For followers who are inclined to skip over a lot of the NBA common season, you’ve most likely missed the current rebellion in discuss Kawhi Leonard having a declare within the MVP dialog. Most years, Leonard’s numbers are nice. However since he blossomed right into a star towards the tip of his run in San Antonio, “The Claw” has not often performed sufficient video games to be significantly thought of for the league’s most prestigious aeward. Nonetheless, this 12 months, many are utilizing the Lamar Jackson argument for Leonard on the heels of what seems just like the QB’s second MVP award.
Leonard is having an incredible season by anybody’s requirements and his current push into this dialog is basically primarily based on how effectively the Clippers have performed. Leonard is outstanding in some classes, and in others, he’s doing what’s anticipated from an NBA famous person. The primary factor is the team’s position in the Western Conference, which is third place and only one sport behind Oklahoma Metropolis and Minnesota, who’re tied on the high.
The opposite facet on this surge for Leonard as MVP, and doubtless most stunning, is that Leonard has performed in 44 of his squad’s 48 video games. He’s on his approach to suiting up for essentially the most video games in a single season since he arrived in LA. Which will truly be the most important distinction; the truth that he’s been available for more than 90 percent of the Clippers’ video games.
When taking a look at Leonard’s argument, the very first thing that stands out is scoring. Leonard is averaging 24.7 factors per sport, however he’s taking pictures 53 p.c from the sphere, 45 p.c from behind three and 89 p.c from the charity stripe. Sure, he’s on the verge of becoming a member of that hallowed 50/40/90 membership.
On the point of historical past
If he can elevate that free-throw share one level and preserve it there together with the opposite two classes, Leonard would be part of some legendary names. Larry Chook (twice), Steve Nash (4 instances), Reggie Miller, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, and Dirk Nowitzki. Former Cavs guard Mark Worth and present Blazer Malcolm Brogdon are additionally within the membership, however in a unique wing. Each are/have been good gamers in their very own proper, however not in the identical dialog because the others.
However for Leonard to tug off the MVP upset; it’ll take extra than simply these fancy taking pictures statistics. The MVP award is normally about scoring, the identical approach it’s grow to be about who the very best or best quarterback is within the NFL. And that’s the place the Lamar Jackson comparability comes into play.
Jackson is expected to win his second league MVP award, though he didn’t have essentially the most prolific passing statistics amongst QBs in 2023. He threw 24 touchdowns for greater than 3,600 yards and simply seven interceptions. He accomplished greater than 67 p.c of his passes (career-high) with a passer ranking of 102.7 (second highest of his profession) and a QBR of 64.7. These are magnificent numbers, however Baltimore being essentially the most dominant group of the common season is what can have seemingly put him excessive.
There may be an argument for the Clippers being essentially the most dominant force in the NBA since December, however we nonetheless have one other few months to go. So, if they’ll sustain this tempo, Leonard might get some MVP votes, however he’s an extended shot to win it. The participant to win the award and common fewer than 26 PPG was Stephen Curry throughout the 22014-15 marketing campaign. That was the primary of Curry’s back-to-back MVP awards and the subsequent 12 months he jumped up and averaged over 30 PPG.
Like they are saying in that corny industrial, “It’s a make-or-miss league.” The game just about explains that within the identify, basketball. Scoring factors is the secret. Simply seeing Leonard on the courtroom each evening and never lacking many video games is a prize. Whether or not you’re a Clippers fan or not, Leonard is likely one of the most gifted and well-rounded athletes within the NBA. When he’s wholesome, some nonetheless imagine he’s a top-five or -10 participant. What he’s doing most likely received’t be sufficient to shock everybody and win his first regular-season MVP, but when the Clips can keep on observe they are going to be critical contenders in Could and June.
