5 reasons Kevin Durant signs with San Antonio Spurs
By John Buhler
1. Kawhi Leonard
Though a big reason behind why Durant could move south to join the Spurs instead of re-upping with the Thunder, perhaps just playing alongside Kawhi Leonard might be enough to get Durant an NBA Champion.
Although it’s almost impossible to get a better co-pilot to push for a title with than Westbrook, Leonard is beyond selfless and would be the better man and let Durant be the star for the 2016-17 Spurs.
Durant and Westbrook have shared the spotlight in Oklahoma City for the better part of the last decade and that might be wearing on Durant, much like Westbrook’s sometimes aloof play on the court.
Leonard is the most dynamic on-ball defender in the game today. He can guard anybody one through stretch four. If he has to play starting shooting guard to appease Durant’s preference to play the three, Leonard would be that unselfish superstar.
Durant won’t have fight for shot attempts like he does with Westbrook, as Leonard can both create his own shot and impact a game on the defensive end, something Durant still doesn’t regularly do.
Though Durant may have obvious friction with LaMarcus Aldridge should they be teammates next season with the Spurs, he won’t have any issues playing with the soft-spoken superstar swingman than is Leonard.
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