5 reasons Kawhi Leonard will be the next NBA MVP

1. As the original Spurs age, Leonard can take over more

40-year-old Tim Duncan can’t keep going forever and we’re seeing that in the playoffs. He’s one of the most ageless players in NBA history and he’s still a vital component for anchoring the Spurs’ interior defense, but as the wear and tear on his Gregg-Popovich-monitored-legs mount up, the torch shifting into the new star’s hands only becomes more clear.

That was already the case this season, as Leonard shone with his expanded offensive game and exceptional three-point shooting, while LaMarcus Aldridge has been an ideal fit in the post with his fading jumpers and mid-range shooting. Together, they’ve formed the Spurs’ new deadly duo.

And as the likes of Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili grow older and their minutes and offensive outputs decrease, Leonard only becomes more prevalent as the key feature of the offense. Regardless of the team’s tireless ball movement and routine ranking of 3rd in assist ratio this season, Leonard is still used as a go-to option at times, continually fine-tuning his offensive game and working on his handles and shots off the dribble. There’s no doubt he’ll be able to create a few more baskets for himself each night next season.

Unless Kevin Durant comes to San Antonio to steal the spotlight. But that’s another discussion for another time.

Besides Leonard’s career-high three-point shooting this season (primarily off catch-and-shoot opportunities), he can still take opponents off the dribble or post up his defender with fading jumpers with increasing success. And as his offensive role becomes more prominent to coincide with his personal evolution, Leonard’s two-way ability will be on full display at MVP caliber better than ever next season.

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