Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is preparing for a much-anticipated clash with the San Antonio Spurs, and he must figure out a way to contain Kawhi Leonard.
According to Monte Poole of CSN Bay Area, Kerr suggested Leonard is the league’s most complete player.
“We always talk about two-way players and how important it is, especially in the modern NBA, where you can’t hide a guy at either end. He’s probably the best two-way player in the league now.”
Kerr called the small forward “a terror on defense” and praised his versatility on offense, particularly Leonard’s ability to finish at the rim and a vastly improved three-point stroke.
It’s difficult to disagree with Kerr.
A wide variety of players like Chris Paul, Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, LeBron James and Anthony Davis fall into that elite two-way category. While each of one them is excellent, none match Kawhi’s impact and production on both ends.
Leonard ranks 20th in the league with 20.0 points per game, and his 47.8 three-point percentage trails only J.J. Redick. “The Claw” has posted a 122.0 offensive rating — which is the NBA’s sixth-best mark — as well as the 12th-best offensive real plus-minus.
Yes, other superstars have a greater output on the scoring end. Stephen Curry is unbelievable. DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant and LeBron are absolute forces on the scoring end, and many others are stellar. But the difference is they don’t compare to Leonard’s defense.
Kawhi has the No. 2 defensive rating, leads the league with 3.6 defensive win shares and holds the sixth-highest defensive real plus-minus. He’s snatched 1.9 steals per game.
Again, defensive-minded talents like Green, DeAndre Jordan, Tim Duncan, Andrew Bogut and Hassan Whiteside are fantastic. But none of them contribute at Leonard’s level offensively.
Leonard has earned Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year trophies. He recently earned All-Star nod No. 1. Go ahead and add “best two-player player” to the list of accolades.