Inside The Spurs

Spurs Starter, Friday, October 25, 2024: What's This of a Kawhi Leonard Lawsuit?

Your daily briefing on what's going on with the San Antonio Spurs, including news, draft and more.

Matt Guzman

Jan 23, 2018; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (left) watches from the bench during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at AT&T Center.
Jan 23, 2018; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (left) watches from the bench during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at AT&T Center. / Soobum Im-Imagn Images
In this story:

Happy Friday, Por Vida fans! Welcome to your evening Spurs Starter.

The San Antonio Spurs dropped their season opener on the road against the Dallas Mavericks Thursday night, and while there was plenty to take away, some of the attention surrounding the young team was far from American Airlines Center.

WATCH: Spurs Come Up Short Against Dallas in Season Opener

First reported by Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes, a lawsuit made by ex-Spur Kawhi Leonard's personal trainer Randy Shelton against the LA Clippers surfaced Thursday, claiming that the trainer was wrongfully terminated by the franchise for voicing concerns over Leonard receiving unsafe and illegal medical treatment.

Shelton was terminated in July 2023, but outlined in the lawsuit that his issues with the Clippers stem back to when Leonard suffered a torn ACL in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. After successful surgery, Shelton explained that Leonard's ideal timeline for recovery would last 730 days, which the franchise deemed "unacceptable."

The result was a rushed return and a failure to follow a plan agreed upon by Leonard and the team in the next season — the fallout of which was Shelton's termination and now lawsuit.

Also of note, Shelton — who has worked with Leonard since his time at San Diego State — claimed that the Clippers' front office attempted to find out more about Leonard and his medical history with intent to pursue him, dating back to 2017 during Leonard's final season with the Spurs.

As far as tampering goes, not much is known about the validity of Shelton's statements, nor the potential ramifications, but the NBA has been made aware and is launching an investigation into the matter, per a league spokesperson.

Now, onto the headlines:

THE NEWS

1. READ: CHRIS PAUL RE-ESTABLISHING VETERAN PRESENCE WITH SPURS

Between an aspiring point guard in Stephon Castle and a generational talent in Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul has plenty to work with in San Antonio, and it seems he's already taken advantage.

Read the full story at the link above.

2. WATCH: ANALYZING THE SPURS' DEPTH ON LOCKED ON SPURS

The San Antonio Spurs are still centered around Victor Wembanyama, but who else makes up their depth?

Check out the latest episode of Locked On Spurs with KENS5's Jeff Garcia:

3. LOOK: SPURS FALL IN SEASON OPENER AS WEMBANYAMA STRUGGLES

The San Antonio Spurs couldn’t keep up with the Dallas Mavericks, falling 120-109 despite a late push from their bench. 

Read the full story at the link above.

MEDIA DAY, TRAINING CAMP

Now that the Media Day is over and the 2024-25 season is set to kick off, you can check out the stories surrounding the team as it gears up for the beginning of the preseason.

- The Ultimate Guide to Spurs Training Camp

- Everything Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich Said at Media Day

- Victor Wembanyama is 'Funnier' as Spurs Prepare for New Season

- Chris Paul and Gregg Popovich, Once Rivals, Now Set to Join Forces

- Wembanyama Adds 25 Pounds Ahead of His Second NBA Season

- Chris Paul Enters San Antonio as Polished Veteran, Mutual Choice

- Keldon Johnson Is Back For Year 6, and Feels Like the Old Man

- Wembanyama 'Working on Fundamentals' Ahead of Sophomore Year

- Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul Share Comical Moment During Media Day

- Gregg Popovich Looking Forward To Season of Improvemen

- Castle Impresses Spurs Early with Versatility and 'Own Pace'

- Wembanyama Sets Next Big Goal: Elevating His Spurs Teammates

- Alpine F1 Team Announce New Era Clothing Collaboration

- Gregg Popovich Likes New, Improved Victor Wembanyama

- Is Stephon Castle's Jump Shot A Genuine Problem?


- Jeremy Sochan Ready to Thrive at 'Natural' Position

- Will Julian Champagnie Start In Place of Devin Vassell?

- Zach Collins 'Feeling Great' After Shoulder Surgery

- Harrison Barnes Speaks on Young Spurs' Winning Mentality

- Castle Speaks on Spurs' 'Aggressive' Defensive Mindset

- Keldon Johnson Focused on Getting Better, Sticking Around

- Champagnie's Approach to Begin New Season? 'Just Keep Shooting'

- How Can Sandro Mamukelashvili Earn Rotational Minutes?

THE SCHEDULE

The San Antonio Spurs played their first game of the year on Oct. 25, kicking off the second season of Victor Wembanyama's young NBA career. Now that it's through, here's a preview of some upcoming dates and times (all in CST) throughout the season to watch for:

San Antonio Spurs Regular Season Schedule

Oct. 24: Season Opener at Dallas Mavericks (L 120-109)
Oct. 26: Home opener vs. Houston Rockets

Nov. 15: Group Play Begins vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Dec. 10: NBA Cup Knockout Rounds Begin
Dec. 25: MSG Christmas at New York Knicks

Dec. 31: New Year's vs. LA Clippers

Jan. 23-25: Paris Games vs. Indiana Pacers

Feb. 3: Rodeo Road Trip Begins at Memphis Grizzlies

Feb. 14-16: All-Star Break

Feb. 20: Spurs Get Moody vs. Phoenix Suns
Feb. 21: Spurs Get Moody vs. Detroit Pistons

March 21: Longest Home Stand Ends vs. Philadelphia 76ers

April 6: Final Road Trip Begins at Portland Trail Blazers
April 13: Final Home Game vs. Toronto Raptors

AROUND THE NBA

Catch up on some of the league-wide headlines below:

Also, be sure to follow along with Spurs On SI's NBA tracker, with more detailed breakdowns of major league news and updates.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Everyone can't do what Becky is doing. She is very special."

- Gregg Popovich on Becky Hammon

THIS DAY IN SPURS HISTORY

October 26, 2002: Traded Erick Barkley to Chicago and cash considerations for future considerations.

THE CLOSER

Check out our homepage for more news and follow us on the platforms below. Thank you for tuning in and enjoy the rest of your Friday.

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

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