The NBA announced this morning that 5th-year San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard would be the recipient of the Defensive Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
Leonard, whose offensive game expanded so much this season he was named to his first All-Star game, continued his perimeter defensive dominance as the Spurs starting small forward this year, and under the watchful, developmental eye of Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, easily rose to the ranks of the best two-way players in basketball.
Though his defensive statistics aren’t necessarily gaudy–he averaged just under 2 steals and a block per game–Leonard’s impact is felt and seen during every defensive possession, where he’s often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player. Opposing small forwards like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Paul George have all seen their productivity take a hit when guarded by Leonard, and as recently as last night, Grizzlies forward Lance Stephenson couldn’t help but punch the air in frustration after he found himself stranded on Kawhi Island.
Yes, Kawhi Island is a thing.