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NBA Player Power Rankings: The Final Push For MVP

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up before the game against the Toronto Raptors at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up before the game against the Toronto Raptors at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

Last Rank: No. 4

Position: Small Forward

Age: 24

Slash Line: .508/.450/.887

Season Averages: 32.9 MPG, 21.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 1.8 3PM

As the world was busy speculating that the San Antonio Spurs would collapse once father time caught up with Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, the front office was busy retooling. Most questioned whether or not the Spurs could build around Kawhi Leonard, but the answer is presenting itself in 2015-16.

Lo and behold, the Spurs are in the midst of one of the greatest seasons in franchise history.

San Antonio has won a franchise record 65 games—and counting. Leonard has been the driving force behind that success by transcending the system and becoming the player through whom the Spurs’ offensive attack is run and orchestrated.

Leonard is also the heavy favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year—an award he would be winning for a second consecutive season.

This past week, Leonard showed how complete of a player he’s become. He tallied 33 points, seven assists, six rebounds, three steals, and a block against the Toronto Raptors, and dominated defensively against the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz.

Leonard’s been a Top 5 player all season. The question is, will he make an All-NBA First Team appearance?

Next: Preparing for the Playoffs