San Antonio Spurs: Can Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard become leaders?

Danny Green dribbles against the Hawks. (Photo: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule).

The Spurs need new leaders for their future. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are both in their mid-30s and Tony Parker turned 30 last year.  Though still productive, these three stars areaging and probably declining in their skills and agility.  However, could this change the fate of the franchise?

Can Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard become leaders for the Spurs? Are they skilled replacements for Duncan, Ginobili and Parker?

Green and Leonard are the next generation, at least in the Spurs’ minds. Green, 25, and Leonard, 20, provide youth and depth to a team associated with age. The Spurs have been called arguably the oldest team in the NBA today. Green and Leonard are up and coming, giving the Spurs the youth and vigor they sorely require.

Green, the shooting guard from North Carolina, is rising despite being streaky, averaging 9.3 points per game.

Kawhi Leonard prepares to shoot a free throw. (Photo: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule)

Power forward Leonard was named to the All-Rookie First Team last season and currently averages 9.1 points and 5.1 rebounds a game.

Both Green and Leonard procure decent playing time. Leonard averages 28.5 minutes a game, while Green averages 26.9 minutes.

Their production and minutes have steadily risen since last season. They’re getting more playing time and filling in admirably for Duncan and Ginobili.

No question, the more their playing time increases, the more they benefit the Spurs.

Green and Leonard are up-and-coming young stallions who are unquestionably showing promise for the aging Spurs franchise sooner rather than later.

*stats from NBA.com