Even the Spurs aren’t immune to dysfunction.
During Gregg Popovich’s two-plus decade run in San Antonio, the Spurs have won five NBA titles and haven’t missed the playoffs since 1997, while earning a well-deserved reputation as the league’s most stable franchise, created by a team-first philosophy and modest superstars.
Now, for the first time, their most important player doesn’t appear to be on the same page as the franchise.
Kawhi Leonard has only appeared in nine games this season due to an injured right quadriceps, and the former NBA Finals MVP’s relationship with the team reportedly has been strained during his rehabilitation. Sources told ESPN that Leonard has been “distant” and “disconnected” from the team for the first time since he was drafted in 2011.
Spurs general manager R.C. Buford denied the rift.
“There is no issue between the Spurs organization and Kawhi,” Buford told ESPN. “From Day 1 all parties have worked together to find the best solutions to his injury.”
Leonard, 26, was shut down by the team after he relayed he wasn’t comfortable playing through the injury, and remains out indefinitely. The uncertainty surrounding his return date has reportedly been a source of the tension, as he rehabilitates in San Antonio.
The team has been puzzled by the difficulty Leonard has had recovering, having watched Tony Parker return from a more severe quadriceps injury suffered during last season’s playoffs.
“This has been difficult for everyone,” Buford said. “It’s been difficult for Kawhi. He’s an elite level player. It’s been difficult for the team, because they want to play with a great teammate. And it’s been difficult for our staff. Historically we’ve been able to successfully manage injuries. This rehab hasn’t been simple and it hasn’t gone in a linear fashion.
“We sought outside expertise with the best tendon experts in the world. It worked beautifully for Tony, but it hasn’t worked the same for Kawhi.”
Even without Leonard, a two-time All-NBA First Team selection, the Spurs are 30-18 and tied for third place in the Western Conference. And now the starting lineup will look even stranger.
Prior to Sunday’s loss to the Pacers, Popovich didn’t start Parker, who last came off the bench in 2010. The Spurs coach told his longtime point guard he “thought it was time” to replace the 35-year-old, for second-year guard Dejounte Murray, San Antonio’s 2016 first-round pick (29th overall).
Parker had the typical reaction of a San Antonio star.
I was like, ‘Oh, no problem,'” Parker said. “Just like Manu [Ginobili], just like Pau [Gasol], that day’s going to come. And if Pop sees something that is good for the team, I’ll try to do my best. I support Pop’s decision, and I’ll try to help [Murray] out as best I can, and try to be the best I can in that second unit with Manu and Patty [Mills].”
Since returning from his quadriceps injury on Nov. 27, Parker has averaged a career-low 21.6 minutes, 8.2 points and four assists, while making just 26.7 percent of 3-pointers.
Parker, who was drafted by the Spurs in 2001, said he isn’t yet back to full strength, following the quad surgery.
“It’s getting there. I just have to keep working on it, and just be patient,” Parker said. “[Cavaliers guard] Isaiah Thomas, he talked about that. When you first come back you have the adrenaline. I had all the energy, and the first 10 games I was feeling great. Then I hit that wall. Because for seven months you’re working so hard on your rehab to try to come back, and you have the adrenaline, and you have the juice. … I was talking to my doctor, and he told me that’s normal that you’re going to hit the wall. It’s at 10 or 11 months that you’re really, really back. They always say the second year, you’ll play even better than the first year back. So that’s why I have to be patient.”