Kawhi Leonard had a fantastic 2015-2016 NBA season.

He was an integral part of a San Antonio Spurs team that won a franchise-record 67 games.  It was his best season yet, notching another Defensive Player of the Year award, and starting in his first All-Star game.

What stood out the most during the year was his elite-level perimeter defense. The Spurs also relied on Leonard as the primary scorer, and his offensive production was great as well.

When looking even further into his numbers, Leonard excelled according to Basketball-Reference.com. Reddit user jflowers321 started the discussion on the topic.

Kawhi Leonard played more than 30 minutes per game, and achieved one of the highest offensive and defensive rating difference ever. There are only two non-big man players that achieved similar numbers, Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

 

This is based on Basketball Reference's interpretation of the stat. He had a 121 offensive rating and a 96 defensive rating which is a difference of 25. He is the only wing or guard to ever do this while playing over 30 minutes a game. For reference,

Jordan's best year in this was in his 95-96 season when he had a 124 ortg and 100 drtg.

These numbers coincide with the fact that the San Antonio Spurs were number one in defensive efficiency, and number three in offensive efficiency.

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Meanwhile, below is a list of great players, who averaged more than 30 minutes per game, along with their best seasons in terms of offensive and defensive ratings difference.

  • LeBron's best: 12-13 season, 125-101
  • Kobe's best: 1999-00 season, 110-98
  • Wade's best: 2011-12 season, 112-99
  • Pippen's best: 1995-96 season, 116-101
  • Bird's best: 1985-86 season, 117-99
  • Magic's best: 1988 – 89 season, 125-105
  • Curry's best: 2015-16 season, 125-103
  • Durant's best: 2012 – 13 season, 122-100
  • Stockton's best: 1987-88 season, 125-102
  • Duncan's best: 2004-05 season, 112- 93
  • Garnett's best: 2007-08 season, 118-94
  • Hakeem's best: 1992-93 season, 114-96

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