Popovich responds to reports, rumors about Kawhi's 'distant' relationship with Spurs

Popovich says reports are 'silly'

SAN ANTONIO – Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich spoke to the media on Tuesday about the recent ESPN reports that All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard and his camp were recently described as "distant and disconnected" from the organization.

Popovich was asked about Leonard's current relationship with the team. "It's no different than it has been for the whole time he has been here," Popovich said. 

RELATED: Kawhi Leonard wants to leave Spurs, ESPN analyst says

When asked about Leonard getting a second opinion for his quadriceps tendinopathy, Popovich said.

"Second opinions are good. It doesn't indicate anything except due diligence and making sure we can do whatever we can to get a player back. Nobody wants to come back more than Kawhi Leonard."

Popovich reiterated the injury rehabilitation has been frustrating for everyone involved. 

"For somebody to come up with something about him and his teammates is silly," Popovich said. 

The Spurs head coach said Leonard sitting out is no different from having any other Spurs player sit out due to injury and rehab.

He added that the Spurs held out Tim Duncan for a playoff series in the past when Duncan could have played.

"I don’t see this as anything different that we have done with any other player, but some people for some reason want to do that (and) that’s OK,” Popovich said. “But it doesn’t affect our team or me, or anybody else."

Check out what else Popovich said in the video player above.

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About the Author:

RJ Marquez is co-host of KSAT News Now and reports for Good Morning San Antonio. He's been at KSAT since 2010 and covered a variety of stories and events across the San Antonio area. He also covers the Spurs for on-air and digital platforms, including his Spurs newsletter. RJ has reported stories for KSAT Explains.