Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

There have been some really bad comparisons on this forum, but this one might take the cake.

What's off about that.. Stout defender who can score a bit and shoot a bit

[JODYE]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

What's off about that.. Stout defender who can score a bit and shoot a bit

I was referring to Dennis Rodman lol

[return.specialist]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

He will be a solid starter for years to come, I think that is established. By no means is his game really reminiscent of that of Rodman. I personally don't see him evolving into a franchise player though, it's not his skill set.

[GoldSquad]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

I swear people make the most base comparisons ever.

Player gets rebounds = Rodman
Player shoots well = Bird if not a star Kerr
Player makes good passes = Magic.

NOTHING about Leonard reminds me of Rodman. As was said Shawn Marion's a better comparison, and even that isn't that great.

Base comparisons? So judging by your 3 general descriptions people base their comparisons to, we should see Kevin Love being compared to Rodman and Bird? If so, I will close this thread down immediately.
And I am sorry that Kawhi isn't as hard nosed as Rodman and roughing every player up on each play, but have you checked what the refs refer to as a technical foul these days? I thought of Shawn Marion, but Kawhi has the potential down the road to surpass him. He is still young, but the athleticism is there, waiting to be unleashed like the headband-less Lebron James in game 6.

[JerseySuave4]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

It's a terrible comparison. Just because he grabbed a bunch of boards last night and played good D doesn't make him Rodman. Leonard shows 0 emotion, Rodman was a rebounder, defender, decent passer but also gave his team an extra boost because of his hustle and energy and excitement he provided. Leonard has more of an offensive game but he's not like Rodman. I don't think i've ever seen Leonard look anything other than stone faced.

They both do have bad hair though.

[Steven78]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

Indiana might regret trading him for George Hill.

[skywalkah]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

Maybe just a bit.. heh

I know it's always fun to try and compare players, and I don't necessarily have a problem with it, but it's still so early. This kid is going to be something special, though, and that much is certain. Going to be fun to watch this young man progress.

[SteelersFreak]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

Indiana might regret trading him for George Hill.

I disagree. I think he would've likely not progressed as well as he has if he was anywhere but San Antonio.

[turty11]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

kawhi leonard is the next....kawhi leonard. he can defend with the best of them and is a great perimiter rebounding who happens to be a good 3pt shooter from the corner but still lacks solid ball handling/mid range game.

why do we gotta label him as another player, when he is well himself. besides his thousand foot long hands set him apart ^^

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

I personally like direct comparisons to get an idea of what people think. I hear a lot of people saying Leonard will be "special". Well that's sort of broad, so when people use other players for potential I can get a better idea of what they're thinking.

[JerseySuave4]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

i dunno I just don't see it with him like some others do. Don't get me wrong I think he's a really good player but I keep hearing how he's the future for SA and the team can build around him. He just doesn't strike me as a future Superstar, i don't see him leading a team. I think he can be a very important piece but I just have a harder time than others I guess seeing him as the #1 guy on a team.

[J_Posse]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

I personally like direct comparisons to get an idea of what people think. I hear a lot of people saying Leonard will be "special". Well that's sort of broad, so when people use other players for potential I can get a better idea of what they're thinking.

Exactly, I've seen tremendous growth in his game from rookie to second year veteran. People also tend to forget that he played much of the season (February and onward) with serious knee tendinitis that had to have affected him. Yet, he was still the third best, and at times 2nd, player on the runner-up NBA championship team. I saw him destroy Luo Deng, Paul Pierce and other so-called superior players with his underrated offensive game, which was hindered (IMO) by Popovich maintaining his old hierarchy (Parker, Duncan, Ginobili and then everyone else). He can already post-up, drive, shot from outside (though he's shaky at times) and has a nice in-between game. The last step is continued improvement with his ball-handling (stop picking up his dribble), learning how to create for other players (even if rudimentary) and being given far more offensive responsibility.

I'm not sure if he'll ever be a "franchise" player, especially when few exist in the modern NBA, but I do think he can become a perennial all-star and the second best SF in the western conference.

[Melbournelad]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

Lol some fellow (delusional) Laker fans just tried to convince me that Earl Clark is just as good as Kawhi Leonard.

Anyway i think Leonard has the ceiling of a Shawn Marion type. He is not going to be a number 1 or 2 option but he will flourish in the future as a 3rd option on a contending team.

[Melbournelad]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

Exactly, I've seen tremendous growth in his game from rookie to second year veteran. People also tend to forget that he played much of the season (February and onward) with serious knee tendinitis that had to have affected him. Yet, he was still the third best, and at times 2nd, player on the runner-up NBA championship team. I saw him destroy Luo Deng, Paul Pierce and other so-called superior players with his underrated offensive game, which was hindered (IMO) by Popovich maintaining his old hierarchy (Parker, Duncan, Ginobili and then everyone else). He can already post-up, drive, shot from outside (though he's shaky at times) and has a nice in-between game. The last step is continued improvement with his ball-handling (stop picking up his dribble), learning how to create for other players (even if rudimentary) and being given far more offensive responsibility.

I'm not sure if he'll ever be a "franchise" player, especially when few exist in the modern NBA, but I do think he can become a perennial all-star and the second best SF in the western conference.

He'll definately be an allstar at least once or twice, but i don't think we can predict he will be the second best in the West just yet. There are a few guys who might beat him out for that title in the future. Gallinari, Parsons, Batum, **Barnes IF he develops, and depending on what conference Andrew Wiggins is drafted to.

But i agree with everything else you said about him.

[ClutchCity]

Re: Kawhi Leonard developing into a scoring Rodman?

I say his ceiling is Gerald Wallace. He has the same type of defensive instinct and scrappy just like him. I can't agree with Marion because of that ridiculous form on his jumpshot. I cant say Rodman because he was a in a different echelon of rebounding. I cant really agree with Iggy either because Iggy is a good passer and I dont think offensively Leonard would become a passer.