Post#104 » by Vayuputra » Sun Jun 16, 2019 7:01 am
I think it comes down to how it has been used in the case of Kawhi to cover up for his lack of playmaking ability. Kawhi used to have a great impact on the defensive end of the floor in 13,14,15 and even to an extent 16 when he was regularly guarding the opposing team's best players. Still there was a noticeable drop on the defensive end in 16 and especially 17 when his usage rate on offense skyrocketed and he would only be guarding the best players in clutch situations and even then he would get screened out of the play. Since getting injured he has definitely lost a step, and with the offensive load he doesn't have the energy to lock someone up or slow down a superstar like in his prime years. I have noticed multiple Harden-esque lapses from Kawhi this year. I think from now on defensively his impact will be mostly be seen in the passing lanes and occasionally on help defense owing to his length and big hands. The only place where I see him improving is in Rebounding, he can be an even better Rebounder imo going forward.
Playoffs (20p / 10r / 5 / 5) : Hakeem(11), Duncan(8), Kareem(4), Shaq/DRob/Ewing/Doc (3)
Playoffs (20p / 20r / 5 / 5) : Duncan(3), Kareem/Walton/Shaq/Ewing/Barkley (1)
Playoffs (30p / 20r / 5 / 5) : Duncan(2), Barkley(1)