Durant later deleted his tweets regarding Leonard…
Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant believes that Kawhi Leonard has been able to flourish this season predominantly due to the San Antonio Spurs system.
Leonard won the MVP award for the NBA Finals 2014 after helping the Spurs to a 4-1 series win over the Miami Heat, with his relentless defense on LeBron James being complimented by his aggressiveness on the offensive end in the final three games.
However, as good as the 22-year-old has been in the past two Finals, Durant still isn’t buying the hype and shared his thoughts on Twitter on the rising star before later deleting them.
Apparently Kevin Durant isn't all that impressed with Kawhi Leonard. Tweets have since been deleted. #Thunder #OKC pic.twitter.com/2XJUQKj99l
— Up The Thunder (@UpTheThunder) June 16, 2014
While there is no shame in suggesting that Leonard has benefited from the system in San Antonio and the team-mates alongside him, it is arguably an unnecessary swipe from Durant at one of the most promising talents in the league.
Along with Danny Green, Leonard has worked hard to improve his all-round game to gain the respect of team-mates such as Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, and has previously been touted as the future of the franchise.
While the advantage of playing alongside the likes of Parker and Duncan allow Leonard the opportunity to flourish, it seems tough not to give him credit where it is due given the fact that he has stepped up in pressure situations.
With the veterans of the team expected to call time on their careers at the end of next season when their contracts expire, Leonard will undoubtedly be tested further as he will need to emerge as a real leader.
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