Charles Barkley Says Kawhi Leonard is "the best player in the world"

Do you agree?


bob


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No. Kawhi is very good, I'd have him second in the MVP race to this point, he should be first-team all-NBA, but I'd put Curry above him, and possibly LeBron. But of course I'm biased.

Kawhi is the Spurs' leading scorer, but opponents don't have to game-plan their defense around what he can do offensively. Parker and Aldridge are more significant challenges for a defense. Kawhi is obviously a well-rounded player -- excellent defender, very good rebounder, passes well, and an efficient shooter with range out to the three-point line.

The difference for me with Curry is how much he throws a defense off. He does it by scoring almost anywhere past half court -- with his three-point shooting and range out to 30 feet combined with excellent mid-range shooting and ability to score on drives. He also throws the entire defense off balance by the threat of his three-point shooting, passing out of double-teams so that the Warriors essentially get a four-on-three, getting open looks for someone. He doesn't get credit for an assist in those situations (he gets the majority of his assists on drives or fast breaks), but he is the key that makes it work so well.

Likewise, LeBron is someone that an opponent has to completely game-plan their defense around. With Kawhi, you need to be aware of him, you have to respect him, but you don't gear your whole defense around him. He's only had one game of 30 points or more in his career.

If Lebron is the best player in the game, Kawhi is definitely his kryptonite, no one plays him better, making him work for everything....Kawhi's defense wears out Lebron.

Great numbers achieved on a winning program. Lets see how it all goes over the next couple years. Along with Curry, could be early favorites to be Lebrons successor.

swish