San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker has explained how the team will transition to Kawhi Leonard while simultaneously detailing the franchise’s brilliance.
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The Spurs have won 50 games or more for the 16th straight season this year, as they continue to set the standard that their rivals aspire to in terms of consistent success.
Coach Gregg Popovich and the front office of the organisation have undoubtedly played integral roles in that longevity, but equally as important are the players and their ability to put egos and personal rewards aside to go through transitional periods smoothly.
Parker discussed how it worked out with him, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili over the past decade or so, and he outlined the plan moving forward with Leonard expected to become the franchise star.
“It’s like me and Manu back in the day. You have to share and wait your turn. Sometimes I don’t see the ball for a long time but Kawhi is playing unbelievable,” the French ace said, according to MySanAntonio.com.
“And it’s going to be Kawhi’s team anyway. Like Timmy transitioned to Manu, Manu transitioned to me, now it’s going to be transitioned to Kawhi. So I’ll play off him, like all those years with Timmy. We always did a great job of sharing the ball and wait our turn. It will be no different with me”.
Leonard was crowned the NBA Finals MVP last year as the Spurs won their fifth championship with an impressive series win over the Miami Heat.
The organisation have made no secret of their intention of making Leonard the new face of the franchise, and with the likes of Ginobili and Duncan nearing the end of their respective careers, more will be expected of him after he signs a new long-term deal this summer with free agency looming.
Leonard is a restricted free agent so San Antonio have the advantage of being able to match any offer that he receives, and so they will be confident of securing his future.
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