San Antonio Spurs: Kawhi Leonard’s Time To Win MVP?

If the San Antonio Spurs want to return to their championship status, they will need Kawhi Leonard to seize the NBA’s MVP Award this year.

With Tim Duncan officially retired, there is no question in anyone’s mind that the leader of the San Antonio Spurs is Kawhi Leonard. The former mid-level first round draft pick has come a long way in a very short amount of time.

Last year, Leonard put together his best statistical season yet, averaging 21.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 51 percent from the field and 44 percent from the three-point line.

He was named Defensive Player of the Year for the second year in the row, while finishing second in MVP voting to Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.

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Now with Kevin Durant joining Curry and the Warriors, the stage is set for Leonard to leapfrog the two-time MVP and win the award this year. After all, with Durant on board, Curry most likely won’t have the same statistical impact he has had the last two seasons when he was named MVP.

Leonard is already the best two-way player in the game. He’s a much better defender than Curry, and his career shooting percentages of 49 percent from the field and 39 percent from three are really phenomenal, especially when you consider that many scouts said he couldn’t shoot when he came into the league in 2011.

In order for the Spurs to be able to contend for a championship this year, Leonard will have to up his game even more. He has the complete trust of the organization and his teammates, given how accomplished a player he is already at just 25 years old. With that security, he should really be able to take off as he begins the prime years of his NBA career.

That means he will need to be even more efficient in the post, take and make more three-pointers, and become an even better rebounder. The Spurs might even want to entertain the idea at playing him at the 4-spot even more this year, given the incredible length and athleticism he possesses, especially on defense.

Even though the team added LaMarcus Aldridge last summer, it is clear that this is Leonard’s team. They also signed Pau Gasol this summer, which means the Spurs will have arguably the best frontcourt in the entire league.

Having two big men like Aldridge and Gasol giving support to Leonard will be absolutely huge, which will allow him to play more carefree and perform even better.

It should be Leonard’s goal to wrestle away the MVP award from Curry. If he finishes second or worse this year again, the Spurs will most likely suffer an early exit in the playoffs like they have the last two years.

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But if Leonard really takes this season by the throat, commands the ball as much as possible, and shows great strides in improving his overall game, the Spurs will be in terrific shape to shock the Warriors come playoff time.