Kauhi Leonard was asked to give him some thoughts about Greg Popovich’s retirement with the San Antonio Spurs.
Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers lost to the Denver Nuggets in an uncompetitive Game 7.
James Harden performed disastrously in Game 7, scoring just seven points. Leonard scored 22 points, but was not enough to overcome the solid Nugget performance.
Kauhi had claimed that the Clippers had “Nicola Jokich stoppers.” But Ivica Zubac wasn’t tonight, Jokic has influenced every aspect of the game.
Leonard’s stint with the Clippers has yet to offer a championship. However, Leonard was asked to look back at the first coach who helped him win the championship.
Read more: Victor Wenbanyama tips on coaching candidates who want to target the Spurs if Greg Popovich doesn’t come back
Kawhi Leonard spoke to reporters after the Clippers Game 7 defeat. When talking about Greg Popovich’s retirement, Leonard responded in an interesting way.
Kauhi had a controversial relationship with Greg Popovich for years, but he showed the respect and appreciation of the legendary head coach for what he did for him.
“He had an incredible career. He shows, in a way, how much he has committed to the game, how much he loves the game, how much he gave it to the game.”
“I’m grateful for everything he’s done for me. I entered the league and he helped me build my foundation and taught me how to win. I want to congratulate him on his career.
Leonard gave the man who raised him early in his career a mature and dignified response. Despite their problems, there is no denying the impact Pop had on Leonard.
Read more: Three candidates to replace Michael Malone and San Antonio Spurs’ Greg Popovich
The news that Greg Popovich has retired as coach was not surprising, but it’s still hard to hear. Fans were devastated to see the time of Popovich’s appeal in his coaching career.
But it wasn’t just the fans. Pow Gasol and Victor Wenbanyama expressed emotional respect for the pop coach when he announced his retirement. This shows that Popovich has an intergenerational impact.
Popovich coached several NBA players. However, he also welcomed some of the game’s great coaches early under his wings.
Becky Hamon, an elite WNBA coach thanks to her time under Pop, spoke very nostalgically about how she helped her get where she needed to be.