Kawhi Leonard has, to this point, had a 2017-18 season to forget. While he came into the year with some MVP hype after his outstanding 2016-17 campaign, Leonard has barely seen the floor due to a lingering hamstring injury. Even worse, his relationship with the San Antonio Spurs has been under the microscope as reports have surfaced claiming the stone-faced superstar is unhappy with his current situation.
Things seem to be going better in recent days, though, as Leonard is trying to make it back to the team in time for its postseason push. And on Wednesday afternoon, Leonard wanted to clarify that he wants to stay in San Antonio for a long time.
Leonard met with the press at Spurs practice on Wednesday and made it clear that his intention is to be with San Antonio for his entire career.
Asked if he would like to finish his career as a Spur, Leonard said, "Yeah, for sure." #Spurs
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) March 7, 2018
There were other interesting tidbits, like Leonard stressing that he wants to play again this year and filling everyone in on the reported tension between his team and the Spurs regarding his road to recovery.
Asked if his course of treatment has created friction between him and the #Spurs, Kawhi said, "Everything was done as a group. I don't feel like nothing was friction. I talk to Pop everyday. He knows what the progressions were, he knew what I am doing the whole entire time."
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) March 7, 2018
Leonard is 26 and is going to be in the NBA for a long time, whether it’s as a superstar or as a role player who plays stingy defense and hits threes. Talking about the end of his career is a bit premature, and anything can happen over the next few years, but it is nice that he wants to join the list of Spurs players who play for the team throughout their time in the Association.
