawhi didn't appreciate the meeting and is going to the media to get the teammates to back off

or maybe one of the spurs players doesn't like kawhi and is trying to get rid of him... probably patty. its why he singled out tony as the guy who took charge in the meeting

[spursistan]

976877203270045703

When a troll drops the truth nukes. Sad!

[Killakobe81]

After watching the video I can easily see Woj being pretty much entirely accurate and the players disagreeing tbh. Just the base narrative one could get is that the team "ganged" up on Kawhi. Players would probably feel that is way off base. Plus you wouldn't want to do that to a teammate. "tense and emotional" can easily be disagreed with. Players may have different standards and interpret that completely different. Further the norm of a team could be different. Or simply that seems more "puffed up" and players simply feel they had a reasonable discussion to get information. One could characterize "frustration and confusion" as concern. Teammates perhaps feels any "divide" is not that significant. Especially, from Green's standpoint where he has kept in contact with Kawhi.

Great perspective ...tense is subjective ...
Again, KL has $200 mill reasons to forgive.

[TimDunkem]

or maybe one of the spurs players doesn't like kawhi and is trying to get rid of him... probably patty. its why he singled out tony as the guy who took charge in the meeting
:lol Fatty Mills conspiring to run off Kawhi and turn this team into a perennial loser so he'll never have any "pressure to perform" again, as well as solidify his place as "leader" of the team until he retires.

That son of a bitch...

[spurraider21]

:lol Fatty Mills conspiring to run off Kawhi and turn this team into a perennial loser so he'll never have any "pressure to perform" again, as well as solidify his place as "leader" of the team until he retires.

That son of a bitch...
woj is the one that broke the patty mills signing at midnight iirc

[.G.]

Lol woj
credibilty lol

[Nathan89]

since players are basically denying the "tense" nature, and woj's source of a players-only meeting would have to come from (directly or indirectly) one of the players, i'm inclined to believe somebody in kawhi's cap leaked to woj... as in kawhi didn't appreciate the meeting and is going to the media to get the teammates to back off

or maybe one of the spurs players doesn't like kawhi and is trying to get rid of him... probably patty. its why he singled out tony as the guy who took charge in the meeting

That could be the case and perhaps a likely case but players wouldn't all have the same take on the event. My main point is that it only takes disagreement based on ones feeling of their interpretation of the event and the words of the article to come to two different conclusions.

Players only meeting should stay between the players and perhaps some feedback with-in the organization. Although at that point many possible leaks open up. Really don't like that we've become the Cavs of the West tbh.

[DAF86]

Fucking awful move if true.

[SAGirl]

since players are basically denying the "tense" nature, and woj's source of a players-only meeting would have to come from (directly or indirectly) one of the players, i'm inclined to believe somebody in kawhi's cap leaked to woj... as in kawhi didn't appreciate the meeting and is going to the media to get the teammates to back off

or maybe one of the spurs players doesn't like kawhi and is trying to get rid of him... probably patty. its why he singled out tony as the guy who took charge in the meeting
Interesting. I don't think Patty is in some conspiracy.

If I were to speculate it's Kiwi's camp. None of the players have anything to gain from this drama unless you want to get real Machiavellian and think Lamarcus wants a lottery pick or two and some assets to have the team built around him next. I don't believe that.

I am more prone to believing the uncle didn't appreciate Kiwi getting "ganged up" on. The guy is such a recluse the most harmless "what's up? How you doing? When are you comin back?" meeting was perceived as an agenda to pressure him.

[Nathan89]

Players meeting content is going to be discussed with others in the organization(which is reasonable) which opens the door to many leaks.

[HarlemHeat37]

Good time to post this again, tbh..it was probably Parker and Manu doing the talking, though..

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[HarlemHeat37]

Waiting for Kawhi's lawyer/friend/representative/personal assistant YGWHI or whatever to come and spin this.

:lol omg..

[buttsR4rebounding]

Woj is a power broker and has been known to be cut throat. In this Kawhi scenario it’s not the Woj is lying. He’s using his power/sway, probably as favors to bigger franchises that work with him to create discord and interest in Kawhi leaving.

He’s trying to fracture Kawhi/Spurs since they shut him out like all the rest. Kawhi is the only player big enough for Woj to strike at.

The meeting happened; Woj was not lying. But HOW it happened is where he’s sowing his discord.

Big Lebowski with the goods.

[rjv]

976877203270045703

When a troll drops the truth nukes. Sad!

P.S. Troy Aikman confirmed that Kawhi Leonard is also gay.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 22, 2018 (https://twitter.com/RealSkipBayless/status/976877203270045703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

[djohn2oo8]

976871823462883328

Lol

[bklynspursfan]

976881720103456774

[MoSpur02]

976871823462883328

Lol

:lmao:lmao:lmao

[djohn2oo8]

976881720103456774

Damn. This is crazy.

[Leetonidas]

Dude is a pussy tbh

[Nathan89]

976871823462883328

Lol
:lmao

[dabom]

2 players already confirmed the news as fake. Kawhi wants to be great. He knows what he needs to do, and if that's rehab, I'm fine with that. Every one else is just a pussy bitch beta with motives. :lol

[HarlemHeat37]

Definitely has to be Parker and Ginobili IMO..both sounded very annoyed in their recent comments about Kawhi(probably a combination of frustration about his absence + tired of reporters asking them)..they're also the only guys with enough clout to say something(Aldridge as well, but there's no way he would jeopardize his precious touches)..

Also, Manu has been injured his entire career and Parker is a 6-foot tall 170-pound PG who spent his entire career in the paint:lol they also watched Tim Duncan spend his last years playing on 1 functional knee..I can fully understand if they're disgusted by K-Rose..

[Joseph Kony]

Definitely has to be Parker and Ginobili IMO..both sounded very annoyed in their recent comments about Kawhi(probably a combination of frustration about his absence + tired of reporters asking them)..they're also the only guys with enough clout to say something(Aldridge as well, but there's no way he would jeopardize his precious touches)..

Also, Manu has been injured his entire career and Parker is a 6-foot tall 170-pound PG who spent his entire career in the paint:lol they also watched Tim Duncan spend his last years playing on 1 functional knee..I can fully understand if they were disgusted..


The San Antonio Spurs held a players-only meeting attempting to convince Kawhi Leonard to return to the lineup.
Tony Parker led the meeting after Saturday's win over the Wolves.

The conversation was described as tense and emotional at times, league sources said.

Several teammates spoke up to express frustration and confusion over Leonard's status.

Leonard was resolute in response, insisting that he had good reason for sitting out all but nine games with a right quad injury this season.
Leonard will become eligible for a $200 million contract extension this offseason.




HOTS telling Leonard to quit being such a faggot tbh

[HarlemHeat37]

HOTS telling Leonard to quit being such a faggot tbh

Didn't see that, makes sense..nobody else would have the credibility to say something..

It's very telling that his own teammates don't believe his injury:lol

[Nathan89]

It's impossible for Kawhi to give a definitive answer tbh. Anything he said would just be to appease those asking but leave him open to going back on his word. It was smart of him to not say anything. It also took some courage to not fall into that trap. Props to Kawhi.

[Joseph Kony]

Kawhi needs to cut the bullshit. If he really still feels pain, he isn't going to magically wake up in a week and be good to go. If it's been the entire fucking year and he still isnt ready, then just fucking say it so we can cut this nonsense already. He's not coming back this year. We know, the team knows, coach knows it, HE knows it, he just won't fucking admit it so we can move on. Shit is ridiculous man.

[SAGirl]

976881720103456774
Thanks for sharing this stuff.
Tony and Manu don't know, then no one knows. Difficult situation.

[HarlemHeat37]

Reading Twitter and non-Spurs fans discuss this is painful:lol

The Spurs are one of the most conservative and cautious organizations in sports..Pop is even extreme with his resting, which is something we all complain about..they were the defending champions and arguably the favorites to win the title in 2000, yet they still chose to sit Duncan out in the playoffs to avoid risking any long-term damage to his career..

