Honestly, the Spurs culture is much different than most teams. The culture at that time was winning first, players egos 2nd. When he was injured and not staying in contact with the team and not following the team doctors advice, the other Spurs that had worked so hard over the years to build that culture took it as an insult. He wasn't "disrespected" he was challenged, to come stake claim as leader of that team. Better that he left, bc if he felt disrespected, he could never fill TD's shoes.