:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61614829/679475500.jpg.0.jpg)
The Spurs have a way about them. There is not a “leader” in the modern era version of the word. During the 2014 Finals cameras in the teams’ respective locker rooms. LeBron James at the center of his huddled team telling them “follow my lead.” For a Spurs fan, that pep talk was awkward and self-centered.
The Spurs were under the quiet leadership of Tim Duncan. There wasn’t then, nor has there been since Gregg Popovich took the reins as head coach, an outspoken player. Not in the vein of the more common “me first” players of the NBA. For the Spurs, there had been a lack of “hype,” the kind of behavior conveyed by a player whose chest-thumping defines his game. Dignity is a large part of what makes the Spurs culture unique.
But now, there is a distinct lack of leadership in the locker room. Tim Duncan may have not said much, but he accepted his role on the team. He was the last to leave the court, no matter who was being interviewed. He pulled younger guys aside and shared his experiences in effort to foster their development. Once he retired, Manu was noticeably the statesman raising the next group of players through the Spurs System.
But this season the Spurs start from a new vantage point. The Big 3 are gone and the Spurs’ best player - although never a vocal leader - exited San Antonio.
Who will step up in the locker room and get the youngsters pumped up when their backs are against the wall? Who will inspire? Who will share the wisdom? Who will lead?
Poll
Who will step up and be the Spurs locker room leader this season?
This poll is closed
-
47%
LaMarcus Aldridge - it’s his team to lead now that Kawhi is no more
(597 votes) -
7%
Pau Gasol - two-time NBA Champion and elder statesman
(100 votes) -
9%
DeMar DeRozan - just give him some time
(115 votes) -
16%
Patty Mills - the longest tenured Spur under Pop
(212 votes) -
16%
Dejounte Murray - the next generation started the minute he cracked into the starting line-up and his time is now
(206 votes) -
3%
None of the above and I will explain in the comments
(39 votes)
Welcome to The Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.
Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.