If Kawhi's injury could legitimately affect his future, they wouldn't be taking the risk..I'm on the player's side in 99% of these scenarios, but I don't see it in this case..

[weeks]

:lol the most ridiculous season in spurs memory

can you guys imagine the reaction on ST if it was LMA acting this way? he'd be eviscerated

[offset formation]

i agree, but be warned that trying to be the voice of reason in ST is like trying to discuss science at a creatonists' convention.

:lmao

[Spurs9]

Kuzma, Ingrim +picks for him? Who says no?

[Darius Bieber]

:lol the most ridiculous season in spurs memory

can you guys imagine the reaction on ST if it was LMA acting this way? he'd be eviscerated

Let’s not forget that LMA has a diagnosed heart condition. He’s playing amazing through it.

[Spurs9]

Or trade him for Dame straight up.

[hoopdreams11]

This makes sense tony and manu know with Kauai they have no chance in the playoffs and this might be their last year
Also the spurs have never been under 50 wins or missed the playoffs since they have been on the team

[spursistan]

Let’s not forget that LMA has a diagnosed heart condition. He’s playing amazing through it.
This..Aldridge is likely playing through something that could fuckin drop him dead at any point right now..

I will reiterate what TimDunkem (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=16114) said yesterday, I have more respect for a certified diva like Aldridge than this p***y.

People think "soft" only equate with coming up short in the playoffs. They are deeply misguided..

[SAGirl]

Hmmm think of Chris Bosh still trying to play. This is weird.

[FvckMavs]

It seems to me that now everybody in the organization including the coaches, staffs, and teammates do not believe his injury is real.

[SpursDynasty85]

Ok. So all we know is that they had a players only meeting. What was said no one but the players would likely know. All this speculation is what gives media money. I think continually confronting Kawhi respectfully could help immensely. If he doesn't grow at all from it I think it's time to trade but no one knows anything but the players probably not even Pop.

[coachmac87]

Reading Twitter and non-Spurs fans discuss this is painful:lol

The Spurs are one of the most conservative and cautious organizations in sports..Pop is even extreme with his resting, which is something we all complain about..they were the defending champions and arguably the favorites to win the title in 2000, yet they still chose to sit Duncan out in the playoffs to avoid risking any long-term damage to his career..

If Kawhi's injury could legitimately affect his future, they wouldn't be taking the risk..I'm on the player's side in 99% of these scenarios, but I don't see it in this case..


Spurs doctors wouldn’t have cleared him if it jeopardizes his long term health....

I would agree with your view but it doesn’t add up

[dbreiden83080]

His behavior this season has been absolutely disgraceful. We have gone from Timmy, Who would do anything for the team and play through any type of pain, to this guy who is so soft he is literally working out and perfectly physically strong enough to return but is refusing because he feels a twinge here or there. It’s pathetic.

[FvckMavs]

His behavior this season has been absolutely disgraceful. We have gone from Timmy, Who would do anything for the team and play through any type of pain, to this guy who is so soft he is literally working out and perfectly physically strong enough to return but is refusing because he feels a twinge here or there. It’s pathetic.

[TimDunkem]

Maybe he's a hypochondriac.

[Killakobe81]

I'm confused on ...
1. what do the players gain from this meeting? If he was 100% he is playing ...are they asking him to risk a $200 million payday on a 10% max chance at a title?
2. Even if meeting wasnt tense ...im sure it was at least uncomfortable ...why put a introvert in that spot?
3. If he agrees to come back early and increases the chance at further injury would Spur fan be happy if he is more Grant Hill than Jordanesque and you are paying 200 mill for a post injury version of Hill?

Kiwi playing makes no sense for him or Spurs ...spurfan just gotta trust Pop to repair things likey they did with Lasoftus...if they can't he walks regardless ...him and the spurs getting bounced by a Rox team he could beat if healthy helps no one.

[Keepin' it real]

Maybe he's a hypochondriac.

I've postulated in other threads that Kawhi has become a hypochondriac due to Pop's abnormal obsession with injuries. It screwed up Kawhi's mind.

We're seeing karma at work. For years, Pop has screwed fans, networks and the league by routinely sitting healthy players. So what does he get?... A top 5 player who is afraid to play due to pain, and will not play even when the most conservative medical staff in the league has cleared him.

Karma's a bitch.

[djohn2oo8]

I'm confused on ...
1. what do the players gain from this meeting? If he was 100% he is playing ...are they asking him to risk a $200 million payday on a 10% max chance at a title?
2. Even if meeting wasnt tense ...im sure it was at least uncomfortable ...why put a introvert in that spot?
3. If he agrees to come back early and increases the chance at further injury would Spur fan be happy if he is more Grant Hill than Jordanesque and you are paying 200 mill for a post injury version of Hill?

Kiwi playing makes no sense for him or Spurs ...spurfan just gotta trust Pop to repair things likey they did with Lasoftus...if they can't he walks regardless ...him and the spurs getting bounced by a Rox team he could beat if healthy helps no one.

To be fair, the team needa an answer on if they are going to be preparing for the playoffs with him or without him

[Arcadian]

:lol All these conspiracy theories

[Killakobe81]

To be fair, the team needa an answer on if they are going to be preparing for the playoffs with him or without him

I dont agree djohn. Pop just spoke on it and confirmed Spurs wont play him until He is cleared by his own doctors. Manu was right gotta assume he wont play at this point...
if he does, its a pleasant surprise ...

[r0drig0lac]

I'm confused on ...
1. what do the players gain from this meeting? If he was 100% he is playing ...are they asking him to risk a $200 million payday on a 10% max chance at a title?
2. Even if meeting wasnt tense ...im sure it was at least uncomfortable ...why put a introvert in that spot?
3. If he agrees to come back early and increases the chance at further injury would Spur fan be happy if he is more Grant Hill than Jordanesque and you are paying 200 mill for a post injury version of Hill?

Kiwi playing makes no sense for him or Spurs ...spurfan just gotta trust Pop to repair things likey they did with Lasoftus...if they can't he walks regardless ...him and the spurs getting bounced by a Rox team he could beat if healthy helps no one.
fair

[djohn2oo8]

I dont agree djohn. Pop just spoke on it and confirmed Spurs wont play him until He is cleared by his own doctors. Manu was right gotta assume he wont play at this point...
if he does, its a pleasant surprise ...

They cannot go into the playoffs with a will he or won't he. Pop did not rule him out for the season. Still alot of uncertainty.

[Keepin' it real]

SJax just speculated on ESPN that the players-only meeting was orchestrated by Pop. He said no one on the team is confrontational to approach Kawhi like that.

He also said they're messing up by doing Kawhi like that. And that they better not try to lowball Kawhi this summer ... because they've been overpaying Ginobili the past few years!

[coachmac87]

I just don’t understand Kawhi frustration with PATFO..

Let’s say they did misdiagnosed the injury..if it’s not career altering what’s the big deal? If the Spurs are willing to give him the max it’s not like he missed out on anything. If missing this season cost him $ or accolades down the road I would get it..

But if the Spurs are willing to pay you more than anyone what’s the problem?

[Killakobe81]

They cannot go into the playoffs with a will he or won't he. Pop did not rule him out for the season. Still alot of uncertainty.

No he did not ...but if he is not 100% soon ... no chance he will be when the playoffs start in 3 weeks. And he would still need to get in game shape ...and Spurs are facing a tough series in round one. If it was a young team like denver utah etc. he could ease back in ...against okc he matching up with a poor man's version of himself in PG13

[dabom]

No he did not ...but if he is not 100% soon ... no chance he will be when the playoffs start in 3 weeks. And he would still need to get in game shape ...and Spurs are facing a tough series in round one. If it was a young team like denver utah etc. he could ease back in ...against okc he matching up with a poor man's version of himself in PG13

Kawhi at 15 percent was shitting on warriettes.

[dbestpro]

Someone should ask Bill Russell or Kellen Winslow to have a talk with Leonard. The Spurs were able to coach him up on his talent, not so much on his heart.

[davidbowie]

even if he comes back it wont be the same. he showed his true colors. he's been cleared.

for whatever reason he obv doesnt wanna play. all this extra drama is just embarrassing at this point

[phxspurfan]

Supermax.

