Let’s Not Jump The Gun On Kawhi
By Ryan Jackson
Kawhi Leonard is really good, but let’s not jump the gun – he’s not as good as LeBron James or even Kevin Durant…yet
Before I start this mini-rant, I’d first like to get this out of the way: I love Kawhi Leonard. I have since he was first put on the big stage in the 2013 NBA Finals. And I’ve watched in awe as he’s grown into a superstar right before our eyes.
He’s undoubtedly a top-10 player in the league, but we can’t jump the gun on him.
There’s a Competitive Field
The LeBron James and Kevin Durant comparisons are unwarranted. The “top-3 in the league” claims are absurd.
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Think of it like this: assuming the Spurs win their series with Memphis, Kawhi Leonard won’t be the best player in a series for the remainder of the postseason. They’re primed for a 2nd-round matchup with Houston. James Harden is clearly the best player in that series. If San Antonio wins, they’ll face off with Golden State in the Conference Finals. Not only will he not be the best player, he won’t even be the second best player.
Those titles belong to Kevin Durant and Steph Curry.
And if San Antonio wins that, they’ll play the Cavaliers in the Finals. You already know who the best player in that series is.
Lack of Playmaking
This isn’t just a subjective matter. Kawhi Leonard severely lacks in one area that often separates superstars from the pack: playmaking. In his entire career, a total of 475 games, Kawhi has never reached the eight assist mark. His career high is seven. For reference, LeBron James has over 200 8-plus assist games in that time frame.
Now, it may be the system that holds back his assist numbers slightly, but for a superstar like Leonard, 3.5 assists per game this season is pitiful regardless of circumstances.
Oh, but wait! I’ve gotten it all wrong, haven’t I? Kawhi’s biggest impact comes on the other end of the floor! Right? Right??
Regressing Defense?
As showcased in recent years by various players, there’s an inverse relationship between offensive workload and defensive production. As is the case with Kawhi Leonard this season. With Leonard on the floor, the Spurs give up the more points per 100 possessions than when he isn’t. The reason behind this can only be determined via the eye test, but something tells me that this wouldn’t be the case just a few years back.
But don’t jump to the wrong conclusions. I’m not saying Kawhi is overrated. Because he’s not. He’s a gamer, and the Spurs look to him as the Rockets do James Harden. He’s that good. But I’m not here to argue value, because Kawhi has been top-3 in that category, behind the aforementioned Harden, and Westbrook. I’m just saying to relax with the audacious comparisons.
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Kawhi is no LeBron. He’s not even a KD, for that matter. And that’s okay. He doesn’t have to be. He may very well develop as a playmaker as his career progresses. Hell, given his current rate of improvement, it may even be by next season.
He may very well lead the Spurs to yet another championship, and win a second Finals MVP. But until he does, please stop with the comparisons. I beg of you.