Kawhi Leonard is undoubtedly one of the best players in the NBA today. He has the rare combination of breaking down defenders with his ability to score in many different ways, as well as an effective ball stopper on defense. He has raised his scoring average in each season of his career and was also named Defensive Player of the Year the past two campaigns.
That said, many are considering the San Antonio Spurs small forward an MVP candidate this year. They are also under the impression that even if he doesn't win it this June, he will definitely be lifting the Maurice Podoloff Trophy sometime in his career. However, what many have not noticed is he has a “dirty little secret.”
In a video made by Coach Nick of BBallBreakdown, it shows how The Klaw has made a habit of switching his pivot foot “discreetly,” which makes it difficult for referees to spot. The clip also includes a conversation with a former game official who breaks down the illegal play and discussed why the traveling violation was not called.
As Coach Nick said, the video was made not to nit pick on Leonard's skill set, but rather to show that even a player of his caliber still has fundamental flaws in his game. It is also worth watching, especially for the young players, so they could learn to focus on improving their fundamentals.
It may be easier to see his pivot switching on replays and game highlights, but the superstar forward's excellence on both ends of the floor has overshadowed these defects. He will continue to be a bright spot for the NBA and the Spurs, and if he lessens the instances he switches his pivot foot, it will make him even better — giving more reason for the next generation of players to adhere to the rulebook.
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