Well it's going to be harder to give him the Supermax if he doesn't come back and rescue / lead the team and lets them lose in the first round or not even make the playoffs. These are vets with pride and fighting their asses off, and their supposed Supermax Superstar MVP leader is not in the fight. Don't think the FO won't consider how giving a player like that the Supermax would impact the locker room. They'd basically have to get rid of everyone, incl LMA


BTW this all makes the meeting with Kawhi before last Thursday, where Pop supposedly said Kawhi wasn't ready, make it look like lowkey Pop is protecting Kawhi from the bad press/perception, in an attempt to keep him since he's his superstar.

[phxspurfan]

Or trade him for Dame straight up.

Spurs homers shit on my potential trade pre-deadline of Kawhi (+ filler) for Dame + MCCollum. Now it's unlikely we'd even get Dame.

[cd98]

If not for this drama, would ESPN even mention the Spurs outside of the box score? Kawhi is getting the Spurs in the news.

[BillMc]

I don't want to take a side for or against Kawhi because in the end its his body and only he knows how he feels.

But, it does seem, that is going to be very difficult for him to be the leader of this team going forward (assuming some day he does take the floor again.) The guys want the one in the foxhole with them. And the perception, fair or not, is Kawhi wants to be miles from the front lines. It's a real shame.

[Ocotillo]

I get it, I ate too much for lunch and my stomach is so full that I can't really do my job so I have been lurking at Spurs Talk today........

[SpurPadre]

Or trade him for Dame straight up.

But Dame and LMA hate each other's fucking guts, tbh.

[SAGirl]

No he did not ...but if he is not 100% soon ... no chance he will be when the playoffs start in 3 weeks. And he would still need to get in game shape ...and Spurs are facing a tough series in round one. If it was a young team like denver utah etc. he could ease back in ...against okc he matching up with a poor man's version of himself in PG13
Kiwi gave a media interview where he said he wanted to play and was getting ready. We assume his camp has leaked to the media all sorts of different dates when he is expected back. Meantime Pop was the opposite said, he would be surprised if he played this year and that he told the team to get ready to play the rest of the way without him. There are a lot of conflicting reports leaked to the media and the team, teammates included don't know what the he heck is going on. They don't see him practice, he doesn't practice with the team, he's not doing 3 or 3 or whatever with players and he has been away from the team most of the year frankly. It seems the teammates themselves are in the dark, except for Danny who said he kept in touch with Kawh through texts and he knew he was getting treated in NY.

Truth is teammates know about as much as you and me... and so Tony wanted to talk to Kawhi face to face and got the group together and they talked to him... per some reports in a non confrontational manner.

Now someone leaked through the media this was a huge deal, with teammates pleading emotionally and begging. :lmao

However, i do agree with you, if the dude isn't medically cleared after 5-6 months whatever it is, and multiple rehabs, he's not going to magically be fine in 1 week.

[Keepin' it real]

However, i do agree with you, if the dude isn't medically cleared after 5-6 months whatever it is, and multiple rehabs, he's not going to magically be fine in 1 week.

This is where I disagree, and this is where things will take a turn for the surreal.

I expect Kawhi to announce at the end of the regular season, or even during the playoffs, that he's been cleared and wants to play.

[BillMc]

Good time to post this again, tbh..it was probably Parker and Manu doing the talking, though..

966794354793709568

That never gets old.

[BillMc]

Definitely has to be Parker and Ginobili IMO..both sounded very annoyed in their recent comments about Kawhi(probably a combination of frustration about his absence + tired of reporters asking them)..they're also the only guys with enough clout to say something(Aldridge as well, but there's no way he would jeopardize his precious touches)..

Also, Manu has been injured his entire career and Parker is a 6-foot tall 170-pound PG who spent his entire career in the paint:lol they also watched Tim Duncan spend his last years playing on 1 functional knee..I can fully understand if they're disgusted by K-Rose..

Manu is renowned for playing through those injuries when he can as the "El Contusion" nickname hints at. He played a playoff series with a broken arm. Parker is an amazing healer always frothing at the mouth to get back on the court. Though they are very different, the Kawhi situation must be mystifying to them both.

[bklynspursfan]

Thanks for sharing this stuff.
Tony and Manu don't know, then no one knows. Difficult situation.

:toast

Super annoying all around. Almost feels like they're playing with more edge now too , which is good. Whatever it takes..

It's looking like he may not be back. I believe they can get out the first round without him depending on the match up. That's about it tho.

[SpurPadre]

This is the players imploring Kawhi to come back:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2vmrCsu3Qw

[cd021]

Didn't see that, makes sense..nobody else would have the credibility to say something..

It's very telling that his own teammates don't believe his injury:lol

Tony "Logan of X-Men" Parker and LMAlpha have the credibility tbh. Aldridge put off surgery that would've cost him a month during his final season with Portland to keep the team from falling behind and Parker came back two months faster than normal.

[BillMc]

Tony "Logan of X-Men" Parker and LMAlpha have the credibility tbh. Aldridge put off surgery that would've cost him a month during his final season with Portland to keep the team from falling behind and Parker came back two months faster than normal.

This is true. LMA plays with a heart condition too.

[hater]

:lmao sperm fans sucking on that Woj dick

:lol

Settle down. Its just basketball

[Chinook]

Also makes you wonder if Green played so many games with his groin injury because someone was trying to prove a point to Leonard. Didn't end up working out, though.

[Seventyniner]

:lmao sperm fans sucking on that Woj dick

:lol

Settle down. Its just basketball

I totally read that as "Seattle down". Fruedian slip on my part?

[dbreiden83080]

Get rid of him in the off-season. Manu will retire, Tony will go somewhere else and rebuild this thing. You guys seriously want to build around this dude after this? He is not made of what it takes to be that Guy. He is not that Guy. Enough is enough..

[dbreiden83080]

Part that stuck out the most.



Of course it is tense. Because when team doctors are telling you to go and play, you fucking go and play. He has been acting like a pussy all year long, and they are battling for their playoff lives. You are not going to win over anyone like that. They basically hate him right now..

[dbreiden83080]

Someone put up a poll on whether Spurs should offer the supermax.

I'm very interested to know who supports doing that knowing what we know this morning.

NO FUCKING WAY!!!!

Trade him out of here and rebuild. Start it over. He is not that Guy.

[Southwest Texas Fan]

Bummer.

When you try to recall different Spurs playing/dealing with injuries in the past: Manu with a sprained elbow, Patty Mills with his shoulder injury, Duncan with his plantar fasciitis and bum knees, Tony Parker's successful return from quad injury, etc, you'll definitely want to ask, WTH exactly is going on with Kawhi? :bang


Don’t forget Manu lost a testicle.

[Brunodf]

Still waiting for the real sources aka ST poster sources to tell us the truth about the meeting tbh

[spurs1990]

and that's the part about Woj that has changed and no doubt it is attributed to ESPN. i guarantee he is instructed to spice up his headlines so that it gets more clicks and then the rest of the article is obtuse enough where it needs to be in order to facilitate more conjecture. too bad about Woj selling out like that but he's big time now and making the $$$ so i'm sure he's content.

Right this is a good point about how digital media is now operating.

Maybe print/radio was also like that back in the day but from now on I'm taking everything written on those sites with a grain of salt, whereas I'm not pouncing on Leonard when the reality of the situation is being skewed for dramatic (clicks) affect.

[gameFACE]

Back in ’05 Duncan injured his ankle nasty against Detroit in the regular season. Started the playoffs on two bum ankles IIRC. Then in the conference semis he rolled it again against Seattle. Then he was Finals MVP.

Not that this has anything to do with Kawhi but……

[MannyIsGod]

Well, I've done a complete swap between how I felt with LA and Kawhi. This has certainly been a crazy season. At this point, its clear to me that someone gave Kawhi some really stupid advice this year and being in his ear is going to cost him a lot of money. There's no way in hell the Spurs will give him the Supermax, IMO. It sucks because this dude has tanked his value.

