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Toronto Raptors: Where does Kawhi Leonard rank in the M.V.P race?

By Thomas Valentine

PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors stands for the National Anthem on December 14, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors stands for the National Anthem on December 14, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Kawhi Leonard (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Kawhi Leonard

39 games played/27.6 PPG/7.9 RPG/3.2 APG/61.0 TS%

Is anyone still concerned that Kawhi might not return to his peak after an unquantifiable quad injury?

Leonard is currently having a career year in Toronto, in what could well be his only year in Toronto. Time will tell on that venture, there’s a case for Leonard to stay and for him to go but that’s not why we’re here. We’re here to talk about his season so far.

Simply put, Kawhi Leonard has raised the ceiling of the Toronto Raptors exponentially. His other-worldly defense, matched with his incredible offensive skill-set, makes for a player, unlike anything the Raptors have had before. Leonard is averaging a career-high in points on 61-percent true shooting and looks certain to get a bucket every time he attacks the paint.

The Raptors are 11-3 without Kawhi Leonard, and while that doesn’t serve as a great reference for his M.V.P consideration, he is far and away the best player on the team. He’s taken on a larger role than anything he experienced while under Gregg Popovich, averaging 19 field-goal attempts per game, two more than his highest mark in San Antonio.

While the Raptors new agenda relies on ball movement and finding the most efficient shot, Nick Nurse often relies on Kawhi Leonard’s ability to score in isolation, Leonard has crafted his game to become one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA, his mid-range pull-up game is crisp, he can absorb all sorts of contact in the paint and can shoot three-pointers over a variety of defenders. His defense hasn’t wavered much either, Leonard is averaging just under two steals a game and still has the ability to lock down any opposing offensive player.

Leonard’s career-year and the fact that he is the best player on, arguably, the best team in the Eastern Conference means he deserves a place on this list.

Probability of winning: If he plays every game until the end of the season and the Raptors get the one-seed, it’s possible.

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