Kawhi Leonard is holding unusual 3-pointers record
When it comes to versatile NBA players, Kawhi Leonard has earned himself a seat at the table.
The league today is more offensive-oriented than it has ever been, evidenced by the high-scoring games. The 2024 All-Star game at Indianapolis read a scorecard of 211-186 at the end of regulation, with the winning team, East, putting up the most points in the NBA’s 73-year-old history. Another example is how players dropping a 50-piece isn’t headline news anymore.
While there are elite defenders in the league, players who can play on both ends of the court are a rare species now. One such member who is part of this unique breed is Kawhi Leonard. The superstar’s resume is a testament to it.
Kawhi is a recipient of the Finals MVP and DPOY awards, clinching each of them twice in his career. The Clippers forward’s resourcefulness has earned him six All-NBA selections, having also made the All-Defensive Team on seven occasions.
Adding another feather to his cap, The Klaw is an all-time leader when concerning DPOY awardees scoring three-pointers in the same season.
Kawhi Leonard has the best 3-point range among all DPOY winners
Kawhi, who won his 2nd DPOY award in 2016 when he was playing for the San Antonio Spurs, sank 129 shots from beyond the arc in that season, accounting for a 44.3% efficiency. This is the biggest number of three-pointers made for a player who won the DPOY the same year-
The second runner-up Marcus Smart is only 10 three-pointers shy from The Klaw, with 119 during his 2021-22 DPOY season.
Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. ranks 3rd on the list, having made 100 three-pointers in his 2022-23 DPOY season. Another interesting stat shows how the unicorn Victor Wembanyama may soon dethrone Kawhi from the list. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman, who finished as DPOY runner-up last season, scored 128 three-pointers in what was his rookie season.
Can Kawhi Leonard win a 3rd DPOY?
Despite his last-moment injury woes, Kawhi had an impressive outing in the 2023-24 season, averaging 23.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, and 1.6 SPG. The 33-year-old had shooting splits of 50/40/88, a little short of joining the prestigious 50-40-90 club.
A 2015 leader in steals, the former Raptors superstar needs to have health by his side if he wishes to win the DPOY for the 3rd time in his career. Is it possible? Looking at his stats, especially steals and blocks, Kawhi has maintained his efficiency. The upcoming 2024-25 season will need the 6-foot-7 forward to play his best basketball, courtesy of Paul George’s exit.
The LA native has the likes of Ty Lue and Jeff Van Gundy coaching, known for their defensive-first approach. Hence, Kawhi has all the recipes required for playing top-tier defense.
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