Kawhi Bolts to NY

[Play Boban]

Cancer! :rolleyes

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22979734/kawhi-leonard-san-antonio-spurs-returned-new-york-rehabilitation

[Spurtacular]

He's considered one of the league's elite two-way players. Leonard is eligible for a five-year, $217 million super max contract extension this summer with the Spurs. He could become a free agent in the summer of 2019.

:wow

[BatManu20]

:wow

Why is this shocking? We’ve known this for a long time.

[BatManu20]

Only part that stood out to me.



"It's the same as a player who is the 13th man sitting on the end of the bench," Popovich said. "The more you're participating, the more you feel like you're a part of the deal. But anybody who's injured, sitting on the bench or not playing, feels a little bit different, of course. That's just human nature. He's a nice guy. I love the kid. What am I gonna do? Sometimes he wants to rehab in the room, getting stronger; use the time wisely instead of watching us out there."

[cd98]

Spurs should probably make him earn the super max again by not signing him to the super max this summer. If he plays on an all star level next year, he’ll likely qualify for the super max and then you offer it. If he refuses at that point, then he’s taking a big pay cut to go elsewhere.

[Spurtacular]

Why is this shocking? We’ve known this for a long time.

Eye popping; not necessarily shocking. Turning down $42.7 mil a season? Hard to imagine.

[Russ]

So Pop says of Kawhi:


"He's a nice guy. I love the kid."

Can you imagine Pop saying that about any player he respects?

Can you imagine Pop saying "Tim's a nice guy."

Can you imagine Pop saying "Manu's a nice guy. I love the kid."

Pop is acting like he's through with this "nice guy." He's overtly dismissing and disrespecting Kawhi with a smirk.

Pop is probably frustrated as hell at this point and he's needling Kawhi figuring (correctly) that it's a freebie because Kawhi likely won't pick up on it.

[daslicer]

So Pop says of Kawhi:



Can you imagine Pop saying that about any player he respects?

Can you imagine Pop saying "Tim's a nice guy."

Can you imagine Pop saying "Manu's a nice guy. I love the kid."

Pop is acting like he's through with this "nice guy." He's overtly dismissing and disrespecting Kawhi with a smirk.

Pop is probably frustrated as hell at this point and he's needling Kawhi figuring (correctly) that it's a freebie because Kawhi likely won't pick up on it.

Agreed being called a nice guy is always a sign of disrespect. When a girl calls you a nice guy it means she thinks you are a scrub. When your peers or boss calls you a nice guy it means you are a weak push over.

[freemeat]

The deal is that he needs to be cleared by his own doctors before returning to the court. Out of all the crap being reported, all sides have openly stated this, so we know it's true.

If his doctors are in NY, it only makes sense that he would spend some time there with them before coming back to the lineup. Clearly, whatever rehab work those doctors have given him can be performed in any location. (If not, he'd have never left NY.) I have a feeling he's working out and going through tests in order to be cleared. This latest trip is probably exactly what we've been waiting for. I take it as a sign of a looming return. Maybe they don't clear him, but it's pretty obvious this trip will have to happen before he's good to go. If it doesn't happen this trip, expect another one.

[SpursDynasty85]

The deal is that he needs to be cleared by his own doctors before returning to the court. Out of all the crap being reported, all sides have openly stated this, so we know it's true.

If his doctors are in NY, it only makes sense that he would spend some time there with them before coming back to the lineup. Clearly, whatever rehab work those doctors have given him can be performed in any location. (If not, he'd have never left NY.) I have a feeling he's working out and going through tests in order to be cleared. This latest trip is probably exactly what we've been waiting for. I take it as a sign of a looming return. Maybe they don't clear him, but it's pretty obvious this trip will have to happen before he's good to go. If it doesn't happen this trip, expect another one.

This is what Jabark Young is tweeting too. His posts make a lot of sense as well as this one.

[SpurPadre]

So Pop says of Kawhi:



Can you imagine Pop saying that about any player he respects?

Can you imagine Pop saying "Tim's a nice guy."

Can you imagine Pop saying "Manu's a nice guy. I love the kid."

Pop is acting like he's through with this "nice guy." He's overtly dismissing and disrespecting Kawhi with a smirk.

