Fansided

5 reasons Kawhi Leonard will win MVP next year

By FanSided Staff

Mar 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after drawing a foul against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after drawing a foul against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

4. His game will improve with age

Kawhi is only 23 years old. When Michael Jordan was 23 he was still some young kid from North Carolina who shot too much and complained about not having good enough teammates. But, much like Leonard, as MJ matured as a person and basketball player, he really came into his own.

I think next year might be that ground breaking year for Leonard. Since his rookie year we have already seen his scoring improve by over 50 percent. Each year he has averaged more points per game than he had the year prior. That is probably because when he first entered the NBA he was just 19. He finally has some solid NBA experience to go with his raw talent.

Don’t be surprised when Leonard averages between 23-27 points per game next year. The kid can put up points and there is no denying that he won’t continue to do that in the future.

3. The Spurs aren’t going anywhere and Leonard will become the face of the organization

San Antonio has been the one team who has consistently been a title contender the last 15 years. That is mainly because of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. But as the Spurs continue to evolve, the young face of Leonard will soon be at the front of teams plans for the future.

It started last year in the NBA Finals, where Leonard was outstanding in the series. He went on to win MVP establishing himself as one of the best forwards in the NBA. Moving forward, Greg Popovich knew that Kawhi was going to be of utmost importance to any future plans the Spurs would have, and his responsibilities on both ends of the court have increased ever since. If Leonard continues to produce there is no reason to think he won’t.

Next: No. 2 and No. 1

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