Kawhi Leonard is one of the most talented players to ever suit up for the San Antonio Spurs, but after burning his bridges with the franchise, his jersey will not be retired.
The Mount Rushmore of San Antonio Spurs players is pretty undisputed: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and David Robinson. Duncan and Robinson are easily the two best players to ever suit up for the Spurs, and Parker and Ginobili formed the most successful core in NBA history.
The four best Spurs, though, probably see Parker and Ginobili swapped out for George Gervin and Kawhi Leonard. Gervin was one of the best scorers the NBA and ABA ever saw, but he never won a title. Leonard, meanwhile, is one of the best players of his generation.
Forcing his way out of San Antonio, though, caused fans and the organization to sour on him, leaving him off the Mount Rushmore list.
The Spurs aren't likely to honor Leonard, despite what some experts think.
Spurs Won't Retire Kawhi Leonard's Number
The Spurs have 10 jerseys retired. Outside of Gervin, James Silas, and Johnny Moore, everyone won at least one title while in San Antonio. After all, the Spurs value team success over all else.
Considering that Leonard was Finals MVP and led the Spurs to their winningest season ever in 2016, it makes sense that number two will eventually hang in the rafters.
"Leonard’s exit from San Antonio was less than graceful," wrote The Athletic's Jason Jones. "Still, the Spurs have traditionally retired the numbers of key contributors to championship teams, such as Avery Johnson, Sean Elliott, and Bruce Bowen."
Except Bowen, Elliott, and Johnson all left the Spurs on good terms. After being traded to the Detroit Pistons, Elliott returned to San Antonio for seven more seasons, ending his career in the Silver and Black. Bowen retired a Spur, and Johnson has only spoken highly of the team, even though he left in free agency.
Leonard, meanwhile, burned his bridges.
On the court, the Spurs value team success. Off the court, the Spurs value family. It's why Duncan, Robinson, Elliott, Gervin, Ginobili, and Bowen--among others--still live in the area.
After giving Leonard's number two jersey to Dylan Harper last season, it's clear that the expectation is that there will be a banner hanging from the rafters. Leonard's name won't be on it, though.