Pop is probably frustrated as hell at this point and he's needling Kawhi figuring (correctly) that it's a freebie because Kawhi likely won't pick up on it.

He used to love saying that George Hill was his favorite Spur...and then he traded his ass...for Kawhi.

[spurs10]

The deal is that he needs to be cleared by his own doctors before returning to the court. Out of all the crap being reported, all sides have openly stated this, so we know it's true.

If his doctors are in NY, it only makes sense that he would spend some time there with them before coming back to the lineup. Clearly, whatever rehab work those doctors have given him can be performed in any location. (If not, he'd have never left NY.) I have a feeling he's working out and going through tests in order to be cleared. This latest trip is probably exactly what we've been waiting for. I take it as a sign of a looming return. Maybe they don't clear him, but it's pretty obvious this trip will have to happen before he's good to go. If it doesn't happen this trip, expect another one.
Yes indeed! It would be a good thing if he was cleared and the natural next step! :toast

This is what Jabark Young is tweeting too. His posts make a lot of sense as well as this one. Yes Jabari is saying the same thing 'he's going to be cleared to play.' Hopefully he is! :toast

[Spurs9]

If we signed him to a supermax deal what would stop him from sitting out a entire season if he gets another injury? Guys like Paul George have come back in a much less time frame for a much more serious injury including Parker. I don't think he will play another game with the Spurs, if he doesn't come back this season I think hes going to get traded.

[dabom]

The deal is that he needs to be cleared by his own doctors before returning to the court. Out of all the crap being reported, all sides have openly stated this, so we know it's true.

If his doctors are in NY, it only makes sense that he would spend some time there with them before coming back to the lineup. Clearly, whatever rehab work those doctors have given him can be performed in any location. (If not, he'd have never left NY.) I have a feeling he's working out and going through tests in order to be cleared. This latest trip is probably exactly what we've been waiting for. I take it as a sign of a looming return. Maybe they don't clear him, but it's pretty obvious this trip will have to happen before he's good to go. If it doesn't happen this trip, expect another one.

This is what I thought. Good news.

[Russ]

For what it's worth . . .

980170247587205125

980172219513962496

980174371749859329

[phxspurfan]

If the Spurs offer Kawhi the SuperMax, he signs and everyone finds out he has a career threatening injury, is the 200+mill still guaranteed?

[sasaint]

So Pop says of Kawhi:



Can you imagine Pop saying that about any player he respects?

Can you imagine Pop saying "Tim's a nice guy."

Can you imagine Pop saying "Manu's a nice guy. I love the kid."

Pop is acting like he's through with this "nice guy." He's overtly dismissing and disrespecting Kawhi with a smirk.

Pop is probably frustrated as hell at this point and he's needling Kawhi figuring (correctly) that it's a freebie because Kawhi likely won't pick up on it.

I kind of thought something was odd about Pop's comments, but didn't realize quite what it was until I read your post. Good call! :toast

[bdictjames]

Maybe he'll come back in the first round. But yeah, he needs to stop with all this drama.

[ginobilized]

False hope is still hope
Maybe Kawhi returns this season.....

[Chris]

So Pop is going to run LMA into the ground while he plays footsies with Uncle Leonard?

[Emperor]

Would be awesome of he catches a flight tonight and suits up tomorrow. Talk about a prime time game, Kawhi back, Houston, Easter Sunday, Final Four in town. Oh well gonna enjoy it regardless.

[BillMc]

The deal is that he needs to be cleared by his own doctors before returning to the court. Out of all the crap being reported, all sides have openly stated this, so we know it's true.

If his doctors are in NY, it only makes sense that he would spend some time there with them before coming back to the lineup. Clearly, whatever rehab work those doctors have given him can be performed in any location. (If not, he'd have never left NY.) I have a feeling he's working out and going through tests in order to be cleared. This latest trip is probably exactly what we've been waiting for. I take it as a sign of a looming return. Maybe they don't clear him, but it's pretty obvious this trip will have to happen before he's good to go. If it doesn't happen this trip, expect another one.

Man, I hope that's the case.

[Raven]

you don't have to go this deep into the rabbit hole, to make sense of this. Of course he wants to play, he loses money on reputation by not playing. Not to mention, he'd get the supermax even with both his legs broken. Playing doesn't hurt him in any way, assuming he can play.

