NBA Player Power Rankings: Who's Hot, Who's Not?

NBA Player Power Rankings: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?

January 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after shooting a three-point shot during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 8, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball over New York Knicks shooting guard Arron Afflalo (right) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

Last Rank: No. 5

Position: Small Forward

Age: 24

Slash Line: .509/.483/.878

Season Averages: 33.1 MPG, 20.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.6 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 1.9 3PM

Verdict: Hot

Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs are just a small step back of the historically great Golden State Warriors. Trailing by just 2.5 games, the Spurs are in a position to make a run at the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

Leonard has been the driving force behind San Antonio’s 34-6 start to the season.

Leonard continues to be the NBA’s resident defensive ace. He’s locking opponents down at all three perimeter positions, holding the opposition to just 37.6 percent shooting from the field when he’s the primary defender.

In an era in which the 3-point shot has been magnified in importance, Leonard is holding opponents to 29.0 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

Offensively, Leonard is scoring upwards of 20 points per game on a slash line that’s flirting with 50-50-90. He survived a poor showing against the Detroit Pistons to hold on to the No. 5 spot, primarily due to the fact that he played a key role in the Spurs’ other two victories from this past week.

If Leonard maintains his current pace until season’s end, he’ll make his long-awaited first All-NBA appearance.

Next: Can't Be Stopped