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) during the second 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) during the second half in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Tim Duncan gets older, Leonard’s points per game will increase

The most notable criticism of this argument is the fact that Leonard isn’t averaging that many points per game. This has more to do with the supporting cast of the Spurs roster than Leonard himself. After all, the Spurs have one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, so the scoring is going to be more evenly distributed.

Besides, next year we are going to see Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker’s production on the offensive end continue to decrease as they have in recent years. Which leaves a void in the scoring column. Of course Leonard isn’t going to have the luxury that Kobe Bryant or Russell Westbrook have where they can shoot anywhere from 25-40 shots a night. But he might be able to average more points in the future, which make him a better candidate for MVP moving forward.

1. He is the future of the NBA

With Kobe Bryant missing the majority of the 2014-15 season, Paul Pierce putting up mediocre numbers, and Steve Nash retiring, an end of an era in the NBA is being ushered in by some young faces. One of these faces is going to be Kawhi Leonard.

I have a feeling that when you think of the best players in the NBA, Leonard’s name is going to be placed next to LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. He has the athletic ability, the right coaching staff, and competitive surrounding cast to be one of the best. So, why not Leonard?

Something tells me that next year we are going to be talking about why Leonard deserves the MVP, not Curry, Harden, and Westbrook. His game has improved dramatically over the years and there is no reason to think it won’t continue doing so.

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