NBA Finals MVP: Kawhi Leonard

[dnc]

He wouldn't have even been in my top 5 most likely players entering the series. Looks like the Spurs are his team now.

Think Duncan comes back for a shot at 6?

 

[RoadDawg55]

I would be surprised if Duncan isn't back. His friends are saying he's not retiring and Duncan had a quote about playing as long as he makes an impact and contributes. Pop and Ginobili both already said they will be back.

 

[Tequilla]

Personally, I think I would have given the MVP in this series to GINOBILI!!!

But at the same time, hard to complain about Leonard - his performance in the last 3 games was really the catalyst for the domination and the biggest difference between 2 close games to start the series where he really didn't do too much and the last 3 games that were blowouts. I wouldn't say he outplayed LBJ, but he played him fairly close to the point that the rest of the San Antonio's advantages were magnified.

Timmy's ability to focus on fundamentals will continue to allow him to be effective. As long as Pop continues to monitor minutes (which he will) and makes sure that his guys remain fresh, they will continue to be really good.

The one thing that I'd highly recommend that the Spurs do this summer is go out and find another guy off the bench that can matchup against KD. That's the one team in the West that they really don't have a great answer for (despite beating them this year thanks to a gimpy Ibaka).

 

[[Deleted User]]

If the Pacers never make that trade is Leonard the guy he is today? Would George Hill be a key guy on a title team and possibly flirt with a Finals MVP?

I think Leonard is legit but I just marvel at what Pop did.

He just won a title without a top 5 player in the game currently(Duncan historically is great but in 2014 he's not a top 5 guy). Do they even have a top 10? Parker is fringe.

They have great depth though. Six guys averaged double figures, three more averaged over eight a game. That's nine guys averaging over eight a game is pretty sick.

 

[allpurpleallgold]

I would have voted Diaw. Leonard may have been just slightly more important but Diaw for the lolz.

 

[allpurpleallgold]

It's weird that Lebron had such a great series (check his true shooting stats) but the guy that won the MVP plays the same position as him.

 

[TierbsHsotBoobs]

It's weird that Lebron had such a great series (check his true shooting stats) but the guy that won the MVP plays the same position as him.

It would have been a great trolling effort if they gave LeBron the Finals MVP.

 

[Kaepsknee]

I think the challenge therein lies with Tony Parker. He looked tired due to playing 150 games per year for the last few years and the ankle injury. But I'm not sure that He has alot left in the tank. Paddy Mills played great and may be able to play a solid 25 minutes per game. But will Parker concede his minutes? Ginobli is the one who surprised Me. He singlehandedly gave away the series last year and appeared done for the most part and then came back and had a great series this year.

The Spurs will be a contender for sure and the only teams that can really challenge them are the much younger Clips and OKC. Despite their ridiculous depth, father time is undefeated. But it's obvious this Season that both the Clips and the Thunders will need to add a piece before next year to beat them.

 

[Tequilla]

I think the challenge therein lies with Tony Parker. He looked tired due to playing 150 games per year for the last few years and the ankle injury. But I'm not sure that He has alot left in the tank. Paddy Mills played great and may be able to play a solid 25 minutes per game. But will Parker concede his minutes?

So you're questioning whether or not Parker is willing to play for the good of the team?

I give you Game 6, Western Conference Finals, benching himself for the 2nd half when he knew that he didn't have it as Exhibit A.

I rest my case.

 

[[Deleted User]]

I think the challenge therein lies with Tony Parker. He looked tired due to playing 150 games per year for the last few years and the ankle injury. But I'm not sure that He has alot left in the tank. Paddy Mills played great and may be able to play a solid 25 minutes per game. But will Parker concede his minutes?

So you're questioning whether or not Parker is willing to play for the good of the team?

I give you Game 6, Western Conference Finals, benching himself for the 2nd half when he knew that he didn't have it as Exhibit A.

I rest my case.

He didn't bench himself. He rolled his ankle and had their been a game 7 his status would be 50-50.

 

[Kaepsknee]

I think the challenge therein lies with Tony Parker. He looked tired due to playing 150 games per year for the last few years and the ankle injury. But I'm not sure that He has alot left in the tank. Paddy Mills played great and may be able to play a solid 25 minutes per game. But will Parker concede his minutes?

