NBA: Ranking every team’s best player in 2019-20

Kawhi Leonard is coming off of a playoff run for the ages, with a series-clinching walk-off shot in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, a defensive lockdown of reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Eastern Conference Finals and the demolition and execution of a dynasty against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.

He then created his own super team across the country in Los Angeles, bringing Paul George with him (effectively) to join the LA Clippers.

Leonard’s game is tailor-made for the playoffs, as he can get off an efficient shot against any defense. His playmaking is present, although not a true strength, and his defensive reputation is gargantuan. Highlight reels of Leonard swiping balls from opposing players’ hands or stonewalling Antetokounmpo are prevalent and poignant.

What keeps Leonard from the top of this list are three negatives that, stacked together, diminish the excitement around Leonard somewhat. His injury history is one, as his lower body may never again be 100 percent. Second is the way he and his “camp” handled his exit from San Antonio; any team he is on has to be aware and careful not to set off a similar chain reaction.

Finally, and most importantly, Leonard is a great defender, but he is not “elite” on a consistent basis. His defensive metrics were barely positive last season for the Raptors; for example he ranked 40th out of small forwards in Defensive Real Plus-Minus.

Leonard’s defense is propped up on reputation and a pair of great games against Antetokounmpo; the Raptors’ title was won in the Finals through Leonard’s offense but his teammates’ defense. A workload-managed, defensively eroding Leonard takes a slight hit due to that reality.

Looking ahead: Similarly to their crosstown rivals, the LA Clippers have a pair of star players in tow. In this case Leonard and George are in the same age range, so whether one is better than the other depends more on play than age-related decline.

George, although recovering from an injury now, has less long-term debilitating injury downside, so there is a point in the near future when he could be more valuable to the Clippers. Otherwise the Clippers are laden with talented role players who aren’t carrying star-upside.