Kawhi Leonard

[funkykingston]

The only thing is, the need for this team is for a three that consistently hits a three, or at least be consistent with a 20 ft jump shot. It's never easy with the Kings, is it?

Nope. But then, we are asking a lot of the guy we want at SF. Great spot up shooting, solid ballhandling, good to great defender, possibly veteran leadership, willingness to be a role player, willing passer, and active rebounder.

Leonard is obviously not a veteran and did not display a great shot, but checks all the other boxes. Besides - hard working, athletic defenders can improve their shooting much more than highly skilled but somewhat athletically deficient players can improve their defense and energy level.

His mechanics look good and he's clearly comitted to improving his shooting from range. I think it'd be pretty easy for him to reach a Bruce Bowen level where he can hit from the corners consistently and stretch the floor, but his athletic gifts and better than average ballhandling give him more potential on the offensive end.

 

[Larry David]

Nope. But then, we are asking a lot of the guy we want at SF. Great spot up shooting, solid ballhandling, good to great defender, possibly veteran leadership, willingness to be a role player, willing passer, and active rebounder.

Leonard is obviously not a veteran and did not display a great shot, but checks all the other boxes. Besides - hard working, athletic defenders can improve their shooting much more than highly skilled but somewhat athletically deficient players can improve their defense and energy level.

His mechanics look good and he's clearly comitted to improving his shooting from range. I think it'd be pretty easy for him to reach a Bruce Bowen level where he can hit from the corners consistently and stretch the floor, but his athletic gifts and better than average ballhandling give him more potential on the offensive end.

This is all true. Even if you got Bruce Bowen that rebounded like Ben Wallace, it would be a smart pick.

He could play 75% of the game, and the back up 3 would be a guy that hit a high % of his 3s. For a couple of years, Evans would still be streaky and Leonard would be not so great at shooting. But Evans will get better and Bowen shooting is a good comp for Leonard down the road.

Plus, with Evans, Thornton, and Cousins ... having a player that can impact the game and get 10 points without running anything for him or many touches would be a very good think.

I'm not a big Evans at point guard fan, but closing out games with Evans, Thornton, Leonard, Thompson/Dally, and Cousins would be an identity. Reminds me of the 93 Kincks.

In fact, that's the historical comp. He's like the X-man Xavier McDaniel.

 

[sidney]

If he's that good, Washington is a real threat to grab him right in front of us. They need a good SF and would likely pass on the PGs in the range because of Wall.

 

[funkykingston]

My fear with Leonard is that he will be gone before the Kings pick. I don't think he has any kind of star potential but in a very weak draft a high level role player is a pretty safe pick. For the Kings he's a perfect fit - a guy that doesn't need touches, does the dirty work and can have a big impact without the ball in his hands. I hope he's there at 7.

 

[bajaden]

Is there a three point shooting SF in the draft that logically could be picked at #7? I was assuming there wasn't as I haven't either heard of such a player or I missed it. The guy to spread the floor is the starting SF who I assume will come via trade or free agency. In no way am I saying that Leonard would be a starter but I already wrote that.

Jordan Hamilton!

 

[gunks]

If he's that good, Washington is a real threat to grab him right in front of us. They need a good SF and would likely pass on the PGs in the range because of Wall.

Our pick + sacrificial lamb Omri or Greene for Leonard + some other goodie?


The more I read up on this kid the more I like him where we're picking. Rebounding, toughness, D, and work ethic. I feel like he could end up being BPA and the best need pick when our turn comes around. And for those saying they want a 3 that can shoot the 3... Its not like Leonard has to start from day one of his rookie season. Whats wrong with getting a good vet 3 and playing Leonard off the bench for a couple years while he improves his jumper?

 

[Siranthony]

There isn't much film on this guy. It's hard for me to get any impression of him other than he looks like a thug in those corn rows.

 

[Dime Dropper]

There isn't much film on this guy. It's hard for me to get any impression of him other than he looks like a thug in those corn rows.

Is that some sort of bad joke? I really hope it is.

 

[Glenn]

Is that some sort of bad joke? I really hope it is.

And the Irish are drunken sods! Similar logic.

 

[Dime Dropper]

And the Irish are drunken sods! Similar logic.

Well, I can't really disagree with that one...

Still, I think Anthony's post is a bit more ridiculous than yours would have been had you meant it.

