San Antonio Spurs: 5 keys to contending in 2017-18

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors defends against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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2. Kawhi Leonard

To put it simply, Kawhi Leonard is a superstar in the same vein as Tim Duncan. Duncan was able to utilize the fundamentals of basketball to make others around him better. Leonard has obviously picked up this ability over the five years he spent playing with Duncan.

Leonard simply plays basketball the right way and expects others to follow with his quiet brand of leading by example. In his six seasons in the NBA, Leonard has been Defensive Player of the Year twice. He has made four All-Defensive teams, two All-NBA teams and was the Finals MVP the last time San Antonio won it all. This alone speaks of the character of the player.

Add to all of those accolades, Leonard has improved his scoring average each and every year he has been in the NBA. He has also increased his assists per game every season as well. This shows that while he is not the point guard, the offense runs through him a lot.

Leonard is the leader of the defense, which has defined the San Antonio team for a number of years. He is able to generate easy transition points for his team which assist getting wins. He seems to enjoy the challenge of being put on the opposition’s best player and shutting him down.

San Antonio’s ability to contend in 2017-18 will hinge on him continuing this and continuing his play as a legitimate MVP candidate.

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