MySA: Kawhi Leonard is Doing Something We've Never Seen Before

[BatManu20]

Kawhi Leonard is Doing Something We've Never Seen Before


One doesn’t need numbers to know Kawhi Leonard is special.

With Leonard, simply seeing is knowing.

Numbers can’t tell you how he effortlessly glides to and fro in sync with his defensive assignment, step for step, tracing his man’s every move. They can’t tell you how he poked the ball away with the shot clock running down, forcing an errant shot and a lost possession.

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to play around with stats.

Here’s one that should work Spurs Nation into a frenzy: Not a single player in NBA history has ever combined Leonard’s current scoring prowess, shooting efficiency and defensive dominance in one season.

His concurrent marks (http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&type=per_game&per_minute_base=36&per_poss_base=100&lg_id=NBA&is_playoffs=N&year_min=&year_max=&franch_id=&season_start=1&season_end=-1&age_min=0&age_max=99&height_min=0&height_max=99&shoot_hand=&birth_country_is=Y&birth_country=&birth_state=&college_id=&draft_year=&is_active=&debut_yr_nba_start=&debut_yr_nba_end=&debut_yr_aba_start=&debut_yr_aba_end=&is_hof=&is_as=&as_comp=gt&as_val=&award=&pos_is_g=Y&pos_is_gf=Y&pos_is_f=Y&pos_is_fg=Y&pos_is_fc=Y&pos_is_c=Y&pos_is_cf=Y&qual=fg3_pct_req&c1stat=pts_per_g&c1comp=gt&c1val=20&c2stat=fg_pct&c2comp=gt&c2val=0.500&c3stat=fg3_pct&c3comp=gt&c3val=0.400&c4stat=def_rtg&c4comp=lt&c4val=100&c5stat=&c5comp=gt&c6mult=1.0&c6stat=&order_by=def_rtg) of 20.5 points on 51.5 percent shooting and 48.8 percent on 3-pointers is tremendous in its own right, but take into account his 95 defensive rating and you have a truly singular season, one that's never been seen before.

Larry Bird and Michael Jordan came close to matching those marks, but fell short in both 3-point percentage and defensive rating even after dropping the baselines (http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&type=per_game&per_minute_base=36&per_poss_base=100&lg_id=NBA&is_playoffs=N&year_min=&year_max=&franch_id=&season_start=1&season_end=-1&age_min=0&age_max=99&height_min=0&height_max=99&shoot_hand=&birth_country_is=Y&birth_country=&birth_state=&college_id=&draft_year=&is_active=&debut_yr_nba_start=&debut_yr_nba_end=&debut_yr_aba_start=&debut_yr_aba_end=&is_hof=&is_as=&as_comp=gt&as_val=&award=&pos_is_g=Y&pos_is_gf=Y&pos_is_f=Y&pos_is_fg=Y&pos_is_fc=Y&pos_is_c=Y&pos_is_cf=Y&qual=fg3_pct_req&c1stat=pts_per_g&c1comp=gt&c1val=20&c2stat=fg_pct&c2comp=gt&c2val=45&c3stat=fg3_pct&c3comp=gt&c3val=0.400&c4stat=def_rtg&c4comp=lt&c4val=100&c5stat=&c5comp=gt&c6mult=1.0&c6stat=&order_by=def_rtg).

That doesn’t mean Leonard is having a better season than Stephen Curry – who might be turning in the greatest regular-season (http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&type=per_game&per_minute_base=36&per_poss_base=100&lg_id=NBA&is_playoffs=N&year_min=&year_max=&franch_id=&season_start=1&season_end=-1&age_min=0&age_max=99&height_min=0&height_max=99&shoot_hand=&birth_country_is=Y&birth_country=&birth_state=&college_id=&draft_year=&is_active=&debut_yr_nba_start=&debut_yr_nba_end=&debut_yr_aba_start=&debut_yr_aba_end=&is_hof=&is_as=&as_comp=gt&as_val=&award=&pos_is_g=Y&pos_is_gf=Y&pos_is_f=Y&pos_is_fg=Y&pos_is_fc=Y&pos_is_c=Y&pos_is_cf=Y&qual=mp_per_g_req&c1stat=per&c1comp=gt&c1val=30&c2stat=&c2comp=gt&c2val=&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&c5stat=&c5comp=gt&c6mult=1.0&c6stat=&order_by=per) performance anyone has ever seen – or that he’s better than Bird or LeBron James or Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen, but it does demonstrate what a unique talent he has become.

Few players have ever been able to affect a game on both sides of the floor the way Leonard has.

At his peak, James was a monster on both ends. Jordan, Pippen, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest – all were some of the best two-way threats in NBA history at their apex.

But Leonard has the terrifying potential to be better than each of them defensively, and the grueling offseason work he puts in has allowed him to take massive leaps offensively from season to season, something he’s poised to continue doing as he enters his prime.

