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Toronto Raptors: Five Things That Must Happen For Kawhi To Win MVP

By Vimal Sivakumar

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 16: San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) rests during the Los Angeles Clippers 115-92 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at the Staples Center at the Staples Center on December 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Elise/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 16: San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) rests during the Los Angeles Clippers 115-92 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at the Staples Center at the Staples Center on December 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Elise/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 16: San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) takes a jumpshot over Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) during the Los Angeles Clippers 115-92 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at the Staples Center at the Staples Center on December 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Elise/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 16: San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) takes a jumpshot over Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) during the Los Angeles Clippers 115-92 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at the Staples Center at the Staples Center on December 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Elise/Getty Images) /

2. Great Individual Numbers

Just as much as proving one’s worth involves playing in a lot of games for their squad, part of Kawhi’s quest for MVP next season will revolve around putting up profound individual numbers throughout the year.

Undoubtedly, statistical averages carry significant weight in the way individual awards are decided. For that reason, Kawhi Leonard will likely need to average somewhere around 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal to have a shot at winning MVP.

In the last 10 NBA seasons, the lowest point-per-game (PPG) total of an MVP winner was 23.8 points. That was Stephen Curry in 2014-15. However, Curry also averaged 7.7 assists that season. In the same timespan, the lowest assist average was Kevin Durant (5.5) when he won the award with Oklahoma City in 2013-14. Nevertheless, Durant averaged a cool 32 points that year. Further, Russell Westbrook averaged a triple double in 2017-18, which was a significant part of his win that year.

Effectively, a well-rounded statline has always been a key part of every MVP’s award-winning season and the same will be true for Leonard in 2018-19. A career 16.3 PPG scorer, who was hampered by a obviously uncharacteristic nine games played last year, Kawhi is a capable scorer who has been increasing his point totals in every season except last. Over his career, Leonard also averages 6.2 rebound and 1.8 steals, both strong numbers that would help solidify his spot in the MVP race if he continues to achieve similar production.

Therefore, if Leonard finds a way to take advantage of a deep Raptors team to increase his assist output — where his career average is a measly 2.3 per contest — and finishes his campaign with a nicely balanced statline, Leonard will surely establish himself as a top candidate for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award in 2018-19.

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