Kawhi Leonard’s MVP Case: A Surprising Upturn in the Conversation
For those fans who typically overlook much of the NBA regular season, you may have missed the recent buzz surrounding Kawhi Leonard’s claim in the MVP conversation. In most years, Leonard’s numbers are impressive, but his lack of game time has hindered his chances of being seriously considered for the league’s most prestigious award. However, this year, many are drawing a comparison to Lamar Jackson in the NFL, which could boost Leonard’s MVP chances.
Leonard is having an exceptional season by all standards, and his recent surge in the MVP conversation is largely due to the success of the Los Angeles Clippers. While Leonard excels in certain categories, he is also delivering what is expected from an NBA superstar. One key factor is the team’s position in the Western Conference, currently sitting at third place, just one game behind the top-ranked Oklahoma City and Minnesota.
Another surprising aspect of Leonard’s MVP push is his availability on the court. He has played in 44 of the Clippers’ 48 games so far, on track to suit up for the most games in a single season since joining the team. This increased availability could be the game-changer for Leonard’s MVP chances, as he has been present for over 90 percent of his team’s games.
When analyzing Leonard’s case for MVP, his scoring stands out. He is averaging 24.7 points per game while shooting an impressive 53 percent from the field, 45 percent from behind the three-point line, and 89 percent from the free-throw line. These statistics put him on the verge of joining the exclusive 50/40/90 club, a feat achieved by legendary players such as Larry Bird, Steve Nash, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, among others.
However, for Leonard to secure the MVP award, it will take more than just impressive shooting statistics. The MVP award in the NBA, much like the NFL’s focus on the best or most productive quarterback, often revolves around scoring. This is where the comparison to Lamar Jackson comes into play.
Jackson is expected to win his second league MVP award, despite not having the most prolific passing statistics among quarterbacks in 2023. His overall performance, combined with the Baltimore Ravens’ dominance as the top team in the regular season, is likely to secure him the award. Similarly, there is an argument for the Clippers being the most dominant force in the NBA since December, but there are still a few months left in the season. If the Clippers can maintain their pace, Leonard may receive some MVP votes, but winning the award would be a long shot. The last player to win the award while averaging fewer than 26 points per game was Stephen Curry during the 2014-15 season, and he went on to average over 30 points per game the following year.
In the end, basketball is a “make-or-miss” league, and scoring points is crucial. Simply seeing Leonard on the court every night and not missing many games is already a feat in itself. Whether you’re a Clippers fan or not, Leonard is undeniably one of the most gifted and well-rounded athletes in the NBA. While his current performance may not be enough to shock everyone and secure his first regular-season MVP, if the Clippers can continue their strong performance, they will undoubtedly be serious contenders in the playoffs.
