Kawhi Leonard Gets Honest About Spurs Fans

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While San Antonio Spurs fans have been booing Kawhi Leonard since he was traded to the Toronto Raptors, the situation gained a bigger spotlight on Wednesday night when Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich grabbed the public address microphone while Leonard was at the free throw line, and told fans to stop booing.
When asked about this moment during his on-court interview after the game, Leonard said, "I was focused. I didn't know if it was him or not. I was at the free throw line, but they're a very classy organization, and I'm pretty sure he wants to keep it that way."
Leonard was asked about Spurs fans again in the locker room after the game, and said, "If I don’t have a Spurs jersey on they’re probably gonna boo me for the rest of my career, but it is what it is. Like I said, they’re one of the best fans in the league. They're very competitive. Once I step on this basketball court out here they're gonna show that they're going for the other side. When I’m on the streets or going into restaurants they show love, so it is what it is."
Kawhi Leonard on Spurs fans:
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 23, 2023
“If I don’t have a Spurs jersey on they’re probably gonna boo me for the rest of my career… They’re one of the best fans in the league… When I’m on the streets or going into restaurants they show love.” pic.twitter.com/USd5eEgn3j
Understanding the dynamic at play, Leonard doesn't seem to mind the booing in San Antonio, and appreciates the love he receives from Spurs fans outside of the arena.
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Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.
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