Kawhi Leonard is a different breed of player, and there aren’t many like him in the NBA. With a methodical, repetitive, and non-flashy style of play, the forward dominates both ends of the court equally. As a matter of fact, after his stellar performance in the 2019 Playoffs, he was compared to none other than Michael Jordan. However, just 2 years before that, the GOAT gave the Klaw the ultimate compliment.
Advertisement
Leonard is known to lock down the best offensive players while being a ‘mid-range assassin’ on offense. In 2019, while representing the Toronto Raptors, he led his team to the NBA championship after beating the Golden State Warriors in the Finals. He was awarded the Finals MVP, and his performance was soon compared to the Chicago Bulls legend.
Michael Jordan praises Kawhi Leonard
Michael Jordan attended a kids’ basketball camp in 2017 and took the opportunity to answer some of the questions asked by the young players. A kid stepped up to ask the legend if Kawhi can score on Kawhi. This brought a simile on the face of Jordan, and he gave him one of the biggest compliments. Here is what he said, as seen in the Facebook post by ‘SPURS Uncensored‘ below.
“I would assume not. He is good. He is a two way player. He is probably the best in the game. He is the best two-way player in the game right now.”
Jordan, known for his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, understands the value of what the Los Angeles Clippers superstar brings to the game. Very few high-caliber players have the strength and stamina to play both ends of the court with equal dominance. Yet, along with doing this, the Klaw is also versatile in the positions he can guard and can defend against 1-4 without breaking a sweat.
Kawhi Leonard watched Michael Jordan for hours
Everyone in the current crop of players has grown up watching the Chicago Bulls legend on the basketball court to some degree. Kawhi Leonard is no different. In an article by Sports Illustrated, it was quoted that the Clippers superstar used to watch the Michael Jordan documentary – ‘Come Fly With Me’ for hours till his eyes ached. It’s no surprise, he modeled his game around the greatest player of all time.
Kawhi Leonard was also asked about the Michael Jordan comparisons he was receiving. Known to have a more private lifestyle and not preferring to catch the media’s attention, Kawhi acknowledged that he could never reach the potential of Michael Jordan. He further stated that the amount of media attention that Michael got is not something he could cope with.
