Gregg Popovich spoke candidly about Kawhi Leonard when asked about the importance of Patty Mills' leadership following their trade of Leonard and the retirement of Manu Ginobili.

"Kawhi was a great player, but he wasn't a leader or anything," Popovich said. "Manu and Patty were the leaders. Kawhi's talent will always be missed, but that leadership wasn't his deal at that time. That may come as he progresses, but Manu and Patty filled that role last year, and LaMarcus [Aldridge] came a long way in that regard also."

Leonard became distant with the organization following the reveal of his quadriceps issue before training camp in 17-18.