Popovich called out Leonard last week by claiming the small forward was not a leader for the Spurs prior to his departure this summer.
Leonard was traded to Toronto Raptors where he has made a brilliant start to the campaign as his side sit top of the Eastern Conference.
And Raptors expert Eric Smith has sided with Leonard by claiming he has a positive influence on his new franchise.
“He may have gone through some stuff with the Spurs last year but it sounds like there are 19 different versions of the story,” Smith told Sportsnet590.
“Kawhi, to me, has been nothing but professional during his stint with the Raptors to this point.
“We should judge them on how they are as a person and how they conduct their business, whether it be personal or professional.
“You see him smiling on the floor with Dwayne Wade and sharing moments with team-mates.”
Popovich started the argument by blasting Leonard’s attitude.
“Kawhi was a great player, but he wasn’t a leader or anything,” Popovich said.
“But that leadership wasn’t his deal at that time.
“That may come as he progresses, but Manu and Patty filled that role last year, and LaMarcus (Aldridge) came a long way in that regard also.”
And Leonard hit back by insisting he was a leader – despite being ruled out for the majority of the campaign through injury.
“I heard about it. It’s just funny to me because, you know, I don’t know if he’s talking about last year or not, but I guess when you stop playing they forget how you lead,” Leonard said.
“Other than that, it doesn’t matter. I’m here with the Raptors.
“My focus is on the season and not what’s going on the other side.”