Sad news: Kawhi Leonard to face the worst disappointment of his career

Eventually, after witnessing Leonard’s early-career demonstration of talent, Ginobili came to adore playing with him.
The San Antonio Spurs were able to prolong their championship window after they acquired Kawhi Leonard through a trade at the 2011 NBA Draft. The previous No. 15 pick’s ascent to the top of the league’s player rankings was not certain. The Spurs profited from their gamble for a number of years.

But, since the deal required saying goodbye to George Hill, a popular team member, some inside the Spurs organization could not have been pleased with the outcome. Manu Ginobili, the former star, was one of many who detested it.

The Argentine publication “Ole” quoted Ginobili as saying, “When he arrived, I was very angry because I liked playing with George Hill,” in a 2013 translation provided by SB Nation. “That he was traded for a rookie infuriated me. However, I didn’t truly know him. He demonstrated things in his first year, even with the lockout; his potential was evident.

However, his performance in the second half of the previous season was so amazing that everyone had to up and cheer. The guy is just absurd. He earned our respect and is deserving of holding the rock. Even Pop will admit that he was taken aback by him if you question him.”

Giving up on Hill
The Spurs’ willingness to let Hill go in order to acquire Leonard is a testament to the caliber of their scouting staff. When his name wasn’t selected in the first round of the 2008 NBA Draft by many draft boards, the combo guard wasn’t even thought to be a good two-way player.

Many people were taken aback when San Antonio chose the IUPUI product with the No. 26 selection. He eventually improved his shooting under the tutelage of the great Chip Engelland and established himself as a reliable reserve and spot starter, much like Ginobili did for the majority of his stint with the Spurs.