Getty Image / Joshue Gateley
Kawhi Leonard was at one time a larger-than-life figure in San Antonio. The 2014 Finals MVP was once one of the best players in the league while wearing a Spurs jersey from 2011-2018.
But, after he demanded a trade out of San Antonio in 2018, the incredibly loyal San Antonio fan base took it personally, and Kawhi Leonard is persona non grata in San Antonio.
He was traded to the Raptors, who immediately won a title with him, and then signed with the Clippers, where he’s spent three injury-plagued seasons.
Tonight, a healthy Kawhi and the Clippers traveled to San Antonio, and the Spurs faithful were not treating Kawhi kindly, to put it lightly. He was booed on every touch, and late in the 2nd quarter, legendary Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had enough, and got on the mic in Frost Bank Arena. What happened next is something you’ve almost certainly never seen before.
Wow. #Spurs HC Gregg Popovich just grabbed the arena microphone with Kawhi Leonard at the free throw line, and asked the crowd to stop booing.
Fans have been booing Leonard, who asked to be traded from San Antonio, on every touch.
Not sure I've seen that in an NBA game. pic.twitter.com/PHk3yD2IHG
— Nate Ryan (@nateryansports) November 23, 2023
Man, I love Gregg Popovich. The Naval Academy grad has so much integrity, and he showed a lot in this situation. Part of the reason why Leonard asked out was because of disagreements with Coach Pop. For him to stick up for a guy whose trade demand likely ended the chances of Popovich ever winning another NBA title at the time is an incredibly honorable move.
The Clippers won, 109-102, behind 26 points from Leonard.