I just can't believe someone over Manu, Tony, and Pop. Sorry, but those 3 have a legacy of excellence and while I really loved what I thought Kawhi had become, it's clear that he'll never be on the same level as Duncan.



Hope LA can lead this team for a few years. Has actually been great watching him work this season.

[bklynspursfan]

976925036740259842

[spurs1990]

MannyIsGod very good post. I 100% relate to feeling 180 degrees different on Leonard.
I really really thought he'd be up there with Duncan and Ginobili as an all-time heart and soul Spurs player.

What bugs me is would Leonard be conservative as he is without the potential contract situation upcoming? In other words if he was playing on the first or second year of the supermax, wouldn't he have suited up and playing now? This relates to all the posts on this thread covering numerous TD, Manu, and Parker injuries where they played through it. I don't think at any point were those three ever concerned about risking money on future contracts. And so you have a dividing line on how Spurs fans should view them in comparison.

[SAGirl]

976925036740259842
:lol
thanks for sharing again... you know obviously his characterization of the meeting is what I expect.

This was not the Kevin Love situation, where teammates ganged up on him for allegedly exiting a game and not coming back due to illness. As a sideline note, Kevin Love has since then come out with mental health issues being a factor and he was injured and distressed, so that is a totally different perspective...

But in the Kevin Love situation, incidentally also leaked by Woj
955636272181272576
955636814647349248

I'd say the Spurs meeting was not accusatorial or confrontational but teammates wanted to find out what was up. It apparently turns out that they didn't learn anything new and at least Manu came out of that meeting with the feeling that he's not coming back this season. That is what I personally perceived from all this.

[DPG21920]

Also, I’m not surprised to see Manu/TP being the one’s speaking out. Obviously, times have changed. Kawhi is very obviously not a Tim Duncan (nor is that fair to expect that).

We should expect however, for the face of a franchise, for him to be a better communicator and respect his teammates enough to stay close, cheer them on and be a leader. SA shields Kawhi because of his nature from most of the duties of a franchise superstar. But someone looking to get paid 200M as the face of franchise owes his teammates a hell of a lot more than he’s given them.

Not only watching them battle and fight and scrap, but then to have to answer non-stop questions from media/fans on his behalf? Kawhi has royally screwed his teammates over. They would understand (and it was reported in this recent meeting that they still do understand) and support him not playing through an injury. They don’t understand why he’s not around and distanced himself from them.

But back to my main point of Manu/TP doing the talking. They are legends who grew up with Tim and they themselves put the team first. Kawhi is obviously like the 99% of other NBA players who don’t think like that (and that’s fine), but Manu/TP aren’t used to it, don’t like it and they are on their last legs. They don’t care if they alienate Kawhi because they know they don’t have much longer anyways.

As much as TP/Manu love the Spurs, they are legends that are fading and don’t want to deal with this crap and would prefer their last years be spent with the best chance possible of going out winners.

[tholdren]

Remember when i said this bum wasnt a leader? And that shit would implode once this fake fmvp was in front?

Name the last time spurs had drama.... todays nba. Total trash

[Nathan89]

After watching the video I can easily see Woj being pretty much entirely accurate and the players disagreeing tbh. Just the base narrative one could get is that the team "ganged" up on Kawhi. Players would probably feel that is way off base. Plus you wouldn't want to do that to a teammate. "tense and emotional" can easily be disagreed with. Players may have different standards and interpret that completely different. Further the norm of a team could be different. Or simply that seems more "puffed up" and players simply feel they had a reasonable discussion to get information. One could characterize "frustration and confusion" as concern. Teammates perhaps feels any "divide" is not that significant. Especially, from Green's standpoint where he has kept in contact with Kawhi.


976925036740259842

Gays comments fitting right in line with what I expected. Things are up for interpretation. That doesn't mean Woj is entirely wrong. The meeting for damn sure wasn't enjoyable or ideal.

[tholdren]

976925036740259842

Totally gay

[LkrFan]

Woj is a power broker and has been known to be cut throat. In this Kawhi scenario it’s not the Woj is lying. He’s using his power/sway, probably as favors to bigger franchises that work with him to create discord and interest in Kawhi leaving.

He’s trying to fracture Kawhi/Spurs since they shut him out like all the rest. Kawhi is the only player big enough for Woj to strike at.

The meeting happened; Woj was not lying. But HOW it happened is where he’s sowing his discord.





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2W6IgluiHU

:downspin:

[TD 21]

Also, I’m not surprised to see Manu/TP being the one’s speaking out. Obviously, times have changed. Kawhi is very obviously not a Tim Duncan (nor is that fair to expect that).

We should expect however, for the face of a franchise, for him to be a better communicator and respect his teammates enough to stay close, cheer them on and be a leader. SA shields Kawhi because of his nature from most of the duties of a franchise superstar. But someone looking to get paid 200M as the face of franchise owes his teammates a hell of a lot more than he’s given them.

Not only watching them battle and fight and scrap, but then to have to answer non-stop questions from media/fans on his behalf? Kawhi has royally screwed his teammates over. They would understand (and it was reported in this recent meeting that they still do understand) and support him not playing through an injury. They don’t understand why he’s not around and distanced himself from them.

But back to my main point of Manu/TP doing the talking. They are legends who grew up with Tim and they themselves put the team first. Kawhi is obviously like the 99% of other NBA players who don’t think like that (and that’s fine), but Manu/TP aren’t used to it, don’t like it and they are on their last legs. They don’t care if they alienate Kawhi because they know they don’t have much longer anyways.

As much as TP/Manu love the Spurs, they are legends that are fading and don’t want to deal with this crap and would prefer their last years be spent with the best chance possible of going out winners.

:tu


I still lean toward them offering and him accepting the super max this summer, but at the same time, I don't know how the relationship between him and his teammates (specifically the long time ones, who outside of Ginobili, will probably be around for a while) gets repaired.

This is basically the two professional cardinal sins among teammates in one: 1) Either not playing despite being medically cleared or doing so but giving little to no effort and 2) Spending little time around the team, not keeping them in the loop and forcing them have to answer on your behalf constantly.

[dbreiden83080]

Definitely has to be Parker and Ginobili IMO..both sounded very annoyed in their recent comments about Kawhi(probably a combination of frustration about his absence + tired of reporters asking them)..they're also the only guys with enough clout to say something(Aldridge as well, but there's no way he would jeopardize his precious touches)..

Also, Manu has been injured his entire career and Parker is a 6-foot tall 170-pound PG who spent his entire career in the paint:lol they also watched Tim Duncan spend his last years playing on 1 functional knee..I can fully understand if they're disgusted by K-Rose..

And when Timmy was young he needed surgery and it was Pop that held him out of the playoffs. Timmy was trying to talk him into letting him go. I wonder if last year in the playoffs that was even Pop's call at all when he sprained the ankle? Because knowing what we now do, about how soft this man is, KL might have just refused.

[Slippy]

I'm confused on ...
1. what do the players gain from this meeting? If he was 100% he is playing ...are they asking him to risk a $200 million payday on a 10% max chance at a title?
2. Even if meeting wasnt tense ...im sure it was at least uncomfortable ...why put a introvert in that spot?
3. If he agrees to come back early and increases the chance at further injury would Spur fan be happy if he is more Grant Hill than Jordanesque and you are paying 200 mill for a post injury version of Hill?

Kiwi playing makes no sense for him or Spurs ...spurfan just gotta trust Pop to repair things likey they did with Lasoftus...if they can't he walks regardless ...him and the spurs getting bounced by a Rox team he could beat if healthy helps no one.

The players point of view would be they want rhe speculation on him coming back this season to stop. Enough with the distraction, they got the playoffs to make. A 20 year old playoff record is at stake here , yet they still fielding questions about a guy that got cleared 2months ago on his own agenda.

[cd021]

Back in ’05 Duncan injured his ankle nasty against Detroit in the regular season. Started the playoffs on two bum ankles IIRC. Then in the conference semis he rolled it again against Seattle. Then he was Finals MVP.

