Kawhi needs to develop some ego.

[bic50]

Duncan had a ego granted it wasn't toxic like other great players but he did have one. There is a story when he nearly got into a fight with a teammate by the name of Loren Woods at WF during his senior year. Woods was a 7fter and a top recruit that came in as a freshman while Duncan was a senior. Anyways Wood talked some trash about Duncan not being that good during a practice which later lead to a scrimmage where both were on opposing teams. Duncan went on trash Woods badly during the scrimmage which resulted in Woods playing very dirty and taking cheap shots at Duncan. Duncan got pissed off and shoved Woods and started cursing him out which resulted in in both of them being held back from their teammates. Also when Woods played in the NBA Duncan went on a mission to trash him in every game he played. There's also the famous story of Ostertag outplayed Duncan in a summer league game and then declaring Duncan as a bust. Duncan would go on to also school Ostertag every time the spurs played him. I remember many years ago in an interview Mario Elie stated that he would tell Duncan that there was guys in the league saying he wasn't really that good and that would rile up Duncan to point where he wanted to go out and kick some ass. Duncan wants to win at all costs and will do anything for the win but people forget he also took great pride in dominating his match up. Duncan has a super compe ive ego its why he is top 10 all time great.

That sounds like everything between KL and KD. KD basically labeled kawhi a "system player" basically saying he's not that good. In the first game you can tell how aggressive kawhi was taking it durant on both ends. He probably dislikes durant now .

[tholdren]

30 shots a game is not ego?

[Kool Bob Love]

he has a beta personality... this has clearly been established and a point of worry for those of us who aren't player fans. he wants to be the 2nd banana at best, just like the admiral, tbh. it's okay, you need a 2nd banana, that's why PAFTO brought LMA into the fold...

[bic50]

quoting another ^^
Only showing up during loses is the epitome of beta. Poosy

[DMC]

The Spurs need a passing PG. Manu is the best PG on the Spurs. Tony has his scoring nights where he's amazing, but he either ignores, doesn't see or feels he cannot complete the pass so often while Kawhi is ahead of the pack on the break.

[SnakeBoy]

As I see it, when you're the clear-cut best player on the team you need to act like it. That doesn't mean you need to have at ude off-court or make bad plays on the court, but I think we need him to start establishing some authority and not just playing fiddle to every one of Pop's decisions.

When Manu was at his peak he was unguaradable 1on1 and he wasn't afraid to let Pop know that and to play accordingly. Kawhi is almost at that level now. Different style but right now he's a top5 offensive player in the league.

At some point he has to stand up and DEMAND that ball on the post. He's a humble guy who thinks team first, but at this point in time, putting himself first is best for the team.

Full credit to him as being the team's greatest player on both ends and a total turning point for the Spurs since his drafting. His humility and willingness to work hard have made him a calibre of player beyond our wildest imaginings but at this point in his career that's not what the team or Kawhi needs. In the words of Pop, "I want some nasty!"

Bring the nasty Kawhi.

Kawhi is a few years from his peak. He just needs to keep doing what he has been doing and avoid eating spoiled food. Everything else will fall in place in due course.

[Russ]

Duncan never had an ego, but was the man anyway.

You guys really don't think that Kawhi and Duncan have egos? Really huge egos?

You must have been reading too many national articles about the "Spurs way" which confuse teamwork, success, and sacrifice with lack of ego.

[kobyz]

He just not a real go to guy in his game...

[NameLess Scrub]

You guys really don't think that Kawhi and Duncan have egos? Really huge egos?

You must have been reading too many national articles about the "Spurs way" which confuse teamwork, success, and sacrifice with lack of ego.

Well.. I guess Timmy just has an ego but also the ability to self assess and adjust to the changes in his abilities.

[Russ]

Well.. I guess Timmy just has an ego but also the ability to self assess and adjust to the changes in his abilities.

You're right. Tim's ability to self assess allows him to win more, thus satisfying his ego.