5 reasons Kawhi Leonard will be the next NBA MVP

3. Leonard’s offense has only just started taking off

The most exciting part about Kawhi Leonard’s future is that he’s really only just getting started. He entered the NBA as a defender without a reliable jump shot, making only 41 threes in his rookie season. Even in his second year in 2012-13, he averaged only 11.9 points in 31.2 minutes per game. However, as the years have gone by and Leonard’s hard work to evolve has paid off at a startling rate, he’s coming off the best regular season of his career.

With career-highs in points (21.2), three-point percentage (44.3) and made threes per game (1.8), Leonard has made himself one of the most complete players in the league as someone who takes just 15.1 shots a night and maintains stellar efficiency.

To make those numbers sound even better in comparison to last season, he shot 10 percent higher from deep and almost doubled his output of threes (67 to 129).

There’s still room for improvement, though. Many of Leonard’s shots still come after he’s taken zero dribbles as he spots up from range, but his accuracy after coming off a screen or attacking off the dribble is highly impressive. In fact, prior to shooting when he takes between three and six dribbles he shoots 50.2 percent, and when he takes more than seven dribbles he converts at a terrific 53.3 percent rate (per NBA.com).

So, while there is room for improvement, that’s what next season and another shot at MVP is for.

And to say that Leonard is a “system player” and only thrives and shoots such a high percentage because he plays for the Spurs is beyond misguided. Because while his three-point game may benefit from their ball movement right now, the way his ball handling has improved to allow him to create his own shot, either from mid-range or on drives, is undeniable. The fact that he shoots 49.8 percent from 10-16 feet should be an indication of just how hard he is to stop from mid-range.

Put all the scoring together, and no longer is Kawhi Leonard a defensive specialist. He’s constantly growing as one of the very best two-way players in the game, achieving the 6th best PER in the NBA with 26 because of it.

And for Leonard, who strives to attack the future with a hard work ethic and humble character, the only way is up.

Next: 2. Leonard is already the best defender in the game