5 reasons Kawhi Leonard will be the next NBA MVP
By Tom West
Stephen Curry was the obvious NBA MVP in 2016, but next season could very well be the year of Kawhi Leonard.
The 2015-16 NBA MVP is Stephen Curry. We all saw that coming months ago, as the Golden State Warriors stormed off on a record 24-0 start and Curry was burying 30 points night in and night out, destroying opponents with a kind of range we’ve never seen before. However, next year might be a little different, and may just open the way for the two-way force and newest San Antonio Spurs superstar that is Kawhi Leonard.
This season, there was never much doubt Curry would be the MVP. He tore shooting records apart with ease, making shots from almost anywhere, attracting defenders as if their lives depended on it, and establishing the 2015-16 Warriors as the most unstoppable force in NBA regular season history. To win 73 games, every single player had to deliver a truly magical season, but Curry’s offense led the way.
However, as a result of multiple developments this season, and his considerable upside, Leonard may be up next.
Of course, we never know who may take the spotlight as MVP. LeBron James always delivers special seasons that become so routine for him we often forget how good he is. And as for Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, and the league’s handful of top players, there are always going to multiple candidates chasing the trophy.
Regardless of those who may follow suit, though, here are the reasons why the 2016-17 NBA MVP could be Kawhi Leonard.
Next: 5. Stephen Curry can't be any better, can he?