Spurs forward is Kawhi-t-ly gaining momentum in MVP race

The action on the court halts as the sharp sound of whistle echoes across the AT&T Center, the home of the San Antonio Spurs. The fans in the stands have stopped their conversations as well.

The announcer blares “Foul, Kent Bazemore on Kawhi Leonard. Two shots.”

The last two words echo through the stadium as Spurs fans in the crowd repeat, “Two shots!”

Kawhi Leonard, 25, steps up to the line. He drains the first shot with ease. A slow chant begins and gets louder.

“MVP” they shout, “MVP!”

Even though many Spurs fans believe this 2014 Finals MVP is worthy of being crowned the 2016-2017 NBA MVP, many sports commentators have overlooked this relatively young forward.

The Indiana Pacers drafted Leonard out of San Diego State University in 2011 but then immediately traded him to the Spurs on draft night to the Spurs in exchange for George Hill. He has waited patiently and has grown under the shadow of larger stars like Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli.

But when Duncan retired at the end of the 2015-2016 season, Leonard assumed his role as the super star San Antonio needed.

In addition to winning the Finals MVP award in 2014, something his teammate Tony Parker also won in 2007, Leonard also helped lead the spurs to their fifth and latest NBA championship with the Spurs in 2014.

Leonard definitely has more to offer than other MVP candidates. Not only does he have a great 3-point and mid-range shot, but he is also able to run back and destroy opponents on defense. Leonard is having his greatest season this year, averaging 26 points per game, six rebounds and three assists. He has been a important aspect of the Spurs success this season.

There may be other players with better offensive stats, but Leonard is a two-way star, often guarding and stifling his opponents’ top offensive threat and then reversing roles to become the Spurs primary scoring threat on offense.

The reason I believe he is overlooked is because while he shies away from the limelight, other players assume a higher profiles. Take for example the high-profile feud between Lebron James and Stephen Curry, a duel for attention that has only escalated over the years. Or the drama between former Oklahoma City superstar Kevin Durant and current OKC superstar Russell Westbrook.

Like  their leader Leonard (and for that matter Tim Duncan and David Robinson before him), the quiet Spurs tend to be overlooked as a great team. More brash and flash teams like the Warriors and Cavaliers distract attention from teams like the Spurs, the Rockets, the Wizards, and the Celtics among others.

On the March 13 game I attended, a 107-99 Spurs victory that propelled San Antonio into a tie with Golden State for the NBA’s best record, Leonard scored a game-high 31 points in the game to go along with five rebounds and four assists.

So to those NBA sports writers who have an MVP vote, I say give Kawhi a chance. Upon closer examination of his contribution to the Spurs season, I believe you’ll realize he’s the real MVP deal.

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