Another Game 7, another soul-crushing exit for the Clippers. You could almost hear the silence in that locker room after the Denver Nuggets blew them out 120-101. Same old story, right? But wait. Amidst the wreckage of another failed playoff run, something else sparked online—a ghost from the past. Kawhi Leonard, the Klaw himself, actually spoke. And he spoke about Gregg Popovich, his old coach, the legend who just hung up his whistle. It wasn’t just words; it was that whole bittersweet saga—the championships, the ugly breakup—bubbling up all over again.
Talk about timing. The Clippers, built around Kawhi’s own title-winning experience (thanks, Pop!), just got bounced in the first round. Again. Hopes were sky high for Game 7 in Denver, but the Nuggets just ran them off the court. A brutal 72-40 beatdown in the middle quarters turned it into a nightmare. Even Kawhi admitted they “could’ve given a better effort.” You think? It was another year of superstar talent, championship dreams… gone. Poof.
So, picture this: Kawhi, fresh off that loss, gets asked about Pop retiring. And what does he say? “He had a phenomenal career. He coached until pretty much he couldn’t,” Kawhi stated, his voice carrying that rare weight. “Shows how much dedication he had… how much he loved the game… how much he gave. I appreciate everything he’s done for me. Coming into the league, he helped build my foundation and showed me how to win.” He even wished Pop health. For Kawhi? That’s practically a love letter.
NBA, Basketball Herren, USA LA Clippers Media Day LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard 2 during the Clippers Media Day, Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Intuit Dome, in Inglewood, CA. Inglewood Intuit Dome California United States NOxUSExINxGERMANY PUBLICATIONxINxALGxARGxAUTxBRNxBRAxCANxCHIxCHNxCOLxECUxEGYxGRExINDxIRIxIRQxISRxJORxKUWxLIBxLBAxMLTxMEXxMARxOMAxPERxQATxKSAxSUIxSYRxTUNxTURxUAExUKxVENxYEMxONLY Copyright: xImagexofxSportx Editorial use only
This quote hits different because it forces everyone to confront the full, messy arc. It’s not just the highlight reel: the shy kid Pop transformed into a two-way monster, the Finals MVP trophy hoisted high in 2014 after dismantling LeBron’s Heat dynasty. No, it dredges up the murky end. Remember the Zaza Pachulia incident, the start of the injury woes?
Then came the infamous quadriceps tendinopathy—the conflicting medical reports, Kawhi seeking second opinions outside the Spurs’ trusted circle, the whispers of teammates questioning his commitment in players-only meetings. It spiraled into silence, distrust, and eventually, the trade demand that fractured a dynasty built on loyalty. Hearing Kawhi offer such clear respect now, years removed, after his current star-studded team flamed out again? It’s a head-spinner compared to the icy departure.
That’s the bittersweet cocktail everyone’s tasting again. The sweetness is undeniable: Popovich unlocking Kawhi’s potential, teaching him the grind, building that championship “foundation” Kawhi himself acknowledges. He is a champion because of Pop and the Spurs system. But the bitterness lingers—the unresolved questions about that final season, the feeling of a partnership dissolving under suspicion rather than mutual agreement.
What really transpired between Kawhi’s camp and the Spurs’ front office? Could Pop have handled it differently? Could Kawhi? We’ll likely never know the full story. Kawhi’s words today don’t erase the scars, but maybe they signal growth, perspective, or simply a desire to close that chapter with dignity.
(This is a developing story)
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