Kawhi Leonard has been at the center of attention in the NBA in recent weeks. Despite being only 25 years old, Leonard already has championship experience having won the NBA Finals MVP award in 2014. Additionally, Leonard has won the last two defensive Player of the Year titles. The latest NBA rumors suggest that Leonard is among Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Lebron James in the 2016-17 NBA season MVP race.
According to Sportsrageous, Leonard is the first player since 1979 to score 65 points with 10 steals in the first two games of an NBA season. These numbers, along with all his other accolades could explain why the small forward has been getting so much attention recently.
The quiet greatness continues.
Kawhi Leonard is the only player in the last 40 years with at least 30 points/5 steals in his first 2 games. pic.twitter.com/iqWeP3w2sB
— ESPN (@espn) October 28, 2016
During the offseason, it was Durant, Curry, and James who were getting all the attention. With Durant and Curry in the same team, to see whether the duo could dethrone James and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers was highly anticipated and talked about.
Leonard has also stepped up as the San Antonio Spurs' next Tim Duncan, as reported by The Washington Post. In the Spurs' opening game against the Golden State Warriors, Leonard proved that he is capable of being the team's standard-bearer in the absence of Duncan. Leonard is often likened to Duncan for their identical temperament and immense talent.
It is unlikely that Leonard will win the MVP title this season considering the competition, but his recent showing in the Spurs' last two games prove that he is indeed a contender for the award. Leonard scored a career-high 35 points in their game against the Warriors, and a game-high 30 points against the Sacramento Kings.
Nevertheless, Leonard promises that the Spurs will be better this season compared to the previous one, according to News4SA. Judging by their last two games, Leonard and the Spurs have definitely improved. Do you agree?