Not that this has anything to do with Kawhi but……

He didn't injury his other ankle until the last game of the Seattle series where he hit the game winner to take us to the WCF after playing through the pain IIRC.

[Russ]

However, i do agree with you, if the dude isn't medically cleared after 5-6 months whatever it is, and multiple rehabs, he's not going to magically be fine in 1 week.

Or another year? Or two?

Has anyone heard from Kawhi or his doctors about what they think his long-term prognosis is, i.e., he should be well in another six weeks, another six months?

Or are they just as clueless as they claim the Spurs' doctors are?

If it really is a question of Kawhi's subjective sensation of discomfort above the knee, then the sky's the limit.

[hater]

:lol spurstalk woj sperm drinkers

[Slippy]

:tu


I still lean toward them offering and him accepting the super max this summer, but at the same time, I don't know how the relationship between him and his teammates (specifically the long time ones, who outside of Ginobili, will probably be around for a while) gets repaired.

This is basically the two professional cardinal sins among teammates in one: 1) Either not playing despite being medically cleared or doing so but giving little to no effort and 2) Spending little time around the team, not keeping them in the loop and forcing them have to answer on your behalf constantly.














Ya its got me thinking & others have alluded to .. is this situation repairable. Im not sure it is anymore.

[HarlemHeat37]

Spurs doctors wouldn’t have cleared him if it jeopardizes his long term health....

I would agree with your view but it doesn’t add up

That's what I meant..they wouldn't have cleared him if they believed there was a risk of future complications..non-Spurs fans and media are acting like every situation is now comparable to Isiah Thomas and ignoring the credibility of the Spurs..

What do you disagree with?

[spurs10]

976925036740259842
This and the Green tweet says it all. They had a conversation and wanted Kawhi to tell them his situation rather than let ESPN tell them. Of course the press expressed it in a more dramatic way. I think TP and Manu wanted Kawhi to be more communicative with the team. It was good to see him on the bench last night. This drama doesn’t help and I think Woj an$ ESPN like stirring the pot.

I’ve been enjoying the renewed defensive focus. They do need to circle their wagons and go with what they got. Kawhi will need to engage in 5 on 5 workouts before he goes near a game and I’m sure we will hear about it when he does.

[ceds]

This and the Green tweet says it all. They had a conversation and wanted Kawhi to tell them his situation rather than let ESPN tell them. Of course the press expressed it in a more dramatic way. I think TP and Manu wanted Kawhi to be more communicative with the team. It was good to see him on the bench last night. This drama doesn’t help and I think Woj an$ ESPN like stirring the pot.

I’ve been enjoying the renewed defensive focus. They do need to circle their wagons and go with what they got. Kawhi will need to engage in 5 on 5 workouts before he goes near a game and I’m sure we will hear about it when he does.

:claw

[spurs10]

:claw :claw

[TheDoctor]

:lol omg..


976871823462883328

Lol

HAHAHAHAHA :lmao

[MoSpur02]

If the players feel like he can play based on the Spurs medical staff and Kawhi doesn't return to play this season or for the playoffs then I'm not sure the relationship is repairable.

If there are guys on the team that feel like Kawhi is being selfish or a pansy then I don't see them wanting him to return to the team UNLESS the injury is worse than what is being reported, which I personally doubt. I know I would feel some kind of way about a co-worker not showing up and doing his/her part when it's been reported he/she can work.

[coachmac87]

That's what I meant..they wouldn't have cleared him if they believed there was a risk of future complications..non-Spurs fans and media are acting like every situation is now comparable to Isiah Thomas and ignoring the credibility of the Spurs..

What do you disagree with?


Misread your post. We’re on the same page regarding the health concern issue...

[Keepin' it real]

Get rid of him in the off-season. Manu will retire, Tony will go somewhere else and rebuild this thing. You guys seriously want to build around this dude after this? He is not made of what it takes to be that Guy. He is not that Guy. Enough is enough..

How will Tony rebuild this thing from somewhere else?

[ElNono]

Spurs guard Tony Parker, a four-time NBA champion, quarterbacked the meeting after the team's victory over Minnesota on Saturday night

https://cstatic.memecdn.com/images/comment/709.gif

[Ice009]

I just don’t understand Kawhi frustration with PATFO..

Let’s say they did misdiagnosed the injury..if it’s not career altering what’s the big deal? If the Spurs are willing to give him the max it’s not like he missed out on anything. If missing this season cost him $ or accolades down the road I would get it..

But if the Spurs are willing to pay you more than anyone what’s the problem?

This is a tough one to answer. If the Spurs misdiagnosed the injury and Kawhi is really that pissed off about it, then it's not really about money. Money may play a small part in it, but if he's really as mad as it seems, then I think it's because he was coming off of a great season and wanted to continue it. He wants to be one of the greatest of all time and if this injury slows him down in his career going forward or limits him in any way, I don't think he cares as much about the money as he does about being one of the best ever.

That's my take on it as of this moment.

[duncan2k5]

I don't want to take a side for or against Kawhi because in the end its his body and only he knows how he feels.

But, it does seem, that is going to be very difficult for him to be the leader of this team going forward (assuming some day he does take the floor again.) The guys want the one in the foxhole with them. And the perception, fair or not, is Kawhi wants to be miles from the front lines. It's a real shame.

He has been in the playiffs every single year for us...whats are u even saying? Parker, duncan and ginobili ALL have missed huge chunks of seasons and also missed playoffs...listening to u guys, u would swear kawhi is the only spur to ever miss games due to injury...ALL of tje big 3 missed playoff games due to injury...bit somehow kawhi is lying

[offset formation]

Oh fuck of retard. They looked awful and was an .500 team even before kawhi first returned. What baseline bum was saying is true.

You making out this teams shittines entirely based on chemsitry is bolloks. The team is garbage without kawhi. A sub 50 win team team.

As i have been saying, kawhi doesnt give a shit about San Antonio anymore. I am the biggest kawhi fanboy.

But i can tell you with 90% certainty, he doesnt give a rat ass about San Antoniom

You know shit. You've always only known shit. And that's all you'll ever know...shit.

Go fuck your aunt.

[duncan2k5]

Back in ’05 Duncan injured his ankle nasty against Detroit in the regular season. Started the playoffs on two bum ankles IIRC. Then in the conference semis he rolled it again against Seattle. Then he was Finals MVP.

Not that this has anything to do with Kawhi but……

Duncan also missed entire playoffs due to injury, and kawhi played on the same sprained ankle twice, until zaza sprained it a third time...and guess what ppl said...he should have sat before it got worse...now ppl are mad at him for not going out there when HE can feel somethimg isnt right...go fuck yourselves

[tholdren]

He has been in the playiffs every single year for us...whats are u even saying? Parker, duncan and ginobili ALL have missed huge chunks of seasons and also missed playoffs...listening to u guys, u would swear kawhi is the only spur to ever miss games due to injury...ALL of tje big 3 missed playoff games due to injury...bit somehow kawhi is lying

12 year old spurs fan with the bads. Stay in school dude

[duncan2k5]

The media trying real hard to get kawhi to leave to a bigger market...fuck the media too

[Ice009]

And when Timmy was young he needed surgery and it was Pop that held him out of the playoffs. Timmy was trying to talk him into letting him go. I wonder if last year in the playoffs that was even Pop's call at all when he sprained the ankle? Because knowing what we now do, about how soft this man is, KL might have just refused.

I thought it was 100% Pop's decision to hold him out for the rest of the series last year, but right now I'm thinking it might have been Kawhi. He may have answered with something like this "fuck no I can't play, are you crazy?! I got a sprained ankle."

[coachmac87]

This is a tough one to answer. If the Spurs misdiagnosed the injury and Kawhi is really that pissed off about it, then it's not really about money. Money may play a small part in it, but if he's really as mad as it seems, then I think it's because he was coming off of a great season and wanted to continue it. He wants to be one of the greatest of all time and if this injury slows him down in his career going forward or limits him in any way, I don't think he cares as much about the money as he does about being one of the best ever.

That's my take on it as of this moment.


Nice take...

