"Now that Kawhi has become the first player in NBA History with a Finals MVP in each Conference, ya'll in the basketball world need to start putting some respect on this man's name..."
In just one year's time, the Toronto Raptors went from playoff choke-artists to winning their first ever NBA Title. Of course the Warriors' injury issues in this Finals series were a big help, but that doesn't take away from how well the Raptors executed as a team throughout the playoffs and have now finally gotten the job done. After all, let's not forget that they went undefeated in season play against Golden State. This team was certainly more than capable of still coming out on top even if the Warriors had a full healthy roster in this series.
So what changed? How did Toronto go from being consistently inconsistent when it counted most to cool, calm, collected, and assertive even when their backs were against the wall? Of course there are many factors that play into the answer to these questions, but chief of them all are two words: Kawhi Leonard. The Raptors' decision to let go of their former star Demar DeRozan in order to acquire Leonard from the Spurs has now proven to be the best decision the franchise has ever made. Under DeRozan's wings, the Raptors were usually solid in season-play but notorious for underperforming and disappointing in the post-season. Sure, DeRozan could provide them with the occasional highlight and put points on the board for them consistently. However, what he could not do for them was establish a culture of prioritizing defense and remaining calm and collected when things got ugly. As it turned out, those things are exactly what the Raptors needed this whole time--things that Kawhi brought to the table for them.
Remember, this series is not the first time a Kawhi-led team has had the mighty Warriors on their heels. Many forget that, had it not been for the questionable play of former Warrior Zaza Pachulia, the San Antonio Spurs would have probably been back in the NBA Finals just a couple of seasons ago. Now that Kawhi has become the first player in NBA History with a Finals MVP in each Conference, ya'll in the basketball world need to start putting some respect on this man's name. Most would agree that Kahwi's the best 2-way player in the league. Not many, if any, in the league can control both ends of the floor--clearly effecting the game on offense and defense--like he does. In fact, just last series with the world watching, he was able to effectively check his main rival in that regard (Giannis Antetokounmpo) in the Eastern Conference Championship; convincingly staking his claim to the title of 2-way king.
So how then can the best 2-way player in the league not be considered the best player in league, period? Especially when he's actually producing and breaking new ground for a franchise that only knew disappointment and failure prior to his arrival. Despite consistently performing at a high level in his career, and even after this tremendous and historic championship run that Kawhi Leonard's had in his first year as a Toronto Raptor, many still refuse to put him above Lebron James (who btw he put the clamps on in his prior Finals MVP performance) and/or Kevin Durant when it comes to the "best-player" conversation.
It's time to accept it...Kawhi Leonard has shown that he is the best player on the planet. And it's no wonder, considering the fact of who he's sought to fashion his game after--none other than his favorite player growing up: Michael Jordan. Kawhi aspires to "be like Mike", and it's working for him. With his defense-intensive mentality, and mid to low range offensive attack, the Jordan influence on this man is undeniable. Many, in fact, in the sports commentary world have begun to draw the comparisons.
As great as Lebron and Durant are, neither is as equally effective on the defensive end as they are on the offensive end-----shouldn't the title of "Best Player in the League" go to a complete player who is equally effective on both ends and actually leading his team to success???
-Samoan A. Smith
In just one year's time, the Toronto Raptors went from playoff choke-artists to winning their first ever NBA Title. Of course the Warriors' injury issues in this Finals series were a big help, but that doesn't take away from how well the Raptors executed as a team throughout the playoffs and have now finally gotten the job done. After all, let's not forget that they went undefeated in season play against Golden State. This team was certainly more than capable of still coming out on top even if the Warriors had a full healthy roster in this series.
So what changed? How did Toronto go from being consistently inconsistent when it counted most to cool, calm, collected, and assertive even when their backs were against the wall? Of course there are many factors that play into the answer to these questions, but chief of them all are two words: Kawhi Leonard. The Raptors' decision to let go of their former star Demar DeRozan in order to acquire Leonard from the Spurs has now proven to be the best decision the franchise has ever made. Under DeRozan's wings, the Raptors were usually solid in season-play but notorious for underperforming and disappointing in the post-season. Sure, DeRozan could provide them with the occasional highlight and put points on the board for them consistently. However, what he could not do for them was establish a culture of prioritizing defense and remaining calm and collected when things got ugly. As it turned out, those things are exactly what the Raptors needed this whole time--things that Kawhi brought to the table for them.
So how then can the best 2-way player in the league not be considered the best player in league, period? Especially when he's actually producing and breaking new ground for a franchise that only knew disappointment and failure prior to his arrival. Despite consistently performing at a high level in his career, and even after this tremendous and historic championship run that Kawhi Leonard's had in his first year as a Toronto Raptor, many still refuse to put him above Lebron James (who btw he put the clamps on in his prior Finals MVP performance) and/or Kevin Durant when it comes to the "best-player" conversation.
It's time to accept it...Kawhi Leonard has shown that he is the best player on the planet. And it's no wonder, considering the fact of who he's sought to fashion his game after--none other than his favorite player growing up: Michael Jordan. Kawhi aspires to "be like Mike", and it's working for him. With his defense-intensive mentality, and mid to low range offensive attack, the Jordan influence on this man is undeniable. Many, in fact, in the sports commentary world have begun to draw the comparisons.
As great as Lebron and Durant are, neither is as equally effective on the defensive end as they are on the offensive end-----shouldn't the title of "Best Player in the League" go to a complete player who is equally effective on both ends and actually leading his team to success???
-Samoan A. Smith
Totally agree. I feel like Kawhi in some cases doesn't get the respect/praise he really deserves because of his style. Meaning his demeanor, personality, etc. It's quiet, but like you said calm and collective and able to control certain situations because of it. I would even argue to say that he has taken the title of the "silent assassin" aha. I don't know though. The media wants flashy plays & highlights, Kawhi in some points provides that but it's not like eye popping hence why I feel he doesn't get that much respect he really deserves. I'm not sure though.
ReplyDeleteGreat point! The fact that he's not flashy at all, on or off the court, could be a big factor as to why he doesn't get the hype he deserves. Off the court, he's very quiet and low key. On the court, his style of play is extremely fundamental and straight to the point. He's also not the type to celebrate, taunt, or flex after he's made an amazing play
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