NBA Player Power Rankings: Superstars Keep Making History

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Mar 27, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

Position: Small Forward
Age: 25 (6/29/1991)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .483/.365/.882
2016-17 Season Averages: 33.7 MPG, 25.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 1.9 3PM

What the San Antonio Spurs have achieved over the past 20 years has been nothing short of legendary. San Antonio has won at least 50 games in all but one season since 1997-98, and the one exception was the lockout-shortened championship season in 1998-99.

As the Spurs transition into the post-Tim Duncan era, small forward Kawhi Leonard has taken the reins and emerged as the new face of the franchise.

Leonard began this past week by putting on a clinic during a 106-98 victory over the New York Knicks. He posted 29 points, five rebounds, five assists, two blocks, a steal, and four 3-point field goals made in a continued display of his expanding game.

A game later, Leonard thoroughly outplayed LeBron James by recording 25 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block in a 103-74 blowout of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Leonard is the best on-ball defender in the NBA and one of the Top 10 scorers, as well. He’s winning games against elite competition, as well, and has San Antonio just three wins away from reaching 60 victories.

If the Spurs are going to win a second championship in four seasons, then it’s going to be the 2014 Finals MVP who leads that charge.