Kawhi Leonard Praises Gregg Popovich on 'Phenomenal' Career, He 'Showed Me How To Win'

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard had high praise for Gregg Popovich after the San Antonio Spurs head coach stepped down this week.

Following Saturday's season-ending 120-101 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Leonard said his former coach "had a phenomenal career."

"It shows how much dedication he had to the game, how much he loved the game, and how much he gave to the game," the six-time All-Star told reporters. "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."

Leonard spent seven seasons with the Spurs, who selected him 15th overall in the 2011 NBA draft. Over that time, he transformed from a solid role player to the best two-way talent in the NBA.

In his third year, he was the NBA Finals MVP after the Spurs decisively beat the Miami Heat, and he was the Defensive Player of the Year in successive seasons after that.

Leonard ultimately didn't pick up the torch from Tim Duncan like Duncan did with David Robinson, and his separation from San Antonio in 2018 became contentious.

But that doesn't change how great the veteran forward's first six years with the Spurs were, and landing on a team coached by Popovich clearly set the stage for what should be a Hall of Fame career.