For two decades, the San Antonio Spurs have mastered an almost robotic approach. No one speaks out, everyone follows the “Spurs way” and success results in the art of six NBA Finals appearances and five championships. One word to sum it up? Consistency.
Then came a breach in the armor — a threat to end everything in place since Gregg Popovich became the head coach in 1996. No one expected it in September 2017. Not even in January 2018. But, it came in the form of Kawhi Leonard’s trade desire, with unhappiness over the handling of his quadriceps injury as the reason.