[BillMc]

Nice thread OP.. :toast

[tholdren]

Could be the final clearance or ot could be kl getting ready to sue the spurs

[spursfan09]

And why would Kawhi sue the Spurs? Lol

[SAGirl]

Good tweets from Jabari Young. Makes sense that he had to see his medical team again to get cleared. I don't expect him back however. If he went there on Monday he could have been cleared by now. Him staying over for a week or more just signals he's still rehabbing at the NBPA facilities and doesn't mean he will be ready this season.
At this point, I am like Manu: whenever he shows up for the jump ball is when I'll believe it.

[Chillen]

So he flew to NY to get clearance to play by his own doctors when Spurs doctors already cleared him. Encouraging.

[DJR210]

I've mentally accepted life without Kawhi tbh.. I've been living much better since :tu

[BillMc]

Willis Reed moment coming....um, right?

[tholdren]

And why would Kawhi sue the Spurs? Lol

Same reason he thought he should sit out an entire year. Needs more rest. If you want to play you play

[tholdren]

Willis Reed moment coming....um, right?

I believe so. The only way kl can get back into good graces w spurs team and fans. Increases his star power from player fans and tweens. Especially if they win a series. Hes like paul pierce but worse.

[BillMc]

I believe so. The only way kl can get back into good graces w spurs team and fans. Increases his star power from player fans and tweens. Especially if they win a series. Hes like paul pierce but worse.

Hope you're right. Would love to somehow take down a banged up Dubs team. We can dream...

[tholdren]

Hope you're right. Would love to somehow take down a banged up Dubs team. We can dream...

I thought kls moment was last year. Had he not gotten hurt i think he was ready to take the next step.

[$pursDynasty]

Would be awesome of he catches a flight tonight and suits up tomorrow. Talk about a prime time game, Kawhi back, Houston, Easter Sunday, Final Four in town. Oh well gonna enjoy it regardless.
let me be early to predict at least 3 false threads claiming Kiwi cleared and ready to play against Rox tomorrow (April fools day)

[pgardn]

Even with KL what do we seriously expect?

We have really awful guard play. We need more even with him at full strength. I wish I was wrong, but I don't think I am.

[tholdren]

Even with KL what do we seriously expect?

We have really awful guard play. We need more even with him at full strength. I wish I was wrong, but I don't think I am.

Spurs have awful g play because they are role players being used as primary options and playing out of position.

Getting a top 5 player would help tremendously.

[MultiTroll]

Willis Reed moment coming....um, right?
Kwa steal and slam dunk over Durbetta to complete 4 game sweep.

DeJonte ending Zaza career by spinning him into the 3rd row karate style after ZaZa tried a blatant trip.

Gangsta Bertans left crossing Donkey and sending him to the canvass with an 8 count.

Wet dream over.

[BillMc]

Kwa steal and slam dunk over Durbetta to complete 4 game sweep.

DeJonte ending Zaza career by spinning him into the 3rd row karate style after ZaZa tried a blatant trip.

Gangsta Bertans left crossing Donkey and sending him to the canvass with an 8 count.

Wet dream over.

:lol:toast You outta write for Hollywood. Or the WWF.

[Strategic]

Willis Reed moment coming....um, right?Nice thought. On the flip side, what will all the emo posters do?

[Play Boban]

I don’t want to see this pos in a Spurs uniform again. I’d rather lose without him than win with him tbh. Spoiled rat!!!

[Cloud786]

If the Spurs offer Kawhi the SuperMax, he signs and everyone finds out he has a career threatening injury, is the 200+mill still guaranteed?

Yes, however, like with Chris Bosh, it doesn't count against the cap and I think the league collectively pays that $200+M total, called something like the insurance exception

[gospursgojas]

Willis Reed moment coming....um, right?

Willis TORE his thigh in game 5, came back in game 7. Kawhi woulda retired and filed for social security.

[exstatic]

Yes, however, like with Chris Bosh, it doesn't count against the cap and I think the league collectively pays that $200+M total, called something like the insurance exception

You can buy insurance on a contract, but it isn’t the league that picks up the tab, it’s the ins. co. The contract is still on the cap, though, unless the injury is classified as career ending. I think the league is involved in that, evaluating medical files and talking to the doctors.

