Which SF from around the NBA (past/present) would you say Kawhi Leonard is most like?

[dallasmaverickslose]

Is he like a Shawn Marion, Bird, Pippen, etc..?

EDIT: You can name ANY SF past or present!!

[DarrinS]

Is he like a Shawn Marion, Bird, Pippen, etc..?


Like none of those players, tbh.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Of those listed, Pippen is easily the best comparison. I can't think of a better comparison tbh. I know that he is not in Pippen's league ... yet. If he continues to play that he has, he will obviously be the main cog in the future of the Spurs' success.

[beachwood]

The way he moves around the court, his defensive stance and how he can run the court, I'd say he resembles a raw Scottie Pippen.

[dallasmaverickslose]

FYI, I didn't limit the choices to the players I listed in my original post. You can name ANY SF, PAST OR PRESENT.

Thanks :downspin:

[spurraider21]

Pippen is a solid comparison, though his offense is far behind. I'm thinking more along the lines of Marion/Iguodala fusion

[smrattler]

If I'm limited to those choices and I have to pick one, like the OP is asking me to, I'd say Pippen, sure.

But just because I'm limited to those choices.

[PublicOption]

Latrell Sprewell, but bigger, stronger, and smarter.

[coyotes_geek]

As of right now, I'd say Leonard is a better perimeter defending Marion. If Leonard's offensive game and passing continues to improve, he can become a better rebounding, but less explosive offensively Pippen.

[rr2418]

I'm not saying he looks like him, or shoots like him, or moves like him, but I thought of Larry Kenon. The way he dunks with his arm stretched out like Kenon used to. His rebounding reminds me of Kenon. Kenon wasn't known for his defense but he did have 11 steals in one game. Something for Kawhi to look forward to.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

I would say Pippen on mechanics, but Pippen was a more vocal presence on the team.

[Keepin' it real]

I would say Pippen on mechanics, but Pippen was a more vocal presence on the team.

He was? I thought he lacked leadership skills (see '94 and '95 Bulls). But if you mean Pippen literally talked more than Kawhi does, then yes, I'd agree with that.

[mercos]

He is kind of a mix between Marion and Pippen. He's capable of Pippen level defense, IMO, but he's got Marion's rebounding skill. I think he's got the potential to be better than both offensively.

[cd98]

Closest would probably be Marion. He's not as explosive athletically, but they both had good size and frame for defense and rebounding. Kawhi has potential to have a better offensive game.

[CosmicCowboy]

I'm not saying he looks like him, or shoots like him, or moves like him, but I thought of Larry Kenon. The way he dunks with his arm stretched out like Kenon used to. His rebounding reminds me of Kenon. Kenon wasn't known for his defense but he did have 11 steals in one game. Something for Kawhi to look forward to.

Larry Kenon had HUGE hands like Kawhi, too. I once saw him in the Hemisfair Arena catch a ball that was going out of bounds FROM BEHIND with one hand.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Like Adam Morrison but more athletic and with better defense, wingspan, lateral speed, strength, hands, toughness, and maturity.

[justinandimcool]

Right now, Doug Christie. Pretty much identical skillsets. Kawhi a slightly better three point shooter and already a better midrange/post player.

In three years, hopefully an Artest/Gerald Wallace like player. I don't quite see Pippen. Pippen's athleticism/finishing ability in his prime resembled LBJ at times.

[michaelwcho]

Pippen. I don't recall Scottie exactly known as a scorer when he was just starting out.

[ohmwrecker]

"He's Kawhi Leonard." - Pop

[siraulo23]

Iggy with better shooting and slightly better handles?

[YoMamaIsCallin]

I'm old enough to have seen James Worthy play in his prime. Kawhi reminds me of him.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Iggy with better shooting and slightly better handles?

Better handles? KL handles are his biggest weakness probably Iggy has smooth handles tbh

[admiralsnackbar]

Like Adam Morrison but more athletic and with better defense, wingspan, lateral speed, strength, hands, toughness, and maturity.

And insulin response.

[cheguevara]

Hybrid between young Barkley, prime McDaniels and young Lebron.

those are the only 3 players that have posted similar #s in the playoffs.

that's what he is IMO

[hsxvvd]

Marion without the retarded shot.

[Solid D]

I've seen thousands of players and he doesn't remind me of any of them.

Unique player.

[Vito Corleone]

On defense I would say Pippen. On offense, I can't think of anyone but that is because he is still a work in progress, I hope it Pippen again, but I'd be happy if he becomes another Rodman (in game not freaky attitude).

[slick'81]

Maybe a smaller version of artest

[Raven]

not any of them tbh, the nba changed much in the last years, past sf were not so much of a three point shooters so it's hard to find a real match.

[coyotes_geek]

Leonard is what James Gist, Malik Hairston, Desmond Farmer and Marcus Williams would have been if that stupid Popovich knew how to develop young players and would have given them a chance to play. :p:

[DarrinS]

I've seen thousands of players and he doesn't remind me of any of them.

Unique player.


this

[FuzzyLumpkins]

James Worthy.

Closest Spur is Larry Kenon.

