Kawhi Leonard Making a Case for MVP
In recent weeks, there has been a growing discussion about Kawhi Leonard’s potential claim for the NBA MVP title. While Leonard has always put up impressive numbers, his limited game time in the past has prevented him from being a serious contender for this prestigious award. However, this season is different, and many are drawing comparisons to Lamar Jackson’s second MVP win in the NFL.
Leonard is having an exceptional season by any standards, and his rise in the MVP conversation can largely be attributed to the outstanding performance of the Los Angeles Clippers. He has been exceptional in certain categories, while also meeting the expectations of an NBA superstar. The team currently sits in third place in the Western Conference, just one game behind the top-ranked Oklahoma City and Minnesota.
What sets Leonard apart this season is his availability. He has played in 44 out of the Clippers’ 48 games, which is a significant improvement compared to previous years. Being present for over 90 percent of his team’s games has made a notable difference in his MVP candidacy.
When examining Leonard’s case, his scoring ability stands out. He is averaging 24.7 points per game and shooting an impressive 53 percent from the field, 45 percent from behind the three-point line, and 89 percent from the free-throw line. He is on the verge of joining the elite 50/40/90 club, a feat achieved by legendary players such as Larry Bird, Steve Nash, Reggie Miller, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, and Dirk Nowitzki.
However, to secure the MVP title, Leonard will need more than just impressive shooting statistics. The MVP award is usually centered around scoring, much like the NFL’s focus on the best and most productive quarterback. This is where the comparison to Lamar Jackson becomes relevant.
Jackson is expected to win his second league MVP award, despite not having the most impressive passing statistics among quarterbacks in 2023. His overall performance and the dominance of the Baltimore Ravens throughout the regular season have positioned him as the frontrunner.
While the Clippers have made a strong case for being the most dominant force in the NBA since December, the season is far from over. If they can maintain their current pace, Leonard may receive some MVP votes. However, winning the award is a long shot. The last player to win the MVP title while averaging fewer than 26 points per game was Stephen Curry during the 2014-15 season. Curry went on to win back-to-back MVP awards, with his scoring average jumping to over 30 points per game in the following year.
As they say, “It’s a make-or-miss league.” Scoring points is the essence of basketball, and Leonard’s consistent presence on the court is a valuable asset. Regardless of whether you are a Clippers fan or not, Leonard is undeniably one of the most talented and versatile athletes in the NBA. While his current performance may not be enough to secure him the regular-season MVP, if the Clippers continue to excel, they will undoubtedly be serious contenders in the playoffs.