He won’t turn 25 until after this season, traditionally the age players begin to peak. And that might be the most exciting number of all.



http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Kawhi-Leonard-is-doing-something-we-ve-never-seen-6861582.php

[SAGirl]

:tu
Thanks for sharing!!
Nothing we didn't already know, but it's nice to read how it stacks in comparison to other historical seasons and current players.
:claw

[NameLess Scrub]

Gotta love to witness this. Sadly, he's being overshadowed by the alien that is Curry.
Wish Spurs would go the distance so Kawhi got into his prime with 2 titles and a couple of FMVPs.

[apalisoc_9]

If he doesnt make first team, its going.to be the biggest travesty.pf the year. Speaks volume of how powerful casual fans are in terms of media voting..ie selling intellectual honesty for views and clicks.

[SpursforSix]

At his peak, James was a monster on both ends. Jordan, Pippen, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest – all were some of the best two-way threats in NBA history at their apex.


LOL.

http://www.clickypix.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/One-Of-These-Things-17.jpg

[SupremeGuy]

:claw

[spurraider21]

D-Rating is a garbage individual stat but yes he's truly unique

[~O~]

His career will go like tim Duncan's at this rate. Elite in his own right but overshadowed. 50/48/88 on 20ppg on 24% usage. No doubt his best season in a Spur uniform. He's doubled his winshares and VOSP since his rookie season. His three point percentage has blown up....from 34% last season. That's unheard of. I truly don't know whats gotten into him but sheesh. He the best overall player in the leagues when you consider that he's a two way player. He uses his athletic capabilities to his advantage unlike various other basketball players in the league. His shooting competence has made an incredible jump.

Lets remind ourselves that hes 24 years of age. Its incredible what he's doing.

[loveforthegame]

:worthy:

It's been fun watching him grow each season. These numbers are incredible.

[TheDoctor]

:claw

[Kikoluna]

This curry "alien", "historical", "never seen before" is sickening. Leonard is a far better OVERALL player. Leonard would kill curry in the paint.

[MoSpur]

He is like a modern day Scottie Pippen, but a better version

[ginobilized]

I am wanting to see Curry and Leonard meet up in the WCF. That should be a good opportunity to compare them.

Kawhi is having an incredible season and he has been known to find an extra gear in the playoffs as well as ending seasons on a strong note.
It is possible his numbers continue to climb this year.
Unbelievable growth for this kid!!!

[will_spurs]

Actually it's not even an issue of selective stats: widening the field with 45% FG, 45% 3P and 100 DRtg only yields players who shot fewer than five 3-pointers.

[~O~]

I am wanting to see Curry and Leonard meet up in the WCF. That should be a good opportunity to compare them.

Kawhi is having an incredible season and he has been known to find an extra gear in the playoffs as well as ending seasons on a strong note.
It is possible his numbers continue to climb this year.
Unbelievable growth for this kid!!!


You can't truly compare the two and its not fair. He lacks the size, length, Curry tries to play defense on opponents but does not have the physical natural ability to do so. Curry gets lit up by various point guards in the league. Kerr switches him when he has no choice but Curry chooses the matcup. Its not his role to stop these guys. He's elite because he maximizes what he can actually do with his body.

Thompson, Green, Iguodala play the defensive roll for him. Curry plays the offensive juggernaut which he's fully capable of. As long as those three carry him him on defense, he'll carry them on offense.

Kawhi Leonard is capable of both in Pop's system. Granted, Pop system is based on more efficient shooting and non halfcourt threes like Golden State's. This is why Kawhi is the top percentage shooter since the offense creates open shots.

[Kawhitstorm]

Someone from MySA has been lurking on ST & stealing my gems: http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=257786&p=8449310#post8449310 :rolleyes
(http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=257786&p=8449310#post8449310:wakeup)

[Kawhitstorm]

D-Rating is a garbage individual stat but yes he's truly unique

That's why I used "Defensive Box Plus/Minus" unlike those incompetent plagiarizing bundle-of-sticks at MySA.:wakeup

[apalisoc_9]

Someone from MySA has been lurking on ST & stealing my gems: http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=257786&p=8449310#post8449310 :rolleyes
(http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=257786&p=8449310#post8449310:wakeup)

Should sue them. A few post have been stolen here before. Some guy on espn even got fired three years ago when he stole a thread post here.

[Kawhitstorm]

Should sue them. A few post have been stolen here before. Some guy on espn even got fired three years ago when he stole a thread post here.