[MoSpur02]

Willis TORE his thigh in game 5, came back in game 7. Kawhi woulda retired and filed for social security.

Literally laughed out loud.

[widowmaker]

He wants to “rehab” to put on a show that he “wants to come back”

[widowmaker]

Yo quit waiting for him to come back hes not its a wrap. Ill delete my account if he returns this year and quit talking shit.

[Play Boban]

He wants to “rehab” to put on a show that he “wants to come back”

[MoSpur02]

The Spurs and Kawhi obviously still have hope for him to play this season. He's going to NY to try to be cleared so that says a lot. If the Spurs didn't think he was coming back then instead of the whole, "return from injury management," wouldn't they just list him out for the season?

[Play Boban]

The Spurs and Kawhi obviously still have hope for him to play this season. He's going to NY to try to be cleared so that says a lot. If the Spurs didn't think he was coming back then instead of the whole, "return from injury management," wouldn't they just list him out for the season?
Keep up the delusion. Living the dream! :lol

[ceperez]

Looks to be plain and simple.

Why go to NYC to rehab if you have no intention of playing this season.

Besides, for the Spurs, the only real season starts when the playoffs starts.

[daslicer]

The last time a superstar missed most of the regular season and returned for the playoffs (granted I doubt Kawhi comes back):

MdlTT3zSUQU

[pgardn]

Spurs have awful g play because they are role players being used as primary options and playing out of position.

Getting a top 5 player would help tremendously.

Or said another way. Tony and Manu are old.
And Poor Patty. The guy works his ass off, he's not a PG. Gotta give Pop credit here. There is no lack of effort from the group.

[tmtcsc]

He wants to “rehab” to put on a show that he “wants to come back”

Good one.

https://media.giphy.com/media/wWZggeg0iTGwM/giphy.gif

[phxspurfan]

Yes, however, like with Chris Bosh, it doesn't count against the cap and I think the league collectively pays that $200+M total, called something like the insurance exception

So that definitively answers the question. He's holding out for his guaranteed payday, and is too pussy to play (even while his team suffers) bc it may jeopardize that. Probably advice from his shitty uncle

[tholdren]

So that definitively answers the question. He's holding out for his guaranteed payday, and is too pussy to play (even while his team suffers) bc it may jeopardize that. Probably advice from his shitty uncle

Odd though, because we all know spurs would pay him injured or not if he didnt do the bullshit

[freemeat]

For what it's worth . . .

980170247587205125

980172219513962496

980174371749859329

It really is logical that he's there to be cleared. Maybe it doesn't happen, but if it does, I'm holding out for a return v. Portland on Saturday.

[SAGirl]

Well the good news is that he wasn't missing games bc he was anti-social, at least. There's no bad news except that he's been there for a week with "no timeline" to return.

[cd021]

If the Spurs offer Kawhi the SuperMax, he signs and everyone finds out he has a career threatening injury, is the 200+mill still guaranteed?

There's medical retirement. He would have to miss an entire calendar year, I believe, for him to qualify but he would have to agree to retire though he would get all of his money but the Spurs wouldn't have his money on their salary. See Chris Bosh, and Pekovic they are two of the more recent cases.

[cd021]

It really is logical that he's there to be cleared. Maybe it doesn't happen, but if it does, I'm holding out for a return v. Portland on Saturday.
That is probably the drop dead date-three games left but I consider it a long shot. He hasn't played in two months and three games wouldn't be enough for him to knock the rust off so he would have to do some of it in the playoffs.

[phxspurfan]

Odd though, because we all know spurs would pay him injured or not if he didnt do the bullshit

Moral of the story, if you're a multi millionaire at 25 don't follow the advice of your money hungry relatives/crew

[SAGirl]

Jimmy buckets closer to playing than Kiwi
980302750754988033

[SAGirl]

Only part that stood out to me.

Doesn't pop sound defeated in that part that you bold:
“He’s a nice guy. I love the kid. What are you going to do ...?