And fuck people learn some history, Youtube. Use it.

[hater]

like I said before season started. Poor Man's Lebron James

[slick'81]

Like people have said he's a different breed.he played 4 in college so he's physical can play on the block and rebounds really well.on offense he can attack the rim and is a improving shooter especially from deep.

Artest just came to mind

[Fabbs]

Like Adam Morrison but more athletic and with better defense, wingspan, lateral speed, strength, hands, toughness, and maturity.
:lol good one.

Like Matt Bonner but more athletic and with better defense, wingspan, lateral speed, strength, hands, toughness, and maturity.

[Mr Bones]

Maybe Rodney McCray: his best season was '89-90, where he averaged 16.6 ppg and 8.2 rpg. The previous year he was first team all-defense. Both are about 6'7", 225. Kawhi's a better three point shooter, and McCray was a better assist guy, but otherwise they have similar games.

[Man In Black]

You'd have to go to fairly recent to find a Small Forward like Kawhi. Back in the 70's and early 80's, guys that were 6'7" and 220 Lbs. were considered POWER Forwards.

I'd say James Worthy works, so does Scottie Pippen. But, if I had to choose just 1 player Kawhi most reminds me of...


I'd say it's this guy -> DAN ROUNDFIELD
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/playoffs-atlanta-hawks-dan-roundfield-in-action-dunk-boston-news-photo/94734746

[Mr Bones]

"With his laid-back attitude and relaxed demeanor, he can probably thrive in any setting which seems fitting since that sort of wide-ranging versatility was the trademark of McCray's 10-year NBA career that saw him become the quintessential glue guy; someone who could contribute in any number of ways at either end of the court."

http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/oneonone_with_rodney_mccray_2011_10_05.html

[Agloco]

Like Adam Morrison but more athletic and with better defense, wingspan, lateral speed, strength, hands, toughness, and maturity.

So basically not Adam Morrison. :toast

[CGD]

Like Adam Morrison but more athletic and with better defense, wingspan, lateral speed, strength, hands, toughness, and maturity.
Lol.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

Hes an original, You can't compare him to a ball handler or a one on one player. I'd go



Cliff Robinson
Bruce Bowen
Xavier McDaniel

Type guy

[pgardn]

A younger Haslem.

On D.

Rodney McCray is not a bad choice either. Except Leonard has more upside.

[Blind Witness]

I'm old enough to have seen James Worthy play in his prime. Kawhi reminds me of him.

High praise.

[baseline bum]

I've seen thousands of players and he doesn't remind me of any of them.

Unique player.

Yeah, I have been watching this game for a long time and I can't think of anyone right off the bat. The Pippen comparisons really don't make sense to me, since Pippen was freakishly long and incredible with passing lanes while Leonard's best feature defensively is his hands, which make him an elite rebounder at the position.

[Southwest Texas Fan]

like I said before season started. Poor Man's Lebron James

Including the passing skills?

[2centsworth]

Rasheed Wallace w/o attitude

[Southwest Texas Fan]

I wonder if he's going to put on a few more pounds in the next few seasons. He could be 235 or 240 maybe?

[lefty]

Not sure if already posted, but he kinda reminds me of Sidney Moncrief

[wldennis]

Gerald Wallace before he started to go down hill.

[SupremeGuy]

Scottie.

[unforeseen]

A rich man's Lebron James.

[pgardn]

Not sure if already posted, but he kinda reminds me of Sidney Moncrief

Thats not a bad choice either. K is a bit bigger.

Worthy much better on offense, but not on D.

[Shabazz]

I would say Pippen on mechanics, but Pippen was a more vocal presence on the team.

Dude isn't even close to Pippen. Pippen could basically play point guard with his handles and vision. He led the Bulls in scoring when MJ was retired. He could guard 4 positions on the floor. Dude was a hall of famer.

Leonard might be able to match Pippen's defense one day. He won't be close to Pippen in any other area.

[Shabazz]

I'm old enough to have seen James Worthy play in his prime. Kawhi reminds me of him.



http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymNre4gQbT4/ULvjgL4AfOI/AAAAAAAADKo/9GJeCViq5Ww/s1600/Facepalm_9a08b9_59080.jpg

[Kidd K]

Not like Pippen. Pippen was a lot more athletic, agile, and skilled. Dude was extremely underrated.

If Leonard could eventually evolve into anything close to Pippen, I will be extremely happy with that.

[jstep13]

Richard Jefferson!












































::runs and hides::

[Spurs_Be_Beastin']

I always call him baby Lebron. Big, strong, fast. and athletic as fk

[hsxvvd]

NBA Comparison: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute/ Gerald Wallace

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/kawhi-leonard


I see more Marion without the stupid jump shot. I see Darius Miles physicality with the mannerisms of Duncan.

[tmtcsc]

He reminds me of a young Robert Horry. I do believe he can be much better though.

[Man In Black]

I wish some of you guys got the chance to watch Dan Rounfield play alongside Dominique Wilkins. Youtube doesn't have lots of video of him when he was a regular ALL-NBA D teamer in the early 80's. If Kawhi was playing back then, he too would have been a Power Forward.