:lmao............:wow..........:lmao

[apalisoc_9]

:lmao............:wow..........:lmao

Yeah some guy from espn stole timvp post word by word. What an idiot. I think its pretty normal for writers to read forums and get ideas

[Kawhitstorm]

Yeah some guy from espn stole timvp post word by word. What an idiot. I think its pretty normal for writers to read forums and get ideas

You mean Bill Simmons aka BS (how fitting):lol

[raybies]

:claw

Respect to Kawhitstorm

[raybies]

Should hire an editor and make a newsletter of the best of the best posts with stats, and opinions, etc and be like ESPN insider for Spurs. Charge about a dollar a subscription and divvy up the doe with the contributors. Encouraged better talk and rewards those that are good at something to do more. Imagine...

[Old School 44]

Everything Kawhi and the Spurs are doing is overshadowed by the historic season by Curry and the Warriors. It's truly amazing the numbers Kawhi and the team are putting up. Even more amazing is that they can still somewhat be under the radar at 50-9 because of the Warriors. Personally, I hope the Warriors do get the record. There's tremendous pressure in the playoffs already. To go in with 73+ wins, just adds to that pressure.

[99 Problems]

:claw

[spurraider21]

:claw

[apalisoc_9]

You mean Bill Simmons aka BS (how fitting):lol

Nah nah not bill simmons. Lol..

[hooperflash]

LOL.

http://www.clickypix.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/One-Of-These-Things-17.jpg

Metta World Peace, fixed it for them. /blue

[silverblackfan]

:claw

[SpursBig3s]

If he doesnt make first team, its going.to be the biggest travesty.pf the year. Speaks volume of how powerful casual fans are in terms of media voting..ie selling intellectual honesty for views and clicks.

yeah they'll probably all vote in Ariza and Bradley Beal over him tbh

[wildbill2u]

Kwahi's stats--and consequent recognition nationwide (by fans only) may be diluted by Pop if he limits his minutes to preserve his longevity. But he's getting plenty of props as it is on awards and so on.

[Cry Havoc]

First team all-NBA

Curry
Leonard
LeBron
Durant
Boogie

I know Leonard is a F but he's more deserving than any 2.

[Spurtacular]

Dunno why the blogger is creaming himself over stuff like 12's defense....

[DMC]

"mysanantonio"

yeah, not feeling it.

[YGWHI]

Good read, impressive numbers. Thanks for posting! :toast


First team all-NBA

Curry
Leonard
LeBron
Durant
Boogie

I know Leonard is a F but he's more deserving than any 2.

For the same f... reason Kawhi didn't make the 3rd team last season even when he had more votes than Klay and Irving


A player is given five points for a First-Team nomination, three points for the Second-Team and one for the Third-Team. Each team is comprised of two guards, two forwards and a center.

The NBA’s necessity to categorize players to a position contributed to Leonard’s absence from the prestigious list, despite finishing with more points than Third-Team members Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving.
http://thesportsquotient.com/nba/2015/5/23/all-nba-teams-announced-everything-is-wrong

Reading the old article...Kawhi finished #16 in PER last season. Now he's #4 in PER :claw

[YGWHI]

D-Rating is a garbage individual stat but yes he's truly unique

Well, he's #1 among non-bigs in DBPM...

[Cry Havoc]

Good read, impressive numbers. Thanks for posting! :toast



For the same f... reason Kawhi didn't make the 3rd team last season even when he had more votes than Klay and Irving


http://thesportsquotient.com/nba/2015/5/23/all-nba-teams-announced-everything-is-wrong

Reading the old article...Kawhi finished #16 in PER last season. Now he's #4 in PER :claw

Kawhi is listed as a SG/SF this year by yahoo, so maybe he's played some minutes at the 2?

[Kawhitstorm]

Kawhi is listed as a SG/SF this year by yahoo, so maybe he's played some minutes at the 2?

No, it's b/c of Kawhi's refusal to play PF.:wakeup

[Cry Havoc]

No, it's b/c of Kawhi's refusal to play PF.:wakeup

Parker
Patty
Danny
Manu
Kawhi

DO IT POP.

[vander]

this and many other nice Spurs stats will probably change a little when the schedule goes from easiest in the NBA to 3rd toughest

[TheMulletMan3000]

Thanks Indiana

[r0drig0lac]

He is like a modern day Scottie Pippen, but a better version

Kawhi is amazing, but Pippen today would be even better

[urunobili]

:claw

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Kawhi is amazing, but Pippen today would be even better

Pippen w/o Jordan was avg like 22 ppg those two seasons. Kawhi is imo a better defensive version of Pippen but there offensive are comparable stat wise w/ Kawhi being a better 3 point shooter and Pippen being a better passer.

[cutewizard]

:bobo

[r0drig0lac]

Pippen w/o Jordan was avg like 22 ppg those two seasons. Kawhi is imo a better defensive version of Pippen but there offensive are comparable stat wise w/ Kawhi being a better 3 point shooter and Pippen being a better passer.
I understand, but I talked about Pippen play today (ERA perimeter players), it would be easier for him offensively, and that would be seen in their statistics. Defensively Pippen is more versatile (the ideal prototype player today) which to me is more important