From Last Word on Pro Basketball, by Robbie Stratakos
The NBA has become a superstar league. With LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook evolving into true superstar players, the NBA now features a bevy of exciting players. However, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard has been a superstar of his own, yet he’s fallen under the radar. While his stardom hasn’t received much attention, Leonard has become a top five player.
Leonard is a Unique Superstar
When NBA fans think of superstars, they think of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and even James Harden because they’re elite offensive players. They tune in to watch them put on a scoring clinic; however, Leonard doesn’t have that exciting facet to his game. He is an offensive threat, but he’s not the high flying, sharp shooting player that fans want to watch play. Instead, he’s an elite, well rounded two way player.
Elite Defensive Play
Leonard doesn’t have that exciting factor to his game, but he does have something very special cooking for him; he’s the best two way player in the NBA. He is a consistent offensive player and is a lockdown defender. When it comes to basic defense, there is no one in the NBA better than Kawhi Leonard. He’s a lockdown perimeter defender who’s capable of guarding any player in the league. He’s also a sneaky pick pocketer; he averaged at least 1.3 steals a game for his career, and averaged over 2 steals a game two seasons ago season, and he is currently averaging just over that amount this year. His defensive tenacity separates him from the rest of the pack; however, despite his defensive game being the focal point of his forte, Leonard does fill up the stat sheet in other ways.
Leonard Gets His Points
While he’s not a prolific scorer, Leonard does gets his points in a number of ways. He’s capable of hitting the three point ball, driving to the paint at will, and he can play as a facilitator. His offensive production has improved every year, as he’s increased his points per game ever since his rookie year, and ever since 2013 his point total has increased by roughly four points per game a season. This season though he’s come into his own; he’s averaging just over 25 points a game. Also, Leonard is averaging more points and steals per game than Lebron James – who some consider to be the games best two way player; however, Leonard’s offensive abilities haven’t been the only reason for his rise to stardom.
Leonard’s A Facilitator
Leonard’s ability to facilitate, as well as his nack for hitting the boards have also been key factets of his game. He has averaged at least five rebounds a game for his career, and has averaged at least 2.5 assists a game the last three seasons.
Leonard is The Best Two Way Player in the NBA
Leonard’s numbers alone show how great a player he really is, but he’s more than just his numbers. When you watch him, you see a player who is a true superstar. There’s nothing he can’t do; he’s the best defender in the NBA, a good scorer, a solid rebounder, and a facilitator. When it comes to being a two player, Leonard is the best in the business.
Kawhi Leonard is a Top Five Player
Kawhi Leonard has become a superstar in the NBA; however, he hasn’t received enough credit for his rise to stardom. The truth is Leonard isn’t the world’s most exciting player, but he’s the best two way player in the NBA, and despite the lackif glamor, he is a a top five player in the NBA.
Main Photo
April 15, 2015: San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the game between San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)
