![]() ![]() But that only makes it that much more crucial that we, the collective global NBA community, cast a spotlight on players who dominate in the moment, and appreciate them for what they are doing, even if their raw stat lines don’t rank near the top of the league. It would seem optimistic to expect Leonard to suddenly go on a major five-year tear where he catches up to Harden, and it would also be out of character of him to even care about such an arbitrary goal.īut in a league where players become more and more heliocentric by every season, players such as Leonard, not to mention Draymond Green, stand out as potential long-term casualties of a stats-driven narrative.Īs such, maybe any attempt at preserving such legacies are futile. Leonard could get reduced to a footnote, or someone only the old-timers in the back (presumably still being played by Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall) will remember as being one of the most dominant two-way forces the league has ever seen.Īll of this is to ask: How much stock should we put into career numbers? Especially in relation to Leonard? And let’s not even begin to mention Russell Westbrook’s triple-double seasons. Under such a lens, Harden wins that discussion thoroughly. So when barbershops in the 2060’s discuss the merits of Leonard and Harden, what will be the basis of their conclusion? Yet, taking a snapshot of the present is usually an impossible task, as context gets lost over time. Some, even, would argue it’s not even close. Yet, right now in the present, Leonard is in many circles valued as the superior player. January 14, 2020, versus the Cleveland Cavaliers – 43 points and 2 steals on 63.The latter has accumulated a ridiculously impressive 22,022 points, 5,712 assists and 4,782 rebounds over his 12 NBA seasons so far, which objectively dwarfs those of Leonard. In this same season, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished 5th in Defensive Player of the Year voting, averaged 2.0 deflections per game on 8.6 contested shots per game.Īfter looking at what Kawhi Leonard contributes on both ends of the floor, below are some of his best performances throughout his two seasons with the LA Clippers.ĭecember 13, 2019, versus Minnesota Timberwolves – 42 points and 11 reboundsĭecember 25, 2019, versus Los Angeles Lakers – 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists Leonard’s next season with the LA Clippers (2020-21), Leonard averaged 2.6 deflections per game on 5.7 contested shots per game. To put this in perspective, Ben Simmons, who placed 4th in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2020, averaged 3.9 deflections per game on 5.4 contested shots per game. In the 2019-20 NBA Season, Leonard posted 3.5 deflections per game as well as 7.2 contested shots per game. Through these two seasons with the LA Clippers, Leonard also managed to average 1.7 steals per game as well as an average defensive rating of 107. Through Leonard’s two seasons with the LA Clippers, he averages 26.0 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 48.8% from the field, 38.7% from the three-point line, and 88.5% from the free-throw line. What Leonard contributes on the offensive end is fairly clear. Leonard was always an elite defensive player, but his offensive abilities took a few seasons to develop. Although these stats look very good, Leonard did not make his first All-Star selection until his 5th season. Through 10 seasons in the NBA, Leonard averages 19.2 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, and 2.9 assists per game as well as 1.8 steals per game. Kawhi Leonard came to the LA Clippers to do one thing and that is to win a championship. ![]() Kawhi Leonard Is The Best Player In The NBA. Let’s dive in and see the actual value of Kawhi Leonard. Leonard is elite on both ends of the floor. Pairing Leonard with players like Paul George, Norman Powell, and Reggie Jackson is unfair. A healthy Leonard is the scariest sight in basketball. The only factor holding Leonard back is his health. ![]() What Leonard brings to the table is irreplaceable. Additionally, Leonard also has accomplished two Defensive Player of the Year awards. From winning championships to finals MVPs to even making seven all-defensive teams, Leonard is the real deal. Throughout Leonard’s career, he has had many accomplishments. After winning a championship in Toronto, Leonard’s reasoning for joining the Clippers was very simple. Not only is Leonard one of the best basketball players in the world, but he is also a great presence in the locker room. ![]() As Kawhi Leonard made his debut for the LA Clippers, it was clear what type of impact he would have. ![]()
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