San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich took a slight jab at his former player in now-Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard, saying that he “wasn't a leader,” per Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News.

The Spurs definitely feel like a different franchise now that the Big Three era of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker is officially over. Leonard was supposed to be the heir to the throne and usher in the new era for San Antonio. Unfortunately, a fallout with the organization forced them to trade their supposed franchise superstar.

Now that the plan to hand the keys over to Leonard is no longer in place, the Spurs have no choice but to move forward. Fortunately for them, veteran guard Patty Mills is stepping up as a leader for this new-look Spurs. Popovich also lauded Spurs All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge for his improved leadership this season.

Kawhi Leonard suited up in only nine games last season due to a lingering quad issue. He also received major heat from Spurs veterans for his lack of leadership and presence with the team. Moreover, Tony Parker also called out Leonard on his health, saying that his quad injury in the 2017 postseason was much worse.

Nonetheless, Gregg Popovich and the Spurs have no choice but to move forward in life without Kawhi Leonard. They are definitely missing their three-time All-Star's superstar talent, as they are currently 11th in the Western Conference with a 9-9 record.

Kawhi Leonard, on the other hand, seems to be having a career renaissance and is looking more and more like the 2017 version of himself, where he finished third in MVP voting. The Raptors, led by Leonard, are sitting pretty atop the Eastern Conference with a 16-4 record.