[pgardn]

I wish some of you guys got the chance to watch Dan Rounfield play alongside Dominique Wilkins. Youtube doesn't have lots of video of him when he was a regular ALL-NBA D teamer in the early 80's. If Kawhi was playing back then, he too would have been a Power Forward.

Roundfield covered centers as well I Think? He was a very physical guy but much slower. I'm pretty sure we are talking about the same guy. Sturdy guy that could shot block as in swat?

[timmy2003]

There is no comparison. Leonard is the best SF ever.

[HarlemHeat37]

Gerald Wallace with a jump shot, or a tougher 2004 Kirilenko minus the elite passing..

[MR-Clutch]

Leonard has the same wingspan Pippen had. Their per 36 numbers are pretty similar in their first two years playing..Leonard has shown a lot of versatility and different moves on offense, but these moves are usually on instinct rather then him using them as go to moves. He's shown flashes of a post up game, demonstrated good court vision, a driving game, he runs the fastbreak well,and has shown the ability to knockdown jumpshot from everywhere on the court. With more experience and touches, he will be more consistent on offense and will be hard to stop on the pick n roll. I love this kid and I can't wait to see him reach his potential.

[Blind Witness]

There is no comparison. Leonard is the best SF ever.

Forevah evah?

[sexinthatsx]

Whoever says Kawhi is closest to Pippen, stop kidding yourselves. Pippen averaged like 27 points a game during his prime (which Kawhi MIGHT possibly be able to do), and around 6 assists a game (which Kawhi most likely cannot average). Pippen's numbers are basically like Lebron's numbers in the NBA today, except with better defense. Come on, don't be homers here...

[m33p0]

I'm old enough to have seen James Worthy play in his prime. Kawhi reminds me of him.

if he can master that baseline spin move one handed tomahawk jam, i'll agree.

[Russo21]

Grant Hill

[SayTown]

Similar to a bigger, better rebounding Eddie Jones

[HemisfairArena]

Bruce Bowen

[ShoogarBear]

Worthy was fantastic offensive player, but a mediocre rebounder and defender and had a non-existent three-point shot. I don't see the comparison.

In some ways Kawhi is similar to Derrick McKey, who played for Indiana and Seattle back in the 90s.

[JR3]

Arrest is a good comparison skil-wise..with the attitude of Tim Duncan. He will be special.

[Obstructed_View]

Player he reminds me of most is not a forward.

http://cdn.hoopshype.com/i/0f/da/32/dennis_johnson_celtics.jpg

Picture seems to not be working very well. Dennis Johnson.

[Man In Black]

Roundfield covered centers as well I Think? He was a very physical guy but much slower. I'm pretty sure we are talking about the same guy. Sturdy guy that could shot block as in swat?
His first 4 years with Atlanta, except he didn't have a 3 point shot. Again, back in the day, players Kawhi's size were Power Forwards. He averaged around 17 & 10. For as Physical as he was, Dan Roundfield was 6'8" and 205 lbs. That means he was the same weight as Manu Ginobili. So, yeah, he wasn't that slow early on. It was only when he developed knee problems that his speed was compromised.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1123872/index.htm

Atlanta's Dan Roundfield and teammate Wayne (Tree) Rollins are also among the league's top blockers—when they can stay out of foul trouble. Their combination of 639 personals and 383 rejections last season had much to do with the Hawks finishing first and fifth, respectively, in those two team categories. The 7'1" Rollins, who has a 42-inch sleeve length, is one of the NBA's most prolific blockers per minutes played. Roundfield, a 6'8" power forward, is often matched inside against the opposition's strongest player. Roundfield, a righthander, has found how helpful his left hand can be. "I can get away with letting my man get by me a little and then use my left hand to take his righthanded layup before it gets to the glass," he says.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1123205/1/index.htm

Read those articles, for me, I can see it. Same kind of demeanor too.

[DPG21920]

I think the AK47 comparison is solid. Better rebounder, less talented ball handler/passer.

[GSH]

I wish some of you guys got the chance to watch Dan Rounfield play alongside Dominique Wilkins. Youtube doesn't have lots of video of him when he was a regular ALL-NBA D teamer in the early 80's. If Kawhi was playing back then, he too would have been a Power Forward.

Roundfield is actually a pretty good choice. With Kawhi's length, he plays as big as Roundfield. I think Kawhi is a little quicker, and capable of guarding small, quicker players than Rounds, but still a pretty good comparison.


The closest I could think of was Paul Silas - although, once again, Kawhi is more athletic. Silas was a damned good defender, and rebounder. It's a little harder to compare them offensively, because the NBA didn't have a 3 point shot while Silas was playing. But Silas had good shot mechanics, and a solid stroke, but not silky smooth like a lot of SF's. It will be interesting to see how Kawhi's offense evolves, as he matures - if he takes on more of a role as a creator, or just takes more shots like he's getting now. At his current trajectory, his numbers will probably look an awful lot like Silas' after 10 years.

In some ways, Kawhi reminds me of a shorter Robert Parish. The comparison breaks down pretty quickly, but certain aspects of his game, and his personality make me think of The Chief.