NBA Rumors 2018: Spurs Team Tension Due to Lack of Communication
If someone was a part of the San Antonio Spurs head office, it is understandable if they have grown impatient with the question of when Kawhi Leonard would come back. Some tension between Leonard and the team has reportedly resulted from the timetable of his return and a report has suggested lack of communication as the reason.
Last May, the Spurs seemed invincible until Leonard landed on Zaza Pachulia's foot, ending the Spurs centerpiece's season. Leonard has only played for nine games this season, a stint that ended on Jan. 13. The Spurs, however, have remained competitive, although not on the same level as the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has stated that he would be surprised if Leonard returned this late in the season. Some teams have accepted their fate and are already tanking.
The Spurs, though, are in the thick of the fight and the Western Conference would be shaken up by Leonard's return. Regardless that he is coming from an injury, this is a two-time first-team All-NBA player, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and the 2014 NBA Finals MVP.
Leonard has been medically cleared to play, but it is really up to him if he feels 100 percent. The injury that has really stalled the player's return is a right quadriceps tendinopathy.
Spurs point guard Tony Parker suffered the same injury, only worse, a fact Popovich has also pointed out. The coach has said that although Leonard may be well enough to play, his confidence may not be back yet.
The tension between team and player may have resulted from lack of clear communication, Air Alamo reported. The Spurs head office's frustration is echoed by general manager RC Buford, who said that it has been difficult for everyone: the team and the staff.
Buford, however, in an interview with denies that any tension currently exists between parties. He stated that the Spurs and Leonard have worked together since Day 1 to find solutions to the injury, ESPN reported.
Perhaps a dialogue between Popovich and Leonard, similar to the one that involved the coach and LaMarcus Aldridge, would be helpful. The Spurs would never let go of a player like Leonard, who is only 26 years old.