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LaMarcus Aldridge knew it was going to take some time to get comfortable with the San Antonio Spurs. His role will certainly differ from what it was with the Portland Trail Blazers, and it will take him some time to adjust. While he works his way through that adjustment period, it’s up to Kawhi Leonard to lead this team.
In each of the first two games, Leonard has been the Spurs’ leading scorer, and has rightfully taken the most shot attempts too. Aldridge, a guy who averaged nearly 20 shots per game the past couple of years in Portland, has taken just 23 shots combined through the first two games — he’s connected on only nine. He’s still in the feeling out stages at this point.
With Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili another year older, the Spurs cannot continue to rely on them like they have done for so long. It’s time that the torch be passed, and Leonard is the perfect guy for the job. He’s entering his fifth season with the team and has been consistently improving. Known as a lockdown defender, Leonard has continuously worked on improving his offense, getting more and more aggressive each year. His PPG and field goal attempt numbers have increased each year.
Leonard needs to be San Antonio’s first option each time down the floor. The offense needs to run through him for the time being — and it looks like it is. He’s not an elite scorer quite yet, but he has the ability to be one.
Derek McVay is a Boston Celtics and NBA featured writer for www.RantSports.com. He also contributes to the NFL. Follow him on Twitter @mcvay34, or add him to your network on Google.
