The leader insult from Pop was just his way of lashing out at Leonard and his group. Pop's idea of a leader is someone that follows the chain of command, military style. Independent thinkers are not embraced under military doctrine. This is why players like Rodman, SJax, Dedmon, and Simmons never lasted more than two seasons in SA. Pop and Robinson implemented this structure in the 90s, both coming from military backgrounds. They were extremely fortunate they lucked into drafting TD - the most laid back/adaptable superstar in NBA history. Pop couldn't surround him with American-born players - too independent as was the case with Derek Anderson. He opted for Euros like Manu and Parker, guys who didn't want to rock the boat and stifle their pro career so they did as they were told. Euro players have always been loyal and subservient. Dirk taking a paycut for Cuban. Boban wanting to sign for less just to stay on the Spurs - Pop had to beat him with a stick just to get him to accept that big Detroit offer. This was an extremely successful formula while the big three were in their prime. The rest of the league caught up and began targeting Euros. This coincided with the decline of the big three. Spurs were no longer le contenders and it became more and more difficult to reload with late picks when everybody was targeting the same guys.
Kawhi changed things almost immediately. It's not often that a Spurs rookie breaks into the starting lineup but Kawhi did what only Parker and Duncan did before him . Spurs fans would have been thrilled if Kawhi ended up becoming another Gerard Wallace(3&D player was a team need with Bowen's departure). He exceeded those expectations immediately when it became apparent he was the 2nd most important player on the team during the Finals in only his sop re season.
The Kawhi fiasco was a major snag in their culture and philosophy though. They thought they'd developed the next Duncan - the quiet humble superstar that would fit in perfectly under this rigid military structure. They miscalculated badly. For example, they thought those HEB commercials were funny and helped build the family culture in the Spurs. Kawhi and his group took it personally. His rivals like Harden, Durant, and Lebron were getting endorsements that propped them up and sold their brand. Kawhi, instead, was made to look like a re in those corny HEB ads. He was the butt of the joke every time.
PATFO's inability to adapt with the times and embrace the NBA superstar culture cost them badly. From all reports, they still haven't learned their lesson as we've seen no accountability from the people up top. Their idea of a fix was a bandaid solution - hire a team photographer. You know it's a sinking ship when everyone but the sycophants want out. Just a few days ago, Udoka opted to leave SA for another assistant coaching position, a lateral move but he gets to work with a promising young core in Philly. A player development coach like him is wasted in SA, a retirement home for the unwanted losers of the NBA like LMA, Derozan, Rudy Gay, Bellinelli, Patty Mills, Cunningham, Pondexter, etc. Spurs will continue to suffer from this brain drain as the talented people in the organization depart for brighter pastures, while the ass kissers cling on, hoping to outlast Pop for the easy guaranteed head coaching position.
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