Kawhi honors Popovich: 'Coached until pretty much he couldn't'

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard took a moment to praise his former coach Gregg Popovich after losing Saturday's Game 7 to the Denver Nuggets.

"He had a phenomenal career. He coached until pretty much he couldn't, in a sense," Leonard said postgame, per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype. "It shows how much dedication he had to the game, how much he loved the game, and how much he gave to the game."

The San Antonio Spurs recently announced that Popovich would relinquish his head coaching duties but would remain with the organization as team president.

The 76-year-old hadn't coached the club since suffering a stroke Nov. 2, 2024, and was replaced behind the bench by Mitch Johnson, who will succeed Popovich permanently.

Leonard was drafted 15th overall by the Indiana Pacers before a draft-night trade to the Spurs in 2011 and spent the first seven years of his career in San Antonio. Under Popovich's tutelage, Leonard captured two Defensive Player of the Year awards, two All-Star nods, two All-NBA first-team nominations, an NBA title, and a Finals MVP.

He also placed in the top three in MVP voting in 2016 and 2017.

Leonard's scoring improved every season with the Spurs until a quad injury limited him to nine games for the 2017-18 campaign. Disagreements with San Antonio over his recovery ultimately led to a falling-out, and the organization traded Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, where he won his second championship.

In 2023, Spurs fans booed Leonard while he shot free throws as a member of the Clippers. But in an unusual midgame move, Popovich grabbed the arena microphone to urge the crowd to show respect.

"I appreciate everything he's done for me. Coming into the league, he helped build my foundation and showed me how to win," Leonard said. "I want to congratulate him on his career. But also, stay healthy."