Draymond Doubles Down, and Pop’s In-Game Defense of Kawhi Leonard | Real Ones
Nov 27, 2023
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NBA players Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert discuss their physical altercation while the hosts debate trading Klay Thompson. They also talk about Gregg Popovich defending Kawhi Leonard against boos from fans and whether it's okay to boo players.
Fans booing their own players is generally discouraged and can impact team morale.
Gregg Popovich's defense of Kawhi Leonard highlights the camaraderie and respect within the Spurs organization.
Organizations should handle the departure of players with class and show appreciation for their contributions.
Deep dives
Kawhi Leonard booed by San Antonio Spurs fans
During a recent game against the San Antonio Spurs, Kawhi Leonard, now playing for the LA Clippers, was booed by Spurs fans. The negative reception may stem from the way Leonard left San Antonio, which some fans still remember. There were rumors and accusations that Leonard could have played but didn't want to, and he was seen as abandoning the team. Despite winning championships with San Antonio, his departure left a sour taste for some fans. While booing is a common occurrence in sports, particularly when a player returns to face their former team, it's worth noting that booing one's own team is generally discouraged.
Gregg Popovich defends Kawhi Leonard
During the game against the Spurs, Clippers coach Gregg Popovich took the microphone from the scorer's table and addressed the fans, asking them to stop booing Kawhi Leonard. Popovich emphasized that the Spurs don't boo their own players and that they should show respect for someone who was once part of their team. Popovich's intervention was seen as a show of support and protection for Leonard, highlighting the camaraderie and respect within the Spurs organization.
The nature of booing in sports
Booing is a common occurrence in sports, especially when players face their former teams. Fans express their emotions and frustrations through booing, and it can often be a way of showing disapproval or disappointment. While it's understandable that Spurs fans might harbor negative feelings towards Kawhi Leonard for the way he left the team, it's important to remember that booing is part of the emotional investment fans have in their teams. However, it's generally discouraged to boo one's own team, as it can be counterproductive and may impact team morale.
The role of an organization in handling a departing player
When a player leaves an organization, it's important for the organization to handle the situation with class and respect. While fans may express their frustrations and disappointments, the organization should focus on highlighting the positive moments and contributions of the player. Tribute videos or acknowledgments can be a way to show appreciation for what the player brought to the team. It's crucial for organizations to maintain a positive relationship with former players, as it can impact future player recruitment and the overall reputation of the organization.
The impact of booing on players and teams
Booing can have both positive and negative effects on players and teams. While it may provoke an emotional response from the player being booed, it can also rally the home team and create a hostile environment for the opposing team. However, excessive booing or booing of one's own team can be demoralizing for players and counterproductive to team unity and performance. Coaches and organizations play a role in managing these situations and creating a supportive and respectful atmosphere for their players.
Logan, Raja, and Howard discuss Draymond Green’s recent quotes doubling down on his physical altercation with Rudy Gobert, and explore if the Warriors should consider trading Klay Thompson to bolster their supporting cast (8:59). Then, they talk about Gregg Popovich halting a game against the Clippers, where he told fans to stop booing former Spurs player Kawhi Leonard, and debate whether or not it’s okay to boo players (40:32).
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