This is actually the ultimate compliment in my opinion.
While in L.A. to take on the Lakers Friday, Popovich was asked about Kawhi Leonard as a defender compared to Bruce Bowen who played for the Spurs from 2001-09 and was a part of three different championship teams.
Popovich told Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles that “Leonard is much better than Bowen, and that Bowen couldn’t dribble and couldn’t pass.”
Gregg Popovich had a pretty good zinger for Mr. Bowtie when a reporter compared Kawhi Leonard to Bruce Bowen …
Reporter: “He’s kind of different than Bowen …”
Popovich: “He’s a lot better than Bruce Bowen. Bruce Bowen couldn’t dribble and couldn’t pass. He shot 3s in the corner and he played good D, he played great D. So we want Kawhi to match Bruce’s great D first and foremost, but after that he’s a much better offensive player.”
It wasn’t really a shot at Bowen, but more of an indication of the type of dominant all around player Kawhi Leonard is going to be.