So you're questioning whether or not Parker is willing to play for the good of the team?

I give you Game 6, Western Conference Finals, benching himself for the 2nd half when he knew that he didn't have it as Exhibit A.

I rest my case.

That was one game. Not 82.

And his ankle was effed up.

Not a good comparison.

 

[dnc]

I think the challenge therein lies with Tony Parker. He looked tired due to playing 150 games per year for the last few years and the ankle injury. But I'm not sure that He has alot left in the tank. Paddy Mills played great and may be able to play a solid 25 minutes per game. But will Parker concede his minutes? Ginobli is the one who surprised Me. He singlehandedly gave away the series last year and appeared done for the most part and then came back and had a great series this year.

The Spurs will be a contender for sure and the only teams that can really challenge them are the much younger Clips and OKC. Despite their ridiculous depth, father time is undefeated. But it's obvious this Season that both the Clips and the Thunders will need to add a piece before next year to beat them.

Parker is a Spur through and through, and there's no more defining Spur characteristic than putting personal goals behind team ones. He's already taken less money to play there. Unless Duncan and Ginobili and Pop all retire (in which case they're not going to anywhere anyway) Parker will do whatever he needs to to help them win another one.

 

[Kaepsknee]

I think the challenge therein lies with Tony Parker. He looked tired due to playing 150 games per year for the last few years and the ankle injury. But I'm not sure that He has alot left in the tank. Paddy Mills played great and may be able to play a solid 25 minutes per game. But will Parker concede his minutes?

So you're questioning whether or not Parker is willing to play for the good of the team?

I give you Game 6, Western Conference Finals, benching himself for the 2nd half when he knew that he didn't have it as Exhibit A.

I rest my case.

That was one game. Not 82.

I think the challenge therein lies with Tony Parker. He looked tired due to playing 150 games per year for the last few years and the ankle injury. But I'm not sure that He has alot left in the tank. Paddy Mills played great and may be able to play a solid 25 minutes per game. But will Parker concede his minutes? Ginobli is the one who surprised Me. He singlehandedly gave away the series last year and appeared done for the most part and then came back and had a great series this year.

The Spurs will be a contender for sure and the only teams that can really challenge them are the much younger Clips and OKC. Despite their ridiculous depth, father time is undefeated. But it's obvious this Season that both the Clips and the Thunders will need to add a piece before next year to beat them.

Parker is a Spur through and through, and there's no more defining Spur characteristic than putting personal goals behind team ones. He's already taken less money to play there. Unless Duncan and Ginobili and Pop all retire (in which case they're not going to anywhere anyway) Parker will do whatever he needs to to help them win another one.

Twisters gotta twist I guess. I didn't say that He wasn't coming back. I asked a question of whether He would be happy being more of a 1A rather than playing 40 mpg every night.

But since He's a "spur through and through", it's a stupid question that not only deserves a roundface but possibly a teardrop.

I seriously can't come up with a Spur equivalent of Doog but if I could, THAT post nails it.

 

[dnc]

I think the challenge therein lies with Tony Parker. He looked tired due to playing 150 games per year for the last few years and the ankle injury. But I'm not sure that He has alot left in the tank. Paddy Mills played great and may be able to play a solid 25 minutes per game. But will Parker concede his minutes?

So you're questioning whether or not Parker is willing to play for the good of the team?

I give you Game 6, Western Conference Finals, benching himself for the 2nd half when he knew that he didn't have it as Exhibit A.

I rest my case.

That was one game. Not 82.

I think the challenge therein lies with Tony Parker. He looked tired due to playing 150 games per year for the last few years and the ankle injury. But I'm not sure that He has alot left in the tank. Paddy Mills played great and may be able to play a solid 25 minutes per game. But will Parker concede his minutes? Ginobli is the one who surprised Me. He singlehandedly gave away the series last year and appeared done for the most part and then came back and had a great series this year.

The Spurs will be a contender for sure and the only teams that can really challenge them are the much younger Clips and OKC. Despite their ridiculous depth, father time is undefeated. But it's obvious this Season that both the Clips and the Thunders will need to add a piece before next year to beat them.

