Popovich on Leonard: 'He just does his work and goes home'
There’s one phrase San Antonio Spurs rookie Kawhi Leonard has said a few times after games this 
season, “I’m just trying to live in the moment.”
For Leonard, that moment continues as his team is on a 16-game winning streak, and has a 2-0 series lead on the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference Semi Finals. Leonard recently finished fourth in the NBA’s Rookie of the Year voting, and his coach Gregg Popovich gave some reasons why Leonard’s been so special this season, especially for a rookie.
“He’s been a real dedicated player,” said Popovich of Leonard before the Spurs squared off with the Clippers on Tuesday, “a quick learner, he’s done a good enough job for me to trust him to be in the starting lineup, so I’m happy for him.”
Though Leonard was acquired in a trade for George Hill because of his defensive ability, Popovich says Leonard’s offense is what’s been one of his biggest improvements.
“His biggest improvement has really been offensively, his shooting. The time he spent with Chip Engelland and Chad Forcier has been great,” continued Popovich, “and that’s probably the area where he’s improved the most.”
Leonard was also selected to the U.S. Select Team this summer and Popovich said it would be a valuable experience for him.
“I think that’s fantastic for him to play against that caliber player since he missed the summer.”
If you thought Tim Duncan was one of the most emotionless NBA players out there, you have to see Leonard in person. He’s quiet, humble, and always focused. As Pop once said, “He just does his work and goes home.”
Agree with you rtesoro, what's crazy is KL should be finishing up his Junior year of college, instead he is charged with guarding Koby and Durant. He reminds me of Bowen with a little Junk Yard Dog (Mario Ellie) mixed in, definitely should have finished higher in ROTY, he is the starting SF on the best team in the league. There are just to many Spurs haters out there, same reason RC didn't get exec of the year, who is going to vote for you when you consistently kick their butt?
Leonard turns out to be a great investment for the spurs. Irving looked great because the cavs depends on him, while in the spurs there are several players who can be depended upon. If irving and leonard exchange positions right now, leonard would be rookie of the year. Go Spurs!
