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NBA Draft Profile: Kawhi Leonard



Kawhi Leonard

SMALL FORWARD

6-7, 225 lbs.

College: San Diego State

Class: Junior

AP Photo

STRENGTHS: Leonard is one of the best rebounders in the draft, and can provide strength at the small forward position with his length and defensive intensity. He is an energy guy in the mold of Shane Battier, or Eduardo Najera, but where he lands in between those two in the NBA is anyone’s guess. He’s got NBA length, gigantic hands, and catches everything. Leonard is also a terrific ballhandler and could make the transition to shooting guard if he can dramatically improve his jump shot.

WEAKNESSES: Like many great college players, Leonard is a man without a position in the NBA. He’s too small to be a power forward, and isn’t going to be a big-time threat at the 3. He doesn’t have a consistent mid-range jumper, and would need to add NBA three-point range if he wanted to excel at shooting guard. Still, Leonard is a solid basketball player, and will be a fixture either as a starter or a key reserve for a long time in the NBA.

Player stats courtesy of: www.cbssports.com.


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