 

[JB_kings]

His shot, while a work in progress, looks remarkedly improved. Kawhi has very good basketball IQ, and is a good and underrated passer. At SDSU he did most of his scoring close to the basket, and was particularly deadly when in the key at about 6 or 7 feet from the basket. He handles the ball fairly well, another area that could use some improvement, but right now is as good or better than either Casspi's or Greene's. He has a great motor, and plays with intensity.

As I've said before, I think Hamilton is the better all around player right now, but Leonard has more size, and upside, and is probably a slightly better athlete. I think Hamilton has the ability to be a good defender, while I think Leonard has the ability to be a lockdown defender.

You pretty much summed up what I like about him. His shot is not reliable yet, but from what I've seen he has a better starting point with his mechanics than any of the forementioned 20 ppg guys. I think if he puts up 1,000 3 point shots a day this summer, he will be good enough of a scorer to see some PT next season. I think he can be one of the team's best defensive players from day 1. Of course I have a fondness for guys that are described as having a great motor and athletic.

 

[Siranthony]

Well impressions do have an effect. I think team chemistry is important. How you look does say something about your personality. I'm not saying that's the only thing you look at but you definetly need more information. When I think of corn rows I think of Iverson and the guy that hit his coach at golden state. Oh and Snoopdog. Hey I used to have long hair until I needed a job.

 

[Glenn]

Well impressions do have an effect. I think team chemistry is important. How you look does say something about your personality. I'm not saying that's the only thing you look at but you definetly need more information. When I think of corn rows I think of Iverson and the guy that hit his coach at golden state. Oh and Snoopdog. Hey I used to have long hair until I needed a job.

I think after a team has been together a few days, looks are not important. Once you get to know a person, stereotypes disappear. Leonard seems to be a nice, hard working guy and I doubt if chemistry would be an issue. No one can really know unless he is drafted but I see no warning signs they would make me pass on him. With his motor clicking on all cylinders, even the most superficial of impressions should disappear. We need a guy with his energy. Maybe the corn rows hide energy cylinders.

 

[JB_kings]

Webber hands

This picture will make scouts and women gasp.

 

[The Basketball Kings]

Well impressions do have an effect. I think team chemistry is important. How you look does say something about your personality. I'm not saying that's the only thing you look at but you definetly need more information. When I think of corn rows I think of Iverson and the guy that hit his coach at golden state. Oh and Snoopdog. Hey I used to have long hair until I needed a job.

What a superficial and stereotypical view of the world. I feel sorry for you.

 

[Jechtsphere]

How good is he defensively? The best thing I've heard is he can guard multiple positions...makes me think of Cisco. We've talked about adding Iggy so is he in that kind of mold?

 

[Dime Dropper]

How good is he defensively? The best thing I've heard is he can guard multiple positions...makes me think of Cisco. We've talked about adding Iggy so is he in that kind of mold?

Well, he's nothing like Cisco if that's what you're worried about. He has very good lateral quickness and good athleticism. He is active and makes plays. He could be a very good defensive player.

 

[Siranthony]

What a superficial and stereotypical view of the world. I feel sorry for you.

Your entitled to your opinion. No need to feel bad though.

 

[est.1999]

I'd trade Evans for him and have him play the 1.

 

[Dime Dropper]

I'd trade Evans for him and have him play the 1.

No way. He's not a pure point guard. I could understand you putting forward an argument to put him at Center and have him split minutes with Donte at PG, but not full time. Donte gives us what we need at PG - cheese sandwiches and a helluva lot of plastic cups.

 

[gunks]

Well impressions do have an effect. I think team chemistry is important. How you look does say something about your personality. I'm not saying that's the only thing you look at but you definetly need more information. When I think of corn rows I think of Iverson and the guy that hit his coach at golden state. Oh and Snoopdog. Hey I used to have long hair until I needed a job.

You mean you dont think of...

 

[Mad D]

When I think of corn rows I think of Iverson and the guy that hit his coach at golden state.

Where are you getting your information from. He didn't hit anyone.

He choked him.

You mean you dont think of...

I remember when Webber had them too after his mini fro grew out.

 

[bajaden]

There isn't much film on this guy. It's hard for me to get any impression of him other than he looks like a thug in those corn rows.

A totally ignorant statement. Instead of looking for film, why don't you try watching the actual games when their on. SDSU was on TV plenty of times.

