After Game 2 of the series between the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs Gregg Popovich gave some high praise to LaMarcus Aldridge that many believed was a slight at Kawhi Leonard.
“LaMarcus has been a monster all year long,” Popovich told Sam Amick of USA Today Sports. “He’s led our team at both ends of the floor. He doesn’t complain about a darn thing out on the court. He just plays through everything. I can’t imagine being more proud of a player as far as playing through adversity and being there for his teammates night after night after night. He’s been fantastic.”
He used an interesting choice of words when he talked about how LaMarcus has been there all year for his teammates, something that Leonard hasn't been. Most of the time while he has been rehabbing he has been away from the team in New York.
On Wednesday Popovich was asked about the comments:
Asked about "a lot of people " interpreting his praise for LA after Gm. 2 as a “shot” at Kawhi, and if that was indeed the case, Pop said, “Who are these lots of people? Who are they? Did you count them? I think you just made that up.” Significant, though, that he didn't deny it.
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) April 18, 2018
Popovich has never been a guy to shy away from things and if you are wrong he will tell you. The fact that Popovich didn't deny that the comments were a shot at Leonard is very telling.
Popovich has been very short when answering questions about Leonard at times and it's very clear he is very frustrated. Usually when the playoffs roll around even if a player is rehabbing they will be there for the playoff games, at least the home ones.
The fact that Leonard isn't around supporting the team and sitting on the bench also seems to be very telling about where this is heading.
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