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Los Angeles Clippers: Bold predictions for Kawhi Leonard in 2019

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 24: Kawhi Leonard speaks during his introductory news conference at Green Meadows Recreation Center on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. at Green Meadows Recreation Center on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 24: Kawhi Leonard speaks during his introductory news conference at Green Meadows Recreation Center on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. at Green Meadows Recreation Center on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Clippers
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Clippers /

3. Kawhi Leonard wins his first MVP

While at its surface, the MVP award in any sport is painted as the player that is the most valuable to his or her team in any given season. While that is taken into consideration, that is not the only thing that decides the voting.

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Just as important, because these awards are voted on by humans, is the narrative surrounding the winner. Why do you think Russell Westbrook won an MVP when averaging a triple-double but didn’t win when he did it again the next year?

That is why Giannis Antetokounmpo won over James Harden, because he had the narrative of being the future of the league and playing on the league’s best team, similar to why Harden won it the year before.

The narrative is important and Leonard has the perfect narrative built in to win the voters over while also having a tremendous year.

First of all, he has never won the award, which gives him a natural advantage over those who have. Some may disagree, but there is a reason why LeBron James only has four MVPs despite being the best player in the league for longer than that.

Second of all, he is coming off of a Cinderella season in which he led the Toronto Raptors to their first-ever NBA Championship. Leonard was kind of in the background during the regular season as the Raptors wanted to keep him fresh and he reminded everyone how good he really is in the playoffs.

There is no more health drama as that saga with the San Antonio Spurs is long gone and Leonard is going to be the best player on what is likely going to be the best team in the league.

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Everything is in his favor. The slight uptick in rebounds and assists will help his case numbers-wise, but it will be the narrative surrounding him that hammers the point home.

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