Kawhi Leonard is a man of few words, rarely one to open up publicly about emotions or relationships. But when news broke of Gregg Popovich’s retirement after nearly three decades of coaching, even Leonard couldn’t hide the impact the legendary San Antonio Spurs coach had on his life and career.
Speaking from the heart, Leonard paid tribute to the coach who helped mold him into a Finals MVP and one of the league’s most revered two-way players.
“He had a phenomenal career. He coached until pretty much he couldn’t in a sense. It shows how much dedication he had to the game, how much he loved the game, and how much he gave to the game.”
“I appreciate everything he’s done for me. Coming into the league, he helped build my foundation and showed me how to win. I want to congratulate him on his career. But also, stay healthy.”
The quiet forward who once seemed disconnected from the Spurs franchise now spoke with real reverence. It was a full-circle moment, not just for Leonard, but for Spurs fans who remember both the glory and the fallout.
Popovich and Leonard’s relationship wasn’t always smooth. After helping lead the Spurs to the 2014 NBA title and winning Finals MVP at just 22, Leonard was hailed as the next cornerstone of the franchise.
But by 2018, mistrust over injury management and conflicting narratives around Leonard’s health led to a dramatic split. Leonard sat out most of the 2017–18 season, and the divorce felt bitter, with Leonard eventually forcing his way out via trade to the Toronto Raptors.
Despite all that, time softened the edges. The respect between Pop and Kawhi never truly faded.
In a memorable moment last season, when Leonard returned to San Antonio and was met with a chorus of boos from Spurs fans, Popovich did something unthinkable in the middle of a game, he grabbed the mic and addressed the crowd from the scorer’s table.
“Let these guys play. It’s not who we are.”
LMFAOOO pic.twitter.com/xqpOjLxrXJ
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) November 23, 2023
It was a powerful act, one that showed the depth of their relationship and Popovich’s class. That moment wasn’t lost on Leonard, who appreciated the gesture and later said it meant a lot to hear Popovich defend him in front of a city that once embraced him as a hero.
Popovich’s influence on Leonard is undeniable. He helped groom a raw, defensively gifted college player from San Diego State into a methodical, efficient machine of a superstar. He taught Kawhi the value of discipline, spacing, and accountability.
More importantly, Pop trusted Leonard with the responsibility of becoming the focal point of a championship team.
While the two would go on different paths, Pop staying in San Antonio to rebuild, Kawhi winning another ring in Toronto before heading to L.A., their bond, forged in battles and banners, remains strong.
As the curtain closes on Popovich’s coaching career, Kawhi Leonard’s tribute stands as a reminder that, in basketball, relationships can be complicated but still full of deep respect.
