The Lakers, the 2014 Draft, and the Kawhi Leonard Experience
By Mike Garcia
Who is the Next Kawhi Leonard?
Physical tools and personality stick out as what work best for upcoming prospects. The players of every draft who show the most drive and produce those results on the court, are the ones who end up All-Stars or having long NBA careers.
When I think of Kawhi Leonard-types, I think of Marcus Smart and Aaron Gordon.
Mar 20, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Marcus Smart (right) dunks over guard Markel Brown (22) during practice before the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Smart is already a player of great talent. As mentioned before, he has all-five physical tools to become an All-NBA defender. His game is very advanced for a shooting guard, which makes for a good foundation as a point guard. One could say he’s a combo guard. He’s not the purest playmaker. His ball-handling could use more shake. But, he still gets the job done. His game actually works best around the painted area; drawing contact around the paint, drawing defenses in the paint, and playing the post. His dribble-penetration moves are very solid, but they don’t compare to Elfrid Payton or Dante Exum. Oh, and for a point guard, he has the hands to match.
Mar 26, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Aaron Gordon (11) shoots the ball during practice for the west regional of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Gordon also comes to mind. His personality, basketball IQ, and work ethic speak volumes of him as a person, not just a player. During his interviews, he comes off articulate, confident, and humble. While he may not have the hands or wingspan of Kawhi Leonard, he does have the personality along with explosive athleticism. Unlike Kawhi, he has explosive vertical leaping ability and lateral quickness that rivals point guards. He is one of the best athletes of the draft. He thinks of himself as a point forward. His 3-point shooting ability is 8% ahead of Kawhi Leonard as a sophomore, at 35%.