Everything Kawhi Leonard

[Kagemusha]

Yeah. The "Spurs Way" is almost history, i.e. getting players to sacrifice money, health, ego, role, etc... for the good of the team. Power has shifted to the players and modern players want to be catered to in every way possible. Spurs lucked out with Tim Duncan and then getting team-oriented international guys like Parker and Ginobili as their core. We saw what happened to Sam Presti when he tried to bring the Spurs Way to OKC and get Harden to take less - they've never recovered from that. Ironically, DeMar might be one of the last of the breed of humble, self-less, all-star.

I wonder how long this new trend will last for.
Pretty soon, if not already, those rich owners will realize that their investments will be greatly jeopardized as a result of this
and will go running for Adam's help.

[planetmars]

Mark Ziegler was on TSN radio. The interview is here:
http://chumam.streamon.fm/listen-pl-9363?smc=11

He's the guy that wrote about Kawhi and how he feels that Toronto should be able to resign him. Excellent article. Here is the link if you didn't read it:
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...722-story.html

Wrote some notes while listening:

Kawhi played in San Diego State. He's the beat writer there, and covered him for basically 10 years. He went to San Antonio a few times to cover him there as well.

Kawhi gives back to the community and has a camp not to far from San Diego, where Mark hung out with him and his people. His inner circle is like 3 or 4 guys, and that's it. Knows the guys around him very well.

He feels he's a good match for Candada. He knows a few Canadians, and he loves Canadians, and loves the humility. He said that Kwahi is a very humble guy. Unlike any other basketball player he's seen. Kawhi cares about only one thing and that's winning. Greatest currency is loyalty. He only trusts the guys around him. As soon as that trust is broken its a big deal. He went to San Diego State when his highschool team was good, and was scouted by all the big colleges. Feels comfortable there and is all about the team.

Not about the money. Drives old cars, doesn't spend a lot. He's a huge gym rat. Works out and just wants rings not individual accolades. That's how he defines himself. Mark thinks the pieces are in Toronto that fits what he's all about.

He thinks Masai and Kawhi would share common interests. Thinks Masai can sell values/merits of his franchise to Kawhi. He thinks Masai is a key piece in bringing back Kawhi. Kwahi's not in position to trust Toronto yet.. it's a long year and lots can happen. Thinks Masai is a huge piece and perfect GM. Talks to guys in NBA and first thing people say is that Masai could have huge impact on Kawhi.

Some source said "He's going to fall in love with Toronto, he's not going to leave". Says this is a gut feeling. Someone in Kawhi's inner circle that knows him well and knows the NBA well. Trusts his source.. and feels the hunch is very educated.

No guarantee it happens.. but feels there a lot more there in Toronto that matches up with Kawhi. Canadian fans are passionate, but will leave you alone. won't get mobbed.. Not really into the celebrity. Radio host indicates that celebs are well protected, and city is not focused on celebrity side of things. And says there was precedence of Californians that come and do not want to leave (gave DeMar and Norm as examples).

Powell and Kawhi know each other. When Norm was growing up, Kawhi was at SD state. SD state is like an "NBA team".. in summer would play pick up ball at SD state. Sharon (Norm's mom) is influential person in the community there.. and got to know Kawhi's mom. She learned to love Toronto, and vowed to come to every home game. Said it was cold at first, but loves the city. She's close friends with Kawhi's mom.

He thinks that was a huge smile in that picture (for Kawhi). He's not sure if someone made a joke, and he laughed, but that was definitely a smile. Kawhi is all business, and people will find that out. Guys in San Antonio had to drag him out the gym because they were worried he worked out to much. He doesn't respect players that don't work hard. Mark thinks that Toronto's roster is of the same mind as Kawhi's. And Kawhi's work ethic can be contagious. And Mark is fascinated to see how this team plays.

[Scraptor]

You might want to take a look at this then (though he has an axe to grind with the Spurs) ...

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlYWKbrH...ource=ig_embed

Stephen Jackson is an absolute horse's ass. I can't believe anyone listens to his BS after his conduct over the last fifteen years.

[Kagemusha]

Mark Ziegler was on TSN radio. The interview is here:
http://chumam.streamon.fm/listen-pl-9363?smc=11

He's the guy that wrote about Kawhi and how he feels that Toronto should be able to resign him. Excellent article. Here is the link if you didn't read it:
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...722-story.html

Wrote some notes while listening:

Kawhi played in San Diego State. He's the beat writer there, and covered him for basically 10 years. He went to San Antonio a few times to cover him there as well.

Kawhi gives back to the community and has a camp not to far from San Diego, where Mark hung out with him and his people. His inner circle is like 3 or 4 guys, and that's it. Knows the guys around him very well.

