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“Kawhi Leonard is a better version of Scottie Pippen”: Metta World Peace disagrees with the popular notion of Kawhi’s game bearing a resemblance to that of Michael Jordan

Arjun Julka
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Kawhi Leonard signed a $94 million contract but drove a 1997 Chevy Tahoe worth no more than a couple thousand dollars

Contrary to the popular notion Metta Sandiford-Artest doesn’t see any resemblance to Michael Jordan in Kawhi Leonard. Artest believes Kawhi is a better version of Scottie Pippen.

Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard is a top-five player in the NBA currently. The 30-year old is one of the most elite two-way players in the league. A back-to-back DPOY and a two-time Finals MVP, Kawhi is a complete player.

For years, Kawhi’s style of play has been compared to that of Michael Jordan, especially when it comes to his jump shots. Both have a similar body frame, especially when it comes to the size of their palm. When it comes to being efficient from the field, Kawhi and MJ differ by a minimal margin.

While Kawhi is a career 49.3% from the field, Jordan is 49.7% from the field. However, former NBA champion Ron Artest believes Kawhi’s game reminds him more of a Scottie Pippen but a better version.

Also read: “Kawhi Leonard is a good coach, it’s nice to have him around”: Nicolas Batum talks about stepping up amid Kawhi’s absence and Terence Mann being a great example for the locker room

Artest feels the charisma and aura that MJ exhibited on the court is something opposite to Kawhi’s personality. The Clippers star is a silent assassin, not very expressive but an unstoppable force on the hardwood.

Kawhi Leonard is more of a Scottie Pippen than MJ.

Many of the analysts and pundits have compared Kawhi’s style of play to that of Michael Jordan. Both the superstars have a DPOY as well as a Finals MVP accolade under their belt. The two multiple-time NBA champions share a lot of similarities in their jump shots.

However, Metta World Peace is of a different opinion. The former Pacers star believes Kawhi is more of a Scottie Pippen. Metta does make some valid points to his opinion.

“I do not see Michael Jordan in Kawhi, and I do not know. I mean I see this amazing player, a better version of Scottie Pippen. I don’t see Jordan. Jordan had shake right, left, and fade away. He had so much charisma and fashion. Jordan was just…… I don’t see that in Kawhi. I see a grinder, efficiency, and Hall of Famer.” said Metta World Peace.

Artest does make some valid points. Kawhi and Pippen share a lot of similarities, especially in their defensive facet of the game. While Kawhi has averaged 6.4 RPG, 1.8 SPG, and 0.6 BPG, Scottie is a career 6.4 RPG, 2.0 SPG, and 0.8 BPG.

Both All-Stars have multiple All-NBA Defensive Team selections under their belt. Though Pippen leads Kawhi by a considerable margin in Defensive Team selections, Kawhi is a two-time DPOY.

Also read: “Kawhi Leonard dearly misses the city of Toronto”: Hip Hop mogul Drake gives us an insight into the Clippers star’s feelings towards the Raptors franchise

Metta Sandiford-Artest does make a valid argument. Kawhi resembles a certain aspect of MJ’s game. However, his Airness’ had an aura that will always remain unmatched.

About the author

Arjun Julka

Arjun Julka

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Arjun Julka is a NBA author at The SportsRush. Basketball isn’t just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. He began watching the sport after stumbling upon a court in his society, helping him identify an undiscovered passion for the game of hoops. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordan’s resume.

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