With two trophies for best defender of the year (2015, 2016) and five presences in the All-Defensive Teams, Kawhi Leonard has established himself as a benchmark in the defense world. He is even the only exterior, with Sidney Moncrief, to have twice his name in the list of defenders of the year.
First known for his qualities in this field at the start of his career in San Antonio, the Clippers’ winger has advanced so much offensively, to the point of becoming one of the best scorers in the league, that one could almost forget that there is still a huge defender.
Unlike Patrick Beverley or Marcus Smart, other great outside defenders, the double NBA champion does not necessarily play on its intensity. Clearly not a big mouth, it does not bark with each successful action. He intimidates his adversaries by his simple presence.
With his imposing physique, his immense hands and his reading of the trajectories, he is always well placed and can fly a ball in the hands of any point guard, even the fastest and skilful ball in hand. His athleticism also suffices to counter, at first or second curtain, players who go up to the circle.
And like a Scottie Pippen before him, Leonard is able to make the defense spectacular. The proof with his interception, lying on the ground, against Jimmy Butler last season with the Raptors, or the ball he snatched with both hands from Bojan Bogdanovic this year.
–