He feels he's a good match for Candada. He knows a few Canadians, and he loves Canadians, and loves the humility. He said that Kwahi is a very humble guy. Unlike any other basketball player he's seen. Kawhi cares about only one thing and that's winning. Greatest currency is loyalty. He only trusts the guys around him. As soon as that trust is broken its a big deal. He went to San Diego State when his highschool team was good, and was scouted by all the big colleges. Feels comfortable there and is all about the team.

Not about the money. Drives old cars, doesn't spend a lot. He's a huge gym rat. Works out and just wants rings not individual accolades. That's how he defines himself. Mark thinks the pieces are in Toronto that fits what he's all about.

He thinks Masai and Kawhi would share common interests. Thinks Masai can sell values/merits of his franchise to Kawhi. He thinks Masai is a key piece in bringing back Kawhi. Kwahi's not in position to trust Toronto yet.. it's a long year and lots can happen. Thinks Masai is a huge piece and perfect GM. Talks to guys in NBA and first thing people say is that Masai could have huge impact on Kawhi.

Some source said "He's going to fall in love with Toronto, he's not going to leave". Says this is a gut feeling. Someone in Kawhi's inner circle that knows him well and knows the NBA well. Trusts his source.. and feels the hunch is very educated.

No guarantee it happens.. but feels there a lot more there in Toronto that matches up with Kawhi. Canadian fans are passionate, but will leave you alone. won't get mobbed.. Not really into the celebrity. Radio host indicates that celebs are well protected, and city is not focused on celebrity side of things. And says there was precedence of Californians that come and do not want to leave (gave DeMar and Norm as examples).

Powell and Kawhi know each other. When Norm was growing up, Kawhi was at SD state. SD state is like an "NBA team".. in summer would play pick up ball at SD state. Sharon (Norm's mom) is influential person in the community there.. and got to know Kawhi's mom. She learned to love Toronto, and vowed to come to every home game. Said it was cold at first, but loves the city. She's close friends with Kawhi's mom.

He thinks that was a huge smile in that picture (for Kawhi). He's not sure if someone made a joke, and he laughed, but that was definitely a smile. Kawhi is all business, and people will find that out. Guys in San Antonio had to drag him out the gym because they were worried he worked out to much. He doesn't respect players that don't work hard. Mark thinks that Toronto's roster is of the same mind as Kawhi's. And Kawhi's work ethic can be contagious. And Mark is fascinated to see how this team plays.

Nice,
O.G. will learn a lot from Kawhi.

[Bonus Jonas]

That’s hyping me up too much I gotta temper expectations

[Hotshot]

Nice,
O.G. will learn a lot from Kawhi.

And Kawhi will learn from OG how to answer the media.

[Puffer]

Mark Ziegler was on TSN radio. The interview is here:
http://chumam.streamon.fm/listen-pl-9363?smc=11

He's the guy that wrote about Kawhi and how he feels that Toronto should be able to resign him. Excellent article. Here is the link if you didn't read it:
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...722-story.html

Wrote some notes while listening:

Kawhi played in San Diego State. He's the beat writer there, and covered him for basically 10 years. He went to San Antonio a few times to cover him there as well.

Kawhi gives back to the community and has a camp not to far from San Diego, where Mark hung out with him and his people. His inner circle is like 3 or 4 guys, and that's it. Knows the guys around him very well.

He feels he's a good match for Candada. He knows a few Canadians, and he loves Canadians, and loves the humility. He said that Kwahi is a very humble guy. Unlike any other basketball player he's seen. Kawhi cares about only one thing and that's winning. Greatest currency is loyalty. He only trusts the guys around him. As soon as that trust is broken its a big deal. He went to San Diego State when his highschool team was good, and was scouted by all the big colleges. Feels comfortable there and is all about the team.

Not about the money. Drives old cars, doesn't spend a lot. He's a huge gym rat. Works out and just wants rings not individual accolades. That's how he defines himself. Mark thinks the pieces are in Toronto that fits what he's all about.

He thinks Masai and Kawhi would share common interests. Thinks Masai can sell values/merits of his franchise to Kawhi. He thinks Masai is a key piece in bringing back Kawhi. Kwahi's not in position to trust Toronto yet.. it's a long year and lots can happen. Thinks Masai is a huge piece and perfect GM. Talks to guys in NBA and first thing people say is that Masai could have huge impact on Kawhi.

Some source said "He's going to fall in love with Toronto, he's not going to leave". Says this is a gut feeling. Someone in Kawhi's inner circle that knows him well and knows the NBA well. Trusts his source.. and feels the hunch is very educated.

No guarantee it happens.. but feels there a lot more there in Toronto that matches up with Kawhi. Canadian fans are passionate, but will leave you alone. won't get mobbed.. Not really into the celebrity. Radio host indicates that celebs are well protected, and city is not focused on celebrity side of things. And says there was precedence of Californians that come and do not want to leave (gave DeMar and Norm as examples).

