Dec 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green (14) dribbles the ball up court with forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and forward Tim Duncan (21) in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Denver Nuggets 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard's Ex-Spurs Teammate Reveals Surprising Story

Originally posted on San Antonio Spurs on SI
By Jed Katz | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 3:13 PM ET

It's hard to fathom in 2025, but many NBA fans forget the backlash the San Antonio Spurs received for trading Georgie Hill in 2011. At the time, the point guard was developing into a solid role player who could help the Spurs in their championship efforts.

Unfortunately, San Antonio would ship Hill off early in his career, but what they received would be even greater: Kawhi Leonard.

Leonard would become the future Hall-of-Famer he is today, blossoming with the Spurs and helping them win the 2014 NBA Finals. He would take home Finals MVP and begin to ascend as one of the league's superstars.

Former Spurs veteran Danny Green went on the All the Smoke podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson and discussed his time with Leonard in San Antonio. Green detailed how trading Hill was seen as an unusual decision at the time, but also noted how quickly Leonard integrated himself with the team.

"I was there when we had George Hill, they loved him," Green said. "I'm like, 'Damn they traded George for this kid? He must be special.' But I didn't see at first.

"They said he's going to be the next Bruce Bowen... We didn't see him as an offensive threat... The keys got passed to him pretty quickly... I seen Pop cuss Tony out one time 'Give him the f**king ball!'"

Leonard would average 16.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals as a Spur. He broke into stardom around 2015, finishing his stint in San Antonio with two All-Star appearances, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and two top-three MVP finishes.

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This article first appeared on San Antonio Spurs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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