Spurs' Kawhi Leonard explains what he misses most about the retired Tim Duncan
2016-17 will be a weird season in the NBA. Gone are Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan, three legends who defined the game for the past 20 years. And as the San Antonio Spurs prepare for life in the post-Tim Duncan era, Kawhi Leonard says there's one thing that he misses above all else now that Timmy is gone:
Indeed, sense of humor is one of the biggest keys for the Spurs. Earlier this year, coach Gregg Popovich said that when he's evaluating a player, an ability to laugh at oneself is crucial. As soon as that quote made its way into the public sphere, though, Twitter did what it does best — coming up with dry, Duncan-esque jokes:
"What's black and white and *read* all over?"
— Jared Wade (@Jared_Wade) September 27, 2016
...
"Not Manu's Spurs tweets."
...
"That's a burn." https://t.co/rT3Jf0FqCE
TD: How's training camp?
— alex (@steven_lebron) September 27, 2016
KAWHI: I miss your jokes
TD: ?
KAWHI: I miss your personality
TD: ? pic.twitter.com/ErMWI5NbPA
@MrGordian you wanna hear a joke kawhi
— devin kharpertian (@uuords) September 27, 2016
sure tim
the people who don't realize that esports is the future
Of course, this is all in good fun. In reality, the future Hall of Famer is known as one of the NBA's funniest players — even if that doesn't dovetail with our public view of the very private Duncan. When the Spurs big man announced his retirement, Pop had this to say (via ESPN.com):
On the bright side for Leonard, he shouldn't have to miss Duncan for too long. Popovich told reporters at the team's media day that Duncan will join the team as coach of whatever he wants. We're going to insist that one of Duncan's responsibilities is making Leonard laugh whenever he needs it — because for as little as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year smiles, he should get what he wants.