Powell and Kawhi know each other. When Norm was growing up, Kawhi was at SD state. SD state is like an "NBA team".. in summer would play pick up ball at SD state. Sharon (Norm's mom) is influential person in the community there.. and got to know Kawhi's mom. She learned to love Toronto, and vowed to come to every home game. Said it was cold at first, but loves the city. She's close friends with Kawhi's mom.

He thinks that was a huge smile in that picture (for Kawhi). He's not sure if someone made a joke, and he laughed, but that was definitely a smile. Kawhi is all business, and people will find that out. Guys in San Antonio had to drag him out the gym because they were worried he worked out to much. He doesn't respect players that don't work hard. Mark thinks that Toronto's roster is of the same mind as Kawhi's. And Kawhi's work ethic can be contagious. And Mark is fascinated to see how this team plays.

Man, it's after 10:00 pm when I'm reading this. Why you gotta be hyping me all up. I won't be able to sleep till 2:00 in the morning now. Pumped don't even begin to describe it. Just about the whole Raptors team are gym rats. They might as well all get one big condo and live together. Kawhi ain't leaving. Get out the dual citizenship papers now.

[Mitch P]

LOL I have no idea why this gif was posted, but it's now my favourite gif ever ... Lol

Me too.....I'm assuming it represents a medical exam.....like "say ahhhh". Very funny.

[Kagemusha]

Man, it's after 10:00 pm when I'm reading this. Why you gotta be hyping me all up. I won't be able to sleep till 2:00 in the morning now. Pumped don't even begin to describe it. Just about the whole Raptors team are gym rats. They might as well all get one big condo and live together. Kawhi ain't leaving. Get out the dual citizenship papers now.

Kawhi will gain nothing for not playing for the Raptors, as the (envious) American fear mongers preach.
I am scared of him injuring/re-injuring himself than him not giving it all on the court.

[inthepaint]

Man, it's after 10:00 pm when I'm reading this. Why you gotta be hyping me all up. I won't be able to sleep till 2:00 in the morning now. Pumped don't even begin to describe it. Just about the whole Raptors team are gym rats. They might as well all get one big condo and live together. Kawhi ain't leaving. Get out the dual citizenship papers now.

One other angle I had never thought of until know is how positive this could be for norm himself. He's also your classic gym rat that works really hard and and is constantly striving to be the best he can be. So much so that a lot of his issues last year was him trying to do too much after his contract. I hope his potential connection and friendship with Kawhi can be a stabilizing element for both them, and we can see a huge bounce back year for norm out of it.

[Bendit]

Stephen Jackson is an absolute horse's ass. I can't believe anyone listens to his BS after his conduct over the last fifteen years.

Well I remember him as a hardass defensive player. He played for the Spurs and Pops liked him too until he became too much of a contrarian I suppose and they got rid of him. Yes, I didn't like him when he beat up on the Raps and he could be construed as a dirty player. A thug maybe? ... I don't know.

That said, was there anything in the link you thought was particularly offensive? He sounds like an old uncle giving labour advice to the young ones. I posted because it fit in I thought with Golden's post. The irony is that the NBA is much better on labour issues than any of the other leagues.

[raptors999]

What about playing through injury? Every hang nail and sniffle is probably gonna keep him out this year by old uncle D.

I'm excited as anyone, just playing devils advocate

Who cares, as long as he plays in the playoffs

[Apollo]

So any chance Pop cuts Demar and keeps Kawhi on the National team? Lol.

If anything Pop gives extra attention to Kawhi to try to illustrate that he's the bigger man.

[Apollo]

Kawhi will gain nothing for not playing for the Raptors, as the (envious) American fear mongers preach.
I am scared of him injuring/re-injuring himself than him not giving it all on the court.

Kawhi will lose a lot by not playing for the Raptors. Once he gets here and gets settled in then who knows how he feels. His opinion of Toronto is based on a lot of American misconceptions. Those are likely to be challenged on a daily basis once immersed in Toronto.

[JimiCliff]

Well I remember him as a hardass defensive player. He played for the Spurs and Pops liked him too until he became too much of a contrarian I suppose and they got rid of him. Yes, I didn't like him when he beat up on the Raps and he could be construed as a dirty player. A thug maybe? ... I don't know.

That said, was there anything in the link you thought was particularly offensive? He sounds like an old uncle giving labour advice to the young ones. I posted because it fit in I thought with Golden's post. The irony is that the NBA is much better on labour issues than any of the other leagues.

Not offensive. But we're talking about people being paid into the hundreds of millions of dollars for playing a child's game. And the trade of for this is that sometimes they're going to have to move to a different city? Boo freaking hoo. The chip on that dude's shoulder is ridiculous.