The Kawhi Leonard Bandwagon Thread

[Pooh_Jeter]

Not enamored with Kemba or Knight? Leonard has been shooting up the draft board and considering at #5 there is no sure thing, why not take a guy like Leonard? His ceiling may not be sky high, but I find it hard to believe he won't be a serviceable starter on a team.

He's got athleticism, the physical tools, the motor and seems to have a great work ethic. He will step onto the NBA court a great defender and rebounder for his position and in workouts has shown a developing offensive game. There is a compton connection with Demar as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA1GYjD1 ... r_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAJh9CNbzx0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hnxHnc5 ... re=related

[J Dilla]

I wouldn't mind having a Gerald Wallace/Shawn Marion type of player with the 5th pick.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAJh9CNbzx0[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hnxHnc5hNg[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA1GYjD1yHo[/youtube]

Strengths, Weaknesses video - Draftexpress (Go to the bottom of the page)

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Kawhi-Leonard-5821/

Strengths: A hybrid forward with terrific length … He has a high motor and plays the game with a lot of energy … Spends majority of the time on the perimeter, but occasionally shows the ability to play with his back to the basket … Uses an effective turnaround jumper inside when posting up … An agile athlete, his strides are extremely long and he covers a lot of space when running the floor … Shows improvement in majority of areas from freshman to sophomore seasons … His shooting has improved and he has become a respectable threat from the outside … Operating out of the triple threat, he combines a nice jab with a fairly quick and long first step to create separation … He has a strong preference going to his pull-up jumper, and once he gets into a rhythm he can string a number makes together (his length and high release make it a difficult shot to contest) … He is fairly comfortable handling the ball in the open court and is capable of pushing it out off the rebound when the situation calls for it … Even with the improvements to his offensive game, he still continues to contribute heavily in the rebounding department … His huge hangs, length, energy and great timing, allow him to snatch balls on both ends that are well outside of his rebounding area … An extremely quick jumper, he is very good at tipping the ball and keeping it alive on the rim … Has the instincts and shows potential in becoming a very solid defender … His ability to get out in the passing lanes and also contest shots inside make him a very dangerous weapon on the defensive end …

Weaknesses: Does not have one aspect offensively that stands out or which allows him to consistently score the ball … With his size and frame, will almost certainly be a perimeter player at the next level, but he lacks the polish and skill necessary to consistently operate on the wing … He does not have break down ability off the dribble and he is especially shaky handling the ball with his left hand … His jumpshot (while definitely improved) is still very inconsistent … The release comes high off his head and it is somewhat of a sling motion, which results in a fairly flat shot that goes all over the place … At this level, he has a size advantage on almost a nightly basis, but he still chooses to take the majority of his shots from the outside … Takes a high number of off balance shots, but does not show the ability to convert them at a good percentage … He does not have a great touch around the basket, and unless he can get inside position on the defense, he struggles finishing when contested … Not very disciplined defensively, he gambles far too often and leaves his team susceptible to giving up easy baskets

Measurements: 6'7

NBA scouts and opposing coaches marvel at Kawhi Leonard’s long arms (his wing span is 7 feet, 3/8 inches) and freakishly large hands.

Leonard’s hands measure 9 3/8 inches from wrist to middle fingertip. (Bigger than Alabi's)



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[Mr.Raptorsingh]

lol we have two Kawhi Leonard bandwagons going on.

[flatjacket1]

I'd rather draft Adam Morrison.

[J Dilla]

lol we have two Kawhi Leonard bandwagons going on.

Saw that. Maybe the mods could merge the thread.

[fredericklove]

Who? Oh that big hand guy...yeah. No.

[sanity]

**** yeah there are two of these threads! KAWHI OR DIE TRYING

[Pooh_Jeter]

Feel free to lock up my thread mods, this one is better.

I think Leonard is going to continue to rise up the draft board. He may not have a consistent outside shot, but the athleticism, defence and rebounding are all there. He has an incredible work ethic too.

I mean, we have Ed Davis who actually knows what defence is at the 4 and Demar will hopefully keep developing on that side of the floor. Leonard's shot seems to have improved and he has shown signs of being effective distributing the ball and creating off the dribble.

[Visceral]

Not gonna lie, I really liked his DraftXpress video.

[J Dilla]

Not gonna lie, I really liked his DraftXpress video.

I'm curious to know why. And please let it be basketball and not hairline/physique related

[yayotube]

I didnt even know about how he lost his dad. He seems like a motivated player + incredible physical tools and developing his range. Workouts will be big with him.

[prototype]

I am definitely on this bandwagon. He's a gym rat like DeMar and I envision them pushing each other. I think of him as the Paul George of this draft.

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

This is the one bandwagon where I might jump ship, and join. Leonard is impressive, as far as character, production, and physical tools. Oh, and his team was like, 34-3 this past year. Those are some good accolades.

[alivinglegend]

Not a bad player at all but I don't think he can play with DeMar. Unless DeMar can develop a 3 point shot, the team needs someone who can hit the 3 playing the SF spot.

[DarkKnight]

On board with Leonard or Biyombo. THere is a larger Leonard thread I started a few days ago that could be merged with this as well - Kawhi Leonard Discussion.

[ziplockfresh]

There's not much to be said. He's worked on his game extensively at Impact and people are taking note. He's become a better handler and shooter. Wouldn't be surprised to see him develop a consistent outside shot, considering he's been around Chauncey and other players through out the process. I've said it before and I'm sticking to it.. Kawhi or Knight.

[Waylon Mercy]

Kind of reminds me of a young Latrell Sprewell....

Not a super athlete but solid....
Has a good shooting touch but not an elite shooter...
Tough as nails...
Good ball handling....
Decent passer...
Can create his own shot...
Solid rebounder...
Tools to be an excellent defender...
Makes big plays...
Great instincts....
High B-ball IQ...
Excellent Timing...

[alivinglegend]

Kind of reminds me of a young Latrell Sprewell....

Not something Carlissimo wants to hear I'm sure

[phailing101]

I would love Leonard.

I would like to see the Raptors build around hard-working, gym rat and high character type of guys.

Plus I think he fits a hole on the team at SF.

[Morris_Shatford]

I would rather trade down to get him;
However I think given the way the balls dropped I think he is just what we need.