NBA: Ranking all 30 starting small forwards for 2018-19

2. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors

There’s the chance Kawhi Leonard’s mysterious quad injury derails yet another season for a potential MVP candidate, but why go down that avenue when being optimistic makes the top of the Eastern Conference so much more interesting?

Though he was only able to suit up for nine games last year, and although his ugly exit from the Spurs was highlighted by distrust, contradicting reports, bad blood and wounded fans, people shouldn’t forget that when healthy, the Claw is still a top-five NBA player.

Every new tidbit that drops about his desire to sign with a Los Angeles team in free agency next summer will soak up the headlines, but for the upcoming season, Kawhi needs to prove he’s still an NBA superstar to earn a max payday from anyone, which will only make the Toronto Raptors more dangerous if he’s able to do so.

This is the guy who averaged 25.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game on .485/.380/.880 shooting splits in his last healthy season, the guy who was a legitimate MVP candidate and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. If he can stay on the floor, and take over playoff heroics for Kyle Lowry, the Raptors have the firepower to challenge for a spot in the Finals.