I guess the question is how bad is the injury really? Do I think it’s career altering ?? No. This year is so far a waste but it can be forgotten if he comes back and Spurs make a little noise..everything will be forgotten about if he plays and they compete..plus he will get more $ than ever.

He can leave..but leaving the Spurs in THIS fashion will hurt his “reputation” as one of the greats regardless..Go to the Lakers?? Ok but that doesn’t guarantee success and tbh will only put more spotlight on him..and if he fails? Ruins his reputation even more.

[sasaint]

maybe it's time to start thinking there's a chance he's not a Spurs soon

I have been wondering about that chance since November.

[coachmac87]

The media trying real hard to get kawhi to leave to a bigger market...fuck the media too

That’s something nobody is really talking about...they’re desperate for the Lakers to be relevant..but it’s great for their businesses. They were doing the same for Westbrook and then he took the $$$..

[offset formation]

Good time to post this again, tbh..it was probably Parker and Manu doing the talking, though..

966794354793709568

How have I not seen this yet...shit has me rolling.

:lmao

[r0drig0lac]

I thought it was 100% Pop's decision to hold him out for the rest of the series last year, but right now I'm thinking it might have been Kawhi. He may have answered with something like this "fuck no I can't play, are you crazy?! I got a sprained ankle."

for now everyone is making assumptions (and this is normal), the problem is when some act as if something had already been confirmed

[Ice009]

Bottom line, if it was me instead of Kawhi and I was told it would not worsen the injury any further by playing on it, I would have been out there a couple of months ago trying to play through it.

If it was anything to do with an Isaiah Thomas situation, that wouldn't have stopped me from playing at all. I would have gotten a second and maybe even 3rd opinion, but if they all said it's OK to play, I'd 100% at ease about playing.

I know it's very easy for me to say behind a computer screen, but unfortunately the reality is, different people have different make-ups.

[cd021]

:tu


I still lean toward them offering and him accepting the super max this summer, but at the same time, I don't know how the relationship between him and his teammates (specifically the long time ones, who outside of Ginobili, will probably be around for a while) gets repaired.

This is basically the two professional cardinal sins among teammates in one: 1) Either not playing despite being medically cleared or doing so but giving little to no effort and 2) Spending little time around the team, not keeping them in the loop and forcing them have to answer on your behalf constantly.








I tend to agree. If they feel that he is right going forward (which is probably easier said then done considering he has been to play and he still hasn't) then bringing him back on the Super max is still probably the right move. Pop was able to repair the relationship with LMA and I would think that Pop's relationship with Kawhi and his relationship with Parker and Manu ,and others that might be discontent, would be able to help smooth over any rift between the two sides.

[offset formation]

:lol the most ridiculous season in spurs memory

can you guys imagine the reaction on ST if it was LMA acting this way? he'd be eviscerated

Truth bomb.

[offset formation]

I've postulated in other threads that Kawhi has become a hypochondriac due to Pop's abnormal obsession with injuries. It screwed up Kawhi's mind.

We're seeing karma at work. For years, Pop has screwed fans, networks and the league by routinely sitting healthy players. So what does he get?... A top 5 player who is afraid to play due to pain, and will not play even when the most conservative medical staff in the league has cleared him.

Karma's a bitch.

:nope

[cd021]

Duncan also missed entire playoffs due to injury, and kawhi played on the same sprained ankle twice, until zaza sprained it a third time...and guess what ppl said...he should have sat before it got worse...now ppl are mad at him for not going out there when HE can feel somethimg isnt right...go fuck yourselves

Duncan could've played by Pop shot him down, it's actually the opposite here.

Kawhi can play but isn't.

[gameFACE]

He didn't injury his other ankle until the last game of the Seattle series where he hit the game winner to take us to the WCF after playing through the pain IIRC.

For some reason I keep thinking he had hurt one ankle earlier in the regular season and then the other during Spurs/Pistons in March or so. Articles aren't coming up in my 60 second search. I remember Pop saying something like "it's going to be jelly in the morning" after he sprained it in Seattle. In any case he played through it and won his 3rd ring.

[offset formation]

Also, I’m not surprised to see Manu/TP being the one’s speaking out. Obviously, times have changed. Kawhi is very obviously not a Tim Duncan (nor is that fair to expect that).

We should expect however, for the face of a franchise, for him to be a better communicator and respect his teammates enough to stay close, cheer them on and be a leader. SA shields Kawhi because of his nature from most of the duties of a franchise superstar. But someone looking to get paid 200M as the face of franchise owes his teammates a hell of a lot more than he’s given them.

Not only watching them battle and fight and scrap, but then to have to answer non-stop questions from media/fans on his behalf? Kawhi has royally screwed his teammates over. They would understand (and it was reported in this recent meeting that they still do understand) and support him not playing through an injury. They don’t understand why he’s not around and distanced himself from them.

But back to my main point of Manu/TP doing the talking. They are legends who grew up with Tim and they themselves put the team first. Kawhi is obviously like the 99% of other NBA players who don’t think like that (and that’s fine), but Manu/TP aren’t used to it, don’t like it and they are on their last legs. They don’t care if they alienate Kawhi because they know they don’t have much longer anyways.

As much as TP/Manu love the Spurs, they are legends that are fading and don’t want to deal with this crap and would prefer their last years be spent with the best chance possible of going out winners.

Good take.

[Leetonidas]

For some reason I keep thinking he had hurt one ankle earlier in the regular season and then the other during Spurs/Pistons in March or so. Articles aren't coming up in my 60 second search. I remember Pop saying something like "it's going to be jelly in the morning" after he sprained it in Seattle. In any case he played through it and won his 3rd ring.

You are correct. Duncan injured his ankle pretty bad against the pistons in Detroit. He missed the rest of the season and came back for the playoffs. He did also tweak the ankle against Seattle in the second round. I still vividly remember their crowd cheering as he writhed in pain.


But that was different. Tim had played the whole season til then. Kawhi has barely played at all

[cd021]

Kuzma, Ingrim +picks for him? Who says no?

Yuck.


Phoenix could end up with the 1st, 15th, 16th, and 31st pick (all based on current standings) I would suspect that they'd be willing to part with the 1st, 15th, and 31st -if it really came down to it, maybe even without an assurance from Kawhi long term. They haven't made the playoffs in 9 years and don't look like their going to do so for at least the next three the way things are currently going.

Cleveland and Boston could also top an L.A. offer.

[offset formation]

Yuck.


Phoenix could end up with the 1st, 15th, 16th, and 31st pick (all based on current standings) I would suspect that they'd be willing to part with the 1st, 15th, and 31st -if it really came down to it, maybe even without an assurance from Kawhi long term. They haven't made the playoffs in 9 years and don't look like their going to do so for at least the next three the way things are currently going.

Cleveland and Boston could also top an L.A. offer.

Indeed. Fuck the Lakers.

[gameFACE]

Duncan also missed entire playoffs due to injury, and kawhi played on the same sprained ankle twice, until zaza sprained it a third time...and guess what ppl said...he should have sat before it got worse...now ppl are mad at him for not going out there when HE can feel somethimg isnt right...go fuck yourselves

Mad? :lol

Here's the moral of the story while your hot headed - Duncan wasn't the face of the franchise back in '00. But he became the leader and willed the team to win later, hurt or not. Great players do that. Kawhi isn't 19. He's been here for some time now. If you want to be the face of one of the best franchises in sports history you either communicate or play through it. If he's really hurt, so be it. But don't pansy around. Be a leader.

[sasaint]

Get rid of him in the off-season. Manu will retire, Tony will go somewhere else and rebuild this thing. You guys seriously want to build around this dude after this? He is not made of what it takes to be that Guy. He is not that Guy. Enough is enough..

Two of the things I have said for several weeks were 1) Kawhi is not a leader and does not have any desire to be the face of the Spurs' franchise, and 2) the team is experiencing a leadership vacuum. We desperately need a leader to take the team's reins from the remaining old guard. That guy is not Kawhi.

