Kawhi the Favorite for MVP?

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3) One All-Star:

• The San Antonio Spurs are projected to only have one all-star player next year and this very different from other contenders in the league. Kawhi Leonard is the only superstar on the Spurs, likely the only all-star as well. Teams like the Warriors, Cavs, Houston and now even Oklahoma City have at least two bonafide stars. The Spurs rely on a team concept to thrive in today’s league yes but the fact that Leonard is the only star will likely garner him more credit at the end of the year.

2) Defense:

• Leonard has established himself as the face of defense in the league, winning two out of the last three DPOY awards. He has also ensured that the Spurs are the top defensive team in the league, if he is able to lead the team to this level again it will likely garner him votes and respect from the media. The Warriors will likely lead in all offensive categories and the Spurs will  compete well with the defending champs by matching them with great defense. Leonard is likely to have some huge games against this team.

1) Southwest Division:

• All the hype will follow the Houston Rockets and their acquisition of Chris Paul. The team is already favored by many outlets to surpass the Spurs. So if the Spurs surprise the league, like they have known to do, and win yet another Division title this would go a long way in cementing a Kawhi MVP. Kawhi and the Spurs have bigger goals in mind of course but it would be fitting for one of the non-super teams to get some deserved credit next season.