5 reasons Kawhi Leonard will win MVP next year

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Apr 10, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Kawhi Leonard had a stellar 2014-15 season, why is he going to win the MVP next year?

It was just announced that Kawhi Leonard won the Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2014-15 season. He led the league in steals per game and was one of the main reasons the San Antonio Spurs were so good all year. His defensive ability, while being the only thing recognized by the NBA this year, is far from the representation that Leonard is.

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Leonard is a young forward whose game is far from at its prime. His basketball IQ is off the charts and he is ready to knock down a big shot here and there. As he continues to improve as a basketball player, the NBA will realize that Kawhi Leonard is one of the best to play the game, which is why I think he will win the MVP next season.

Perhaps it is a little over-ambitious. After all, Leonard is just 23 years old and is far from the offensive production that an MVP requires in today’s game. Even LeBron didn’t win his first MVP until he was 25 years old.

But if you really take a look at the player Leonard is and the team he is on, there is no reason to think he isn’t the same caliber of player as James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Steph Curry. So here it is broken down for you: the five reasons why Kawhi Leonard will win MVP next year.

5. He is a complete player

His numbers on both ends of the court speak for themselves. He averaged 8.2 rebounds per game this year which top James Harden’s numbers (5.7 rebounds per game). His 16.5 points and 2.9 assists show that he is a solid offensive threat. But most importantly, he is capable of being the Spurs go-to-guy down the stretch.

Additionally, Leonard is such a great defender that he is constantly guarding the other team’s best player every night. His perimeter defense and large frame make him a versatile defender with the ability to guard any one from Carmelo Anthony to Dwayne Wade.

Leonard’s ability to produce on both end of the court make him a solid candidate for next year’s MVP. Leading the NBA in steals per game is something James Harden can only dream about. If he continues to score more on the offensive end, there is no reason to think he can’t be MVP.

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