[sasaint]

I tend to agree. If they feel that he is right going forward (which is probably easier said then done considering he has been to play and he still hasn't) then bringing him back on the Super max is still probably the right move. Pop was able to repair the relationship with LMA and I would think that Pop's relationship with Kawhi and his relationship with Parker and Manu ,and others that might be discontent, would be able to help smooth over any rift between the two sides.

Smoothing things over with Kawhi probably means reducing LMA's touches. Then the team might be back where it was at the end of last season. I personally have never thought LMA and Kawhi meshed well in an offense or a locker room.

[cd021]

For some reason I keep thinking he had hurt one ankle earlier in the regular season and then the other during Spurs/Pistons in March or so. Articles aren't coming up in my 60 second search. I remember Pop saying something like "it's going to be jelly in the morning" after he sprained it in Seattle. In any case he played through it and won his 3rd ring.

He rolled his ankle in March against Detroit, I watched that and remembered him being helped to the locker room. He was gimpy during the Denver series but I also remember him rolling the other ankle in game six of the WCSF @ Seattle too. Still, he carried us to 3

[MannyIsGod]

Also, I’m not surprised to see Manu/TP being the one’s speaking out. Obviously, times have changed. Kawhi is very obviously not a Tim Duncan (nor is that fair to expect that).

We should expect however, for the face of a franchise, for him to be a better communicator and respect his teammates enough to stay close, cheer them on and be a leader. SA shields Kawhi because of his nature from most of the duties of a franchise superstar. But someone looking to get paid 200M as the face of franchise owes his teammates a hell of a lot more than he’s given them.

Not only watching them battle and fight and scrap, but then to have to answer non-stop questions from media/fans on his behalf? Kawhi has royally screwed his teammates over. They would understand (and it was reported in this recent meeting that they still do understand) and support him not playing through an injury. They don’t understand why he’s not around and distanced himself from them.

But back to my main point of Manu/TP doing the talking. They are legends who grew up with Tim and they themselves put the team first. Kawhi is obviously like the 99% of other NBA players who don’t think like that (and that’s fine), but Manu/TP aren’t used to it, don’t like it and they are on their last legs. They don’t care if they alienate Kawhi because they know they don’t have much longer anyways.

As much as TP/Manu love the Spurs, they are legends that are fading and don’t want to deal with this crap and would prefer their last years be spent with the best chance possible of going out winners.

You're probably right that it's not fair to expect him to be Tim Duncan in some respects, but I do expect a guy trying to make 40 million a season to be the kind that is willing to sell out for his teammates and it really doesn't seem like that is Kawhi. I'm really shocked, honestly, but I don't know how this can't be on him after all we've heard this season and what we know of PATFO and Tony and Manu.

[cd021]

Smoothing things over with Kawhi probably means reducing LMA's touches. Then the team might be back where it was at the end of last season. I personally have never thought LMA meshed well in an offense or a locker room.
Some of this is on Pop tbh. They seldom ever ran P&R together, instead it was Kawhi and Pau with LMA spotting up in the left corner. Kawhi would either pullup, drive, or pass back to Gasol for an open 3, Aldridge would pretty much be left out of the play.

If Kawhi is back next season, I hope that Pop continues to start LMA at center with Murray, Green, Leonard, Bertans and filling out the starting lineup. LMA would be the primary screener for Kawhi with Bertans and Green helping to space the floor on those possessions. During LA's post ups, Leonard, Bertans and Green can space the floor. The Spurs have better much better offensively and fairly even defensively with LMA at center as opposed to Aldridge and Gasol units that would figure to be much better if Kawhi is healthy.

Leonard does need to do a better job of seeking Aldridge out and stop resorting to Kawhiso's as much. They should be able to help each other gain mismatches; LMA pulls the opposing big away from the rim ( Bertans would do the same with the other one) teams generally wouldn't be able to switch the p&r or risk having Kawhi being guarded by a 4 or 5 and Aldridge by a 3 leading to a miss match on the perimeter and in the post.

[cutewizard]

Just trade Leonard for Irving, period

[cutewizard]

Or send Kawhi to NY for the Unicorn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[duncan2k5]

Some of this is on Pop tbh. They seldom ever ran P&R together, instead it was Kawhi and Pau with LMA spotting up in the left corner. Kawhi would either pullup, drive, or pass back to Gasol for an open 3, Aldridge would pretty much be left out of the play.

If Kawhi is back next season, I hope that Pop continues to start LMA at center with Murray, Green, Leonard, Bertans and filling out the starting lineup. LMA would be the primary screener for Kawhi with Bertans and Green helping to space the floor on those possessions. During LA's post ups, Leonard, Bertans and Green can space the floor. The Spurs have better much better offensively and fairly even defensively with LMA at center as opposed to Aldridge and Gasol units that would figure to be much better if Kawhi is healthy.

Leonard does need to do a better job of seeking Aldridge out and stop resorting to Kawhiso's as much. They should be able to help each other gain mismatches; LMA pulls the opposing big away from the rim ( Bertans would do the same with the other one) teams generally wouldn't be able to switch the p&r or risk having Kawhi being guarded by a 4 or 5 and Aldridge by a 3 leading to a miss match on the perimeter and in the post.

Wait... Kawhi needs to do a better job at finding LA? u have a prob with Kawhi isoing, but it's ok when the black hole touches does it? U act as if LA ever passes... I swear the way u guys talk, LA has several burner accounts on here...

[dbreiden83080]

How will Tony rebuild this thing from somewhere else?

He can find new mates wives to fuck..

[dbreiden83080]

Just trade Leonard for Irving, period


He has little trade value right now. This is what sucks. He has derailed his value. Rep is that he is soft, won't play though injury, not a leader. Nobody wants that.. Curry has sprained his bad ankles like 5 times this year. And he has had short rests and come back. KL would have been sitting out the whole year just with those sore ankles.

[cd021]

Wait... Kawhi needs to do a better job at finding LA? u have a prob with Kawhi isoing, but it's ok when the black hole touches does it? U act as if LA ever passes... I swear the way u guys talk, LA has several burner accounts on here...

If you can, rewatch that @ Detroit game and tell me that Kawhi doesn't ball hog when he's on the floor with Aldridge. Aldridge does kick the ball back out to shooters when in the post, including to Kawhi, but with Kawhi out he's had to be more aggressive in looking for his shot.

[cd021]

He has little trade value right now. This is what sucks. He has derailed his value. Rep is that he is soft, won't play though injury, not a leader. Nobody wants that.. Curry has sprained his bad ankles like 5 times this year. And he has had short rests and come back. KL would have been sitting out the whole year just with those sore ankles.

Yeah, I don't buy that. He isn't coming back from a traditional major injury, I think teams would be concerned but that it probably wouldn't stop a team from trading for him. I think Phx might be desperate enough to consider moving several of their picks (they have 4 in the top 31) to acquire him if the Spurs were to make him available after our season ends. They haven't made the playoffs in 9 years and don't figure to make it in the next three the way things are going for them.

[Seventyniner]

For years, Pop has built the longest run of sustained success in league history by routinely sitting healthy players.

Fixed that for ya.


Karma's a bitch.

There is certainly bitching in your post but it has nothing to do with karma. Do you have any idea what karma actually means?

[YGWHI]

Waiting for Kawhi's lawyer/friend/representative/personal assistant YGWHI or whatever to come and spin this.

Been saying for awhile now that Kawhi has been causing problems in the locker room, which is why the Spurs thought about trading him before the deadline. I don't want to believe because he's such a good player, but all this drama and stories coming out can't be a coincidence

You wouldn't need to be Kawhi's lawyer/friend/representative/personal assistant to know how this is working with media now. Media is creating the drama and some stupid people are buying it.

Spurs and Kawhi's camp denied every Woj's report because they were just BS. He said Kawhi won't come back, then he said he'll do it against Wolves, then he lies again about how the meeting was...

I doubt DPG is part of his friends but he described pretty much how the real issue looks.

The Spurs and Kawhi's camp have been bombarded by the press, trying to create chaos, media tries to tell Kawhi that his teammates are talking to the media about the meeting in a way it didn't happen...

You shouldn't be that naive. There are other NBA teams's PRs behind Woj.