 

[bajaden]

Well impressions do have an effect. I think team chemistry is important. How you look does say something about your personality. I'm not saying that's the only thing you look at but you definetly need more information. When I think of corn rows I think of Iverson and the guy that hit his coach at golden state. Oh and Snoopdog. Hey I used to have long hair until I needed a job.

Your bordering on racist with your corn row comments. And frankly your pissing me off. You may not mean it that way, but its easily taken that way. I don't see many white folks with corn rows. Leonard was, is a great teammate. He's an unselfish player that did a lot of the dirty work for his team. He's nothing like AI, or Sprewell. And since you said you know nothing about him, then why not just say nothing.

 

[bajaden]

How good is he defensively? The best thing I've heard is he can guard multiple positions...makes me think of Cisco. We've talked about adding Iggy so is he in that kind of mold?

Cisco would give his right arm to be as athletic as Leonard.

 

[Siranthony]

Where are you getting your information from. He didn't hit anyone.

He choked him. [Quote/]


Ok he choked him. My bad. He is officially removed from corn row thugdom. :b

 

[Siranthony]

Your bordering on racist with your corn row comments. And frankly your pissing me off. You may not mean it that way, but its easily taken that way. I don't see many white folks with corn rows. Leonard was, is a great teammate. He's an unselfish player that did a lot of the dirty work for his team. He's nothing like AI, or Sprewell. And since you said you know nothing about him, then why not just say nothing.

Sensitive are we. Get pissed if you want. Call it racism if you want. I would walk to the other side of the street if I saw someone that looked like a biker (not many black guys dressed like bikers, I must be racist) or someone that looks like a gangster. I wouldn't expect to get a good job looking that way (outside of construction). Like I said its not the only factor but it is a factor. If this is all it takes to upset you then your not the sharpest tool in the shed.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Sensitive are we. Get pissed if you want. Call it racism if you want. I would walk to the other side of the street if I saw someone that looked like a biker (not many black guys dressed like bikers, I must be racist) or someone that looks like a gangster. I wouldn't expect to get a good job looking that way (outside of construction). Like I said its not the only factor but it is a factor. If this is all it takes to upset you then your not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Your view of the world is hugely distorted. You're absolutely mad if you think cornrows = gangster. In fact I'd say naive. Clearly you've got your views from someone else because they don't have any basis in reality in this day and age. I'd suggest you cut out the racist stereotyping or you won't be a member of this forum for much longer.

 

[Bricklayer]

Stop the race stuff. EVERYBODY. Anybody who doesn't think cornrows carry a stigma to them is just willfully turning a blind eye. Pop culture has associated too many thugs and gangsta wananbes with that particular hairstyle, right or wrong. There was a reason Allen Iverson turned to that hairstyle, and it wasn't to project boyish charm.

That said, its just a bleeping hairstyle. Trying to attach a personality to any one individual via his hairstyle is just nutty (one of my sporting buddies back in the day used to wear his hair in a mohawk. He was a math major, and one of the nicest guys I knew, and now teaches high school math). Maybe he just doesn't want to fuss with his hair. I think Will Smith's kid was wearing cornrows there for a while, is he gonna be a thug? Was CWebb? Brad Miller? Whatever inital impression the hairstyle may give, its just that, an initial impression. By the 2nd day of training camp nobody is going to give a damn how he wears his hair.

 

[Siranthony]

Stop the race stuff. EVERYBODY. Anybody who doesn't think cornrows carry a stigma to them is just willfully turning a blind eye. Pop culture has associated too many thugs and gangsta wananbes with that particular hairstyle, right or wrong. There was a reason Allen Iverson turned to that hairstyle, and it wasn't to project boyish charm.

That said, its just a bleeping hairstyle. Trying to attach a personality to any one individual via his hairstyle is just nutty (one of my sporting buddies back in the day used to wear his hair in a mohawk. He was a math major, and one of the nicest guys I knew, and now teaches high school math). Maybe he just doesn't want to fuss with his hair. I think Will Smith's kid was wearing cornrows there for a while, is he gonna be a thug? Was CWebb? Brad Miller? Whatever inital impression the hairstyle may give, its just that, an initial impression. By the 2nd day of training camp nobody is going to give a damn how he wears his hair.

I agree. It was not racial but some people made it that way.