2018 NBA Playoffs: Golden State Warriors vs. San Antonio Spurs preview

2. Could a Kawhi Leonard return swing things?

Let’s be clear. The odds of Leonard returning are low, and the odds of him being anything close to himself are much, much lower.

Given that the Spurs are virtually hopeless without Leonard, though, it is worth examining what they would be with him.

The Leonard that we saw briefly in December and January would not bring the Spurs to Golden State’s level, but he would exponentially increase Popovich’s options. Putting him out there with Murray and Green would give the Curry-less Warriors fits trying to score, while pairing him with Aldridge up front would limit Green’s freedom to roam defensively.

A full-strength Leonard? Again, it’s exceedingly unlikely. But it is worth stating that, were it somehow to happen, the Spurs would have a terrific shot of advancing. Both teams would be similar in that case: Elite two-way small forwards, a strong second option and limitations beyond that. The difference is that, while the Spurs are used to playing this way, the Warriors are still looking for their identity without Curry.

Again, the percent chance of a full-strength Leonard in this series is in the low single digits. That’s still a better long shot play than most No. 7 seeds have had throughout NBA history, though.