Woj is a power broker and has been known to be cut throat. In this Kawhi scenario it’s not the Woj is lying. He’s using his power/sway, probably as favors to bigger franchises that work with him to create discord and interest in Kawhi leaving.

He’s trying to fracture Kawhi/Spurs since they shut him out like all the rest. Kawhi is the only player big enough for Woj to strike at.

The meeting happened; Woj was not lying. But HOW it happened is where he’s sowing his discord.

[YGWHI]

He has little trade value right now. This is what sucks. He has derailed his value. Rep is that he is soft, won't play though injury, not a leader.

Who wins in this situation? I would say oOther big markets that want Kawhi and "suggest" media about Spurs-Kawhi's "issues".

"Rep is that he is soft" He had his injury in last playoffs, he played at MVP level through pain last playoffs. Sadly, his quad getting worse this season, instead of calling soft a player for being injured, I would support him.

"Not a leader" Kawhi has talked when he was in SA -and texted them when he was working in other cities- his teammates all year. Danny Green already said it.

Obviously, Kawhi talked more with the young guys than Manu/Parker but he stayed close to most his teammates.

Then the media was lying "Kawhi don't talk with his teammates", they had a "tense and emotional meeting"...

Do you remember last year the rumors about LMA? They were right. He wanted out, more touches, stats, whatever.

Tell me who Spurs' player denied it in public like Danny and Brandon did it now? Who Spurs' player was supporting him against rumors? No one, because they already knew something happened.

Two weeks ago Rudy said he supports Kawhi. Danny said Kawhi texted teammates all times. Brandon said media lied.

Like I've said before, people love drama, media is creating the drama. Not sure why it's so hard to believe that a player is just injured.

Not sure why there are so much people willing to believe that Kawhi would out/play in LA, I get it if this was a Lakers forum but Spurs fans?? For real? I find it just crazy.

[YGWHI]

If you can, rewatch that @ Detroit game and tell me that Kawhi doesn't ball hog when he's on the floor with Aldridge. Aldridge does kick the ball back out to shooters when in the post, including to Kawhi, but with Kawhi out he's had to be more aggressive in looking for his shot.

I've said this is on Pop. He designated a "take your turn" offense, LMA the first minutes the game, all Kawhi second quarter... Doesn't matter if both players are on the floor, they don't play together.

I always mentioned the lack of P&Rs between both, Kawhi and LMA, you did the same in this tread. If Kawhi could run those P&Rs with Pau/Dedmon/DLee successfully, why not with LMA?

One thing is sure, with Kawhi next season or with other true scorer -if they trade him-, LMA won't have this type of season. He won't have +20 touches in a game, he will have to share the touches...We can expect he'll be fine not being the man all games but who knows.

[Spurtacular]

You could see it all season. This shit with Kawhi has blown up chemistry. They started to patch it up when Pop essentially ruled Kawhi out, but then he had to leak about a return. I think that leak more than anything is what would have caused this meeting.

If he's faking, the players don't need a leak to know that.

[offset formation]

Wait... Kawhi needs to do a better job at finding LA? u have a prob with Kawhi isoing, but it's ok when the black hole touches does it? U act as if LA ever passes... I swear the way u guys talk, LA has several burner accounts on here...


LA passes all the time. WTF are you watching?

Also have you ever watched a broadcast where the ball won't go through the post for possession after possession and Sean Elliott will be imploring the players to get it into LA?? And as I recall he reminds the viewers that's the team's best chance of winning. I think he knows more than you.

[MoSpur02]

Of course Kawhi's "camp" is going to deny the reports from Woj and other media outlets. They don't want Kawhi to seem like the bad guy or his value to decrease. Woj may not be 100% right about what has or is happening with Kawhi, but he is on the right track. He was right about him being cleared to play, him seeking second opinions, not working out with the team, and the meeting.

[MultiTroll]

Q. How many ST'ers have had the exact same injury as Kawhi?

[mingus]

You gotta take Manu & TP’s participation in this meeting very seriously. 4 rings with those guys at the helm. You gotta side w/ them.

IMO, Kawhi is done as a Spur.

It would be a shame too, since if he didn’t get drafted by the Spurs IMO he isn’t near the player he is now. He’s got a lot to thank this organization for. I get how players have got to do what’s best (or what they think is best) for their careers, but there’s a lot of fishiness going on here. I think he’s playin’ us.

A while back there was that news that he didn’t get that shoe deal he wanted. You know what’s going on in his head: “if I was in a bigger market...”

And he’d probably have a point.

Still though. I don’t like him scapegoating the injury. I think that’s what he’s doing, & I think the players (& Pop) know that. And I think publicizing this is their attempt at exposing that.

He’s done here.

[mingus]

BTW, welcome to the post Tim Duncan era. Where most players with his kind of talent ain’t gonna want to stay here.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I guess Woj has crossed over into reporting unsubstantiated rumor to generate readership.

[sasaint]

Some of this is on Pop tbh. They seldom ever ran P&R together, instead it was Kawhi and Pau with LMA spotting up in the left corner. Kawhi would either pullup, drive, or pass back to Gasol for an open 3, Aldridge would pretty much be left out of the play.

If Kawhi is back next season, I hope that Pop continues to start LMA at center with Murray, Green, Leonard, Bertans and filling out the starting lineup. LMA would be the primary screener for Kawhi with Bertans and Green helping to space the floor on those possessions. During LA's post ups, Leonard, Bertans and Green can space the floor. The Spurs have better much better offensively and fairly even defensively with LMA at center as opposed to Aldridge and Gasol units that would figure to be much better if Kawhi is healthy.

Leonard does need to do a better job of seeking Aldridge out and stop resorting to Kawhiso's as much. They should be able to help each other gain mismatches; LMA pulls the opposing big away from the rim ( Bertans would do the same with the other one) teams generally wouldn't be able to switch the p&r or risk having Kawhi being guarded by a 4 or 5 and Aldridge by a 3 leading to a miss match on the perimeter and in the post.

In terms of Xs and Os, you are better than Pop! But I still have my doubts about the locker room. If you were going to build an NBA team, would you want your two statistical leaders to be extreme introverts in the locker room? In a locker room without any other strong leadership? That's what I mean by not meshing well - not conflict, but total lack of interaction.

[Keepin' it real]

Q. How many ST'ers have had the exact same injury as Kawhi?

Interesting question, why do you ask?

[r0drig0lac]

Of course Kawhi's "camp" is going to deny the reports from Woj and other media outlets. They don't want Kawhi to seem like the bad guy or his value to decrease. Woj may not be 100% right about what has or is happening with Kawhi, but he is on the right track. He was right about him being cleared to play, him seeking second opinions, not working out with the team, and the meeting.

danny and paul they also part of Kawhi's camp?

[bklynspursfan]

977219231564607488

[Dex]

977219231564607488

BUT WOJ SAID!!!

[cd98]

977219231564607488

eh, it's more exciting when the media makes it sound like a shouting match.

[Russ]

The fact of the meeting, itself, that it was necessary, is the significance -- whether or not there was some melodramatic dialogue.

[rjv]

I guess Woj has crossed over into reporting unsubstantiated rumor to generate readership.

in other words, he's become the typical ST poster.

[cjw]

eh, it's more exciting when the media makes it sound like a shouting match.

ESPN trying to be more like the cable news channels and create stories by exaggerating and fanning the flames. If I could count the times CNN says breaking news...

[bklynspursfan]

Parker was asked how he would characterize the meeting.

"You should know better," he said. "You should know better that I can't talk about that. That's private stuff, locker room stuff. We always talk as a team, but you know we can't talk about that."

https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/amp/Spurs-veteran-denies-meeting-with-Leonard-was-12776642.php?__twitter_impression=true

[sasaint]

The fact of the meeting, itself, that it was necessary, is the significance -- whether or not there was some melodramatic dialogue.

[DPG21920]

https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/amp/Spurs-veteran-denies-meeting-with-Leonard-was-12776642.php?__twitter_impression=true

Danny Green after seeing TP’s comments: whoopsy daisy