Spurs forward is Kawhi-t-ly gaining momentum in MVP race

The action on the court halts as the sharp sound of whistle echoes across the AT&T Center, the home of the San Antonio Spurs. The fans in the stands have stopped their conversations as well.

The announcer blares “Foul, Kent Bazemore on Kawhi Leonard. Two shots.”

The last two words echo through the stadium as Spurs fans in the crowd repeat, “Two shots!”

Kawhi Leonard, 25, steps up to the line. He drains the first shot with ease. A slow chant begins and gets louder.

“MVP” they shout, “MVP!”

Even though many Spurs fans believe this 2014 Finals MVP is worthy of being crowned the 2016-2017 NBA MVP, many sports commentators have overlooked this relatively young forward.

The Indiana Pacers drafted Leonard out of San Diego State University in 2011 but then immediately traded him to the Spurs on draft night to the Spurs in exchange for George Hill. He has waited patiently and has grown under the shadow of larger stars like Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli.

But when Duncan retired at the end of the 2015-2016 season, Leonard assumed his role as the super star San Antonio needed.

In addition to winning the Finals MVP award in 2014, something his teammate Tony Parker also won in 2007, Leonard also helped lead the spurs to their fifth and latest NBA championship with the Spurs in 2014.

Leonard definitely has more to offer than other MVP candidates. Not only does he have a great 3-point and mid-range shot, but he is also able to run back and destroy opponents on defense. Leonard is having his greatest season this year, averaging 26 points per game, six rebounds and three assists. He has been a important aspect of the Spurs success this season.

There may be other players with better offensive stats, but Leonard is a two-way star, often guarding and stifling his opponents’ top offensive threat and then reversing roles to become the Spurs primary scoring threat on offense.

The reason I believe he is overlooked is because while he shies away from the limelight, other players assume a higher profiles. Take for example the high-profile feud between Lebron James and Stephen Curry, a duel for attention that has only escalated over the years. Or the drama between former Oklahoma City superstar Kevin Durant and current OKC superstar Russell Westbrook.

Like  their leader Leonard (and for that matter Tim Duncan and David Robinson before him), the quiet Spurs tend to be overlooked as a great team. More brash and flash teams like the Warriors and Cavaliers distract attention from teams like the Spurs, the Rockets, the Wizards, and the Celtics among others.

On the March 13 game I attended, a 107-99 Spurs victory that propelled San Antonio into a tie with Golden State for the NBA’s best record, Leonard scored a game-high 31 points in the game to go along with five rebounds and four assists.

So to those NBA sports writers who have an MVP vote, I say give Kawhi a chance. Upon closer examination of his contribution to the Spurs season, I believe you’ll realize he’s the real MVP deal.

No introduction needed

Small Forward Kawhi Leonard is introduced at the beginning of Spurs game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 13. He scored 31 points had five rebounds and four assists in a 107-99 win. Photo by Gregory James.

Tipoff

Shooting Guard Danny Green of the Spurs watches as center Dwayne Dedmon prepares to tip off against Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard. Green had 14 points in a 107-99 win that pushed the Spurs into a tie with the Warriors for the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference ... for a while. Photo by Gregory James.

Come on Ref!

Shooting guard Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs plead his case to the referee. Despite not winning his argument, the Spurs were able to win 107-99 in a thrilling finish at the AT&T Center, the Spurs' home arena. Photo by Gregory James.

Coyote

The Spurs mascot, Coyote, works to excite the home crowd during a timeout by the Hawks. The Hawks fell victim to a 10-point deficit early in the first quarter but cut the Spurs' lead to under 10 points by the end of half. The Spurs won, 107-99, thanks to a late fourth-quarter run. Photo by Gregory James.

Let's talk it over

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks to center Pau Gasol while Hawks shooting guard Kent Bazemore shoots two free throws. Coach Popovich, a very animated coach, talked to everybody individually when he thought something was going wrong. This method seemed to work as the Spurs won 107-99. Pau Gasol had 13 points and 10 rebounds, recording a double-double. Photo by Gregory James.

A helping hand

Point Guard Manu Ginobli is helped up by teammates Kyle Anderson and Davis Bertans. Ginobili recorded three points, six assists, and four rebounds in the Spurs' 107-99 victory. Photo by Gregory James.

Awe right, Danny

Center Dwayne Dedmon watches from the bench as a 3-point shot is made by Danny Green at the other end of the court. Dedmon scored four points and grabbed eight rebounds. The Spurs won, 107-99. Photo by Gregory James.

Defending his house

Small forward Kawhi Leonard guards the baseline in San Antonio's 107-99 win over the Atlanta Hawks. He had one block but was really strong in defending the front court. Photo by Gregory James.

A Pass to Patty

Forward Kawhi Leonard passes the ball to teammate Patty Mills. The Spurs won, 107-99, thanks in large part to Leonard's game-high 31 points. Mills contributed too with 15 points and nine assists off the Spurs' bench. Photo by Gregory James.

A breather before the final quarter

Kawhi Leonard watches as the buzzer sounds at the end of the third quarter with the Spurs leading, 81-73. The Spurs eventually won over the Atlanta Hawks, 107-99. Photo by Gregory James.

Crying foul about a non-shooting call

Patrick Mills yells in frustration as his teammate Danny Green is fouled but does not get free throws. The Spurs won 107-99 against the visiting Hawks. Photo by Gregory James.

Reporting for duty

Kawhi Leonard waits patiently to sub into the game as the Hawks close the deficit. The Spurs still won 107-99. Photo by Gregory James.

A Manu on a mission

Point Guard Manu Ginobili looks to pass the ball as the Hawks press on defense. The Spurs won, 107-99. Photo by Gregory James.

A final word before game's end

During a timeout just before the game ended, Manu Ginobili talks to the coaching staff. The Spurs won, 107-99. Photo by Gregory James.