Kawhi Leonard will arguably go down as the most impactful and influential NBA all-star of his generation. The Klaw, despite being in the league for over a decade, has accumulated merely just over 11000 points. He’s battled against Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and emerged victorious.
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In spite of this Leonard has a reputation that precedes him. He’s known for his stupendous displays that have single-handedly won championships for the franchises he has represented over the years.
Leonard arrived in the league as a defensive specialist for his superlative attributes relating to his perimeter defense as well as interior defense.
In 2022 it’s safe to say Kawhi Leonard has emerged as one of the few superstars to be complete in both facets of the game. For someone with impeccable defensive instincts and traits, his offensive arsenal is simply magnificent.
12 time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant can attest to that.
Kevin Durant hails Kawhi Leonard!
If anyone is of the belief that Leonard isn’t deserving of the credit, respect, and praise he receives, 2x NBA champion, Kevin Durant can perhaps be of assistance to help you comprehend just how pivotal a legacy Leonard has in the sport.
In an appearance with ‘Hot 97’, Durant didn’t hesitate to sing the praises of the 31-year-old. KD spoke about Leonard’s standing and said the following:
“Players don’t sleep on him. He got the longest paragraph on the scouting report. You can’t pull out your whole array of moves on him. I can. But the average player, It’s still tough for me to pull out all my s**t against Kawhi.”
The ‘Slimreaper’ believes that the Lakers and the Clippers are the two foremost franchises from the Western Conferences. However, he did state that he gives the edge to the Clippers due to Leonard’s lustre.
It’s great to see Durant give the five-time NBA ‘All-Star his flowers, having initially labeled him as a ‘system player’.
Durant is a meticulous student of the game, his understanding and ability to identify and relate to talents is unmatched. So for him to credit Leonard, especially in the capacity that he has is an attestation to the player the American has developed into.
Not to mention, Leonard has an immaculate resume like none other.
Kawhi Leonard: The most complete player of the 21st century?
While there can never be a flat-out winner for the accolade of the most ‘complete player in the league’s history, Kawhi Leonard has all the tools and credibility to clinch that title.
A defensive prodigy, Klaw matured his game to adapt to the changing needs of the sport. As of right now, Leonard is one of a handful of players who can insolently state he is a prolific three-level scorer who never wavers under pressure.
It’s primarily the reason behind his playoff governance over the remainder of the franchises, as his motor and game are tuned for that environment.
In fact, it enabled him to be the talisman to the two championships he won with the San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors respectively. He was also named the Finals MVP on both occasions for his breathtaking displays.
Not bad for someone who is constantly injured huh? With Kawhi Leonard’s return, rest assured, the Los Angeles Clippers hold the cards in the entirety of the Western Conference when healthy.
