Tony Parker reportedly led a players-only meeting in which Spurs implored Kawhi Leonard to return.
Leonard injured his quad last season, has played just nine games this season and remains sidelined. The Spurs have reportedly cleared him, but he got second opinions and is waiting for his medical team to clear him.
Parker injured his quad last May then returned in November – and said at the time Leonard would return in 2-3 weeks.
Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News:
Tony Parker on his return from the career-threatening quad injury he suffered last May: I’ve been through it. It was a rehab for me for eight months. Same kind of injury (as Kawhi), but mine was a hundred times worse. But the same kind of injury. You just stay positive."
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) March 23, 2018
Tony also said he never considered getting a second-opinion after he tore his quad: "I could have gone anywhere, but I trust my Spurs doctors. They have been with me my whole career. They know my body better than anybody…I feel like we have the best medical team in the world."
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) March 23, 2018
It’s not hard to read between these lines.
Though some Spurs reportedly told Leonard to return only once he feels ready, Parker is clearly applying pressure. It’s not working, but he’s apparently not stopping.
These comments don’t befit a healthy organization, which is just so stunning for the Spurs, whose excellent culture has been exalted for year.
Maybe Parker will get his wish, and a shamed-into-playing Leonard will lead San Antonio deep into the playoffs. But it seems more likely these quotes will just increase tension.
