It’s not hard to analyze what Kawhi Leonard has done for the San Antonio Spurs over the past few years.
The small forward has lived quite a transition, going from a “three-and-D” prospect to an effective scorer in only a few years. However, during the post-Duncan era Leonard has evolved his game. He’s no longer a versatile wing who can defend at a premium level. This season he’s taken his game to another level, and emerged as a viable MVP candidate.
Yes, you read that right. Kawhi Leonard should be in the MVP race alongside James Harden and Russell Westbrook. He’s been that good, and he deserves the recognition as one of the best players in the NBA.
The numbers might be a bit deceiving. As we can see, Leonard is not averaging a triple-double like Westbrook. And he’s didn’t become one of the best point guards in the league in an electric offense, just like Harden did with the Houston Rockets. He doesn’t put up monster stats or insane triple-doubles either, as both have done this year. However, Leonard’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet.
As he matures and develops, Leonard became a complete player. He can score with the best of them, but his versatility allows him to impact the game in many other ways. He’s a capable defender, as evidenced by his two Defensive Player of the Year awards. He can pass like a guard, rebound as an interior player, and can block anyone thanks to his insane athleticism. I mean, James Harden realized that a few days ago:
Is there any doubt that Leonard doesn’t deserve more recognition? I don’t think so, especially considering how good he’s been this year. However, voters might see things differently.
When talking about the MVP, the Award shouldn’t go to the player with the best numbers in the league, or the best scorer. Being the MVP means to be valuable for your team. Have you seen the Cleveland Cavaliers with LeBron James, and without him? That’s the definition of an MVP player right there. And while Leonard might not have the same influence LeBron has on the Cavaliers, he’s pretty close. We’re talking about the best player in the second best team in the Western Conference.
Unfortunately, the only chance Leonard has to win the MVP lies in what the Spurs can do as a team. If they steal the top seed from the Golden State Warriors he might have a shot. But if Westbrook averages a triple-double, then it wouldn’t be strange if Leonard doesn’t win it. After all, we live in a stat-centric era. And Westbrook is on the verge of doing something only one player has done in the history of the game.
There’s still over a month left in the regular season, and honestly anything can happen. But if the past few weeks have taught us anything, is that Kawhi Leonard deserves to be in the MVP conversation.