One of the most significant issues in the NBA today is the rumored drama within the San Antonio Spurs. There were reports that the relationship between the organization and Kawhi Leonard is on the rocks. Leonard and his representatives are believed to be distancing themselves from the Spurs because of the way they are handling his injury.
So far this season, Kawhi Leonard has appeared in just nine games. The main reason behind this is the right quadriceps tendinopathy he is dealing with for some time now. As a precautionary measure, the San Antonio Spurs sidelined him indefinitely.
Forgotten frontline duo
NBA player turned ESPN analyst Jalen Rose thinks there is another reason why the relationship of the San Antonio Spurs and Kawhi Leonard is heading south. In an episode of ESPN First Take a couple of days ago, Rose seemed convinced that Leonard wants out of San Antonio due to the Spurs' inability to land "elite level, All-NBA caliber free agents" that will team up with him.
It was a great insight from Rose, but his remarks may have been a bit disrespectful to the twin towers of San Antonio. Rose said the Spurs failed to acquire stars. But in 2015 and 2016, they have added LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol respectively.
Aldridge and Gasol are past their thirties, though they are still "elite" and "All-NBA caliber" players.
In the absence of Kawhi, Aldridge is stepping up and is leading the 32-18 Spurs (third-best in the Western Conference) in points, rebounds, and blocks. The 32-year-old's efforts led to him getting his sixth All-Star selection this 2018. Meanwhile, Gasol's numbers dropped this season, but he remains among the best big men in the NBA.
The pride of Spain is a two-time NBA champion, a former Rookie of the Year (2002), and similar to Aldridge is a six-time All-Star.
It is likely that what Rose meant was that San Antonio has been unsuccessful in signing someone like a Kevin Durant. Despite the botched opportunities, the Spurs have done an excellent job of surrounding Leonard with talent.
Unfortunately, that is yet to translate into another NBA title.
New star?
If Kawhi Leonard leaves, the San Antonio Spurs could focus on grooming Dejounte Murray as their future star. The 21-year-old continues to impress as the starting point guard of the five-time champions. On January 23, Murray had one of his best performances in a young career when he recorded a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds (which came with three assists plus seven steals) to help the Spurs defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-102.
