Kawhi Leonard Staying With the San Antonio Spurs Would Be in His Best Interest
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It appears that Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs are going to be together forever, despite the Spurs not signing Leonard to a max contract. In a recent statement, Leonard hinted at re-signing with the Spurs next summer after he basically said he could see himself in San Antonio for the rest of his basketball life. If he wants to have a long and successful career, this should be his only option.
Leonard has stepped up his game to levels no one thought possible, but they were only possible because of Gregg Popovich and the Spurs’ organization. Leonard didn’t come into the league with the raw talent to be a superstar. His effort, size and length would’ve led to being a solid role player on any other team.
Under the tutelage of Popovich, who seems to inspire the quiet competitor like no one else can, he has flourished into an offensive threat and one of the best defenders in the Association. Leonard’s story would be very different without the Spurs and the story is going to look far from the same if he ends up with another team.
The ability to play off the ball and in a system built that allows anyone to be a threat has made Leonard’s growth and success that much easier. Leonard is not ready to carry a team offensively, so creating his own shot and dominating the ball won’t be a positive experience for the 23-year-old.
Even though it seems like both Leonard and the Spurs want to keep their relationship, nothing in the NBA is a sure thing. If Leonard wants to be legend or at least a Hall of Fame candidate like his a few of his teammates, he must keep his talents in San Antonio.
Winston Harris is a San Antonio sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @winstonharris34. “Like” him on Facebook and him on Google.
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