Khris Middleton And The Value of Real Plus-Minus
By Adam McGee
Mar 15, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
5. Kawhi Leonard
Contract Next Season: Restricted Free Agency
Although he wasn’t quite as off-the-radar as Khris Middleton, Leonard’s development into the player he has now become has been sensational. Taken by the Indiana Pacers with the 15th pick of the 2011 Draft, before being immediately traded to the San Antonio Spurs, it was a question of who exactly is this guy from San Diego State?
It didn’t take Leonard long to show himself to be a defensive stud on the wings, and surrounded by the veteran quality that the Spurs are blessed with it was only going to be a matter of time before he became something greater.
Leonard has developed his shooting and become an all-around offensive threat, as highlighted by his Finals MVP showing last June. Now it’s fair to say that he has become the centerpiece of what San Antonio does, and it seems like no coincidence that their return to form coincided with his return to health.
Leonard is said to plan to experience life as a restricted free agent this summer, but don’t be surprised when the Spurs show themselves to be prepared to match any offers for their man.