San Antonio Spurs: 5 goals for Kawhi Leonard in 2017-18

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw during the game against the Golden State Warriors during Game One of the Western Conference Finals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 14, 2017 at ORACLE Arena 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. Win MVP

Kawhi Leonard has become a perennial MVP candidate. Offensively, he would arguably be one of the top 10 players in the NBA. Defensively he is rated in the top-two in the NBA. As a result, Leonard is now regularly being talked about as a potential MVP candidate.

Unlike last year’s MVP, he is not being placed in a Russell Westbrook situation. The second-best player on the team has not left without giving the team a chance to replace him. Leonard, however, has so many players around him who are older and possibly missing a step.

There is going to be a greater load placed on his shoulders this year. Tony Parker will be out for a period of time. While there is the possibility that Parker plays in November, it remains to be seen whether that return date is realistic.

Leonard has won one MVP title. In 2014, he was recognized as being the best player in the NBA Finals by being named the Finals MVP.

Next: 2017-18 NBA season previews, predictions and power rankings

All of these factors may push Kawhi’s MVP status from contender to winner this year. I certainly would not bet against No. 2 from the San Antonio Spurs this year.

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