Pops compares Leonard to Bowen

[Nolan]

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has referenced Bruce Bowen while discussing Kawhi Leonard’s defensive versatility on the occasion of his performance in the first starting assignment of his career. Leonard’s second start is expected tonight against the Blazers.

“It’s huge for us to have a guy on this team that can do similar things to what Bruce did in the past,” Popovich said after the forward’s defensive opus in crunch time Wednesday.

Popovich isn’t ready to declare Leonard his new Bowen, but it is clear he believes he has the potential to make a similar defensive impact.

“This young man’s got a lot to learn,” Popovich said. “But as I’ve said a lot of times, he’s very willing, he’s very versatile and I think he’s got the ability to be one heck of a player, and he wants to be. We’re very excited about him.”

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Pops isn't exactly known for tossing out lofty comparisons so he really must believe in Kawhi. I personally think he can play that Bowen role and at the same time be a legit offensive weapon and a great rebounder.

[co_laper]

Kawhi isn't as dirty or physical as Bowen, but he does have other assets that Bowen doesn't have such as his finishing ability, rebounding, knack for getting steals, and athleticism.. 12 games into the season, I'm a believer. Usually, first year players aren't contributors here especially if they're rookies (not Gary Neal like rookies since he's already 26). Ofcourse there are exceptions, but they're so rare.

I was really afraid that we turn Kawhi into another Bowen offensively (stand around on the corner 3) but luckily, we haven't done that. Kawhi has been making cuts and getting a lot of his points near the rim. I wonder why we don't use RJ that way. It's not like he doesn't have the athleticism or the finishing ability. That's what RJ was before he got to San Antonio.

[JustAwesome]

It would be great if he can learn to be ask pesky as Bowen was. That was something that really affected the opponents' mind.