[Slippy]

Creating another round of false hope. He doesnt want to jeopardize his career or that supermax at all by coming back too early but he will play in the playoffs if his NY docs clear him. Thats after sitting out almost the whole season despite the fact that spurs docs cleared him in Feb. :jack:jack

Good to see not everyone buying this latest BS. Kawhi setting his own rules & standards ignoring everything the spurs team stands for & reputation they built.

If he does miraculously comes back look to pop to ice those plans becuase all its going to do is disrupt the team. You can tell they as in the players & coach have had enough. You cant blame them.

Like Oldrun posted awhile back. The last guy to cause this much disruption & drama to the spurs got himself traded. His name was Dennis Rodman

[daslicer]

Creating another round of false hope. He doesnt want to jeopardize his career or that supermax at all by coming back too early but he will play in the playoffs if his NY docs clear him. Thats after sitting out almost the whole season despite the fact that spurs docs cleared him in Feb. :jack:jack

Good to see not everyone buying this latest BS. Kawhi setting his own rules & standards ignoring everything the spurs team stands for & reputation they built.

If he does miraculously comes back look to pop to ice those plans becuase all its going to do is disrupt the team. You can tell they as in the players & coach have had enough. You cant blame them.

Like Oldrun posted awhile back. The last guy to cause this much disruption & drama to the spurs got himself traded. His name was Dennis Rodman

God damn't that means the Spurs are going to trade Kawhi for a scrub and he's going to win 3 championships but on the bright side is they will end up in the lottery and get the next Tim Duncan. I'm just joking but anyways I agree with what you said. I'll make this prediction if the spurs somehow manage to get out of the first round which I think they have a chance if they don't play the Warriors or Rox then look for Kawhi's people to leak another rumor about him coming back for the second round. I think that will be comedy in which I'll just laugh hard at it.

[gospursgojas]

B2B game starts against both LA teams. His uncle prob ordered him to get cleared to showcase. He’ll be missing again comeback next weekend.

[tenbeersbold]

Using his own doctors and Jabari Young to leak info...
This is a pathetic individual...

Anyone thinking he isn't shipped out by PATFO this off season is a fool

[coachmac87]

Spurs should probably make him earn the super max again by not signing him to the super max this summer. If he plays on an all star level next year, he’ll likely qualify for the super max and then you offer it. If he refuses at that point, then he’s taking a big pay cut to go elsewhere.

I’m kinda leaning towards this...I may be in the minority but I’d rather try to contend and force his ass on the court instead of trading him and start rebuild a year early,..

And as you said regardless Spurs at the end of the day can offer most money

[UNT Eagles 2016]

If the Spurs don't re-sign Leonard, Pop will retire soon, and the Spurs will get relocated in a few years.

[BillMc]

Willis TORE his thigh in game 5, came back in game 7. Kawhi woulda retired and filed for social security.
:lol

[exstatic]

If the Spurs don't re-sign Leonard, Pop will retire soon, and the Spurs will get relocated in a few years.
I know a guy who knows one of the ownership group. I don’t get info very often (nothing on Kawhi, before you ask), but I take it to the bank, when I do. Pop is retiring in 2020 to transition to USA*Basketball.

The Spurs signed a 25 year lease in 2002. There was that refresh a few years ago that tacked on another 5 years, so you can start worrying about them moving if nothing is done as the calendar rolls over to 2030.

[freemeat]

That is probably the drop dead date-three games left but I consider it a long shot. He hasn't played in two months and three games wouldn't be enough for him to knock the rust off so he would have to do some of it in the playoffs.

Yeah, three isn't much. During the 9 games, it seemed he didn't start finding that rhythm until game 6 or 7, and even then it wasn't close to peak Kawhi (you can easily argue he never really found it). If he can squeeze in three regular season games and we land one of those 3-6 playoff spots, he'll get those three games plus at least 4 in the first round. To me, that seems like the minimum needed for hope at a decent playoff run.

I'm optimistic, but even if we don't see him til next year, this current squad has been a lot of fun to watch. I'm totally cool with them finishing out the year with this roster that's remarkably earned any accolades. Seeing them get to round two would be special.

[Play Boban]

Cancer! :rolleyes

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22979734/kawhi-leonard-san-antonio-spurs-returned-new-york-rehabilitation
If you didn’t know it was over then, you weren’t paying attention tbh.