Do you think Pop will Manage Leonard's minutes next year the same way last year?

[apalisoc_9]

He barely played 31 Last year.

Regardless if he's going to get more touches or not, do you think pop will continue treating him like Tony in terms of minutes?

[chapnis]

No.

Kawhi should put the tendinitis behind him this off-season allowing him to be healthy and play 36 minutes per game next season.

Remember Kawhi missed quite a lot of time last season with that injury.

[TheGoldStandard]

Pop always manages minutes.. so probably about 30 -32 minutes a game.

[spurraider21]

I think a big part of his minutes limitations this season stemmed from his knee issues. I think Pop understands Leonard's development and improvement is paramount to our team both next year and in the further future. I'm expended Kawhi's minutes and role to be expanded again. Now, I don't expect him to average 40 minutes + like he did in the finals, but he should be able to average 15 ppg or more, essentially taking the burden off of Manu

[KL2]

What would be the point of playing him extended minutes if SA is going to wind up comfortably beating teams? I agree with playing him extended minutes against elite teams, but not against lottery teams. The more rest he gets, the better. The wear and tear of the RS won't affect him as much, leading to less injuries, leading to a better playoff performance, and ultimately a much longer career.

I doubt those few extra minutes each game would make him a better player, or benefit him much, I just don't see the point. I'm fine with him getting around 33 mins per game.

[ace3g]

Paul Garcia PS ‏@24writer 15h Coach Pop said before Kawhi Leonard plays with the U.S. Select team, the #Spurs need to make sure he’s fully healthy first.

[barakz21]

I don't think so. If KL doesn't have any nagging injuries, I don't see why Pop would hold him back.

[jhuan16]

Pop is going to overprotect the player no matter the age, he'll probably play KL under 32 min per game.