Parker is a Spur through and through, and there's no more defining Spur characteristic than putting personal goals behind team ones. He's already taken less money to play there. Unless Duncan and Ginobili and Pop all retire (in which case they're not going to anywhere anyway) Parker will do whatever he needs to to help them win another one.

Twisters gotta twist I guess. I didn't say that He wasn't coming back. I asked a question of whether He would be happy being more of a 1A rather than playing 40 mpg every night.

But since He's a "spur through and through", it's a stupid question that not only deserves a roundface but possibly a teardrop.

I seriously can't come up with a Spur equivalent of Doog but if I could, THAT post nails it.

I don't even like the Spurs. But I think they've clearly established a team first culture and Parker's done plenty to show he's willing to flow with that.

BTW, he only played 29 mpg this year, which is a far cry from 40. He'll probably yield another minute or two next year.

 

[Kaepsknee]

Yeah I started to think about his minutes after I poasted. They blew so many teams out this year that He was rested for the 4th alot. So He may be happy being a 1A from here on out. His style of play leads to missing a few games every year anyway as He's on the floor about 8 to 10 times per game on his drives.

I just think that if He's rested and healthy and isn't getting to close out competitive games, it could be a problem

 

[Tequilla]

I think the challenge therein lies with Tony Parker. He looked tired due to playing 150 games per year for the last few years and the ankle injury. But I'm not sure that He has alot left in the tank. Paddy Mills played great and may be able to play a solid 25 minutes per game. But will Parker concede his minutes?

So you're questioning whether or not Parker is willing to play for the good of the team?

I give you Game 6, Western Conference Finals, benching himself for the 2nd half when he knew that he didn't have it as Exhibit A.

I rest my case.

He didn't bench himself. He rolled his ankle and had their been a game 7 his status would be 50-50.

He rolled his ankle in Game 4, played Game 5 on it, gave it a go in Game 6 at the request of the team, and asked out of the game at halftime because he knew he wasn't going to give the team the best chance to win.

Very few HOF caliber players would have either said that they weren't helping or would have taken a decision to bench them without a fight. By all accounts, Parker was 100% ok with the decision.

As others have mentioned, he's taken less money to ensure team success.

His actions continually show that he's about the team first and himself second on the court (hi Eva Longoria).

 

[[Deleted User]]

I think the challenge therein lies with Tony Parker. He looked tired due to playing 150 games per year for the last few years and the ankle injury. But I'm not sure that He has alot left in the tank. Paddy Mills played great and may be able to play a solid 25 minutes per game. But will Parker concede his minutes?

So you're questioning whether or not Parker is willing to play for the good of the team?

I give you Game 6, Western Conference Finals, benching himself for the 2nd half when he knew that he didn't have it as Exhibit A.

I rest my case.

He didn't bench himself. He rolled his ankle and had their been a game 7 his status would be 50-50.

He rolled his ankle in Game 4, played Game 5 on it, gave it a go in Game 6 at the request of the team, and asked out of the game at halftime because he knew he wasn't going to give the team the best chance to win.

Very few HOF caliber players would have either said that they weren't helping or would have taken a decision to bench them without a fight. By all accounts, Parker was 100% ok with the decision.

As others have mentioned, he's taken less money to ensure team success.

His actions continually show that he's about the team first and himself second on the court (hi Eva Longoria).

Funny you praise Parker for asking out but if Lebron had done that you'd have a long post how he is soft.

I also don't remember it going down like that either.

 

[RoadDawg55]

@ Tequilla- Ginobili? He's always been one of my favorite players in the NBA, but Leonard and Duncan were better. Parker and Diaw would be as good of a choice as Ginobili. Weird choice.

SalemCoug, considering not one player on the Spurs averaged 30 minutes a game, I don't think you should worry about Parker playing 40. The Spurs veterans will get their rest and they will be great again. Championships are tough to predict, but the Spurs are always good, and will continue to be good until Pop retires. I do think OKC will make some tweaks and changes. I wouldn't be surprised if they are the #1 seed, mainly because they will be hungry while the Spurs are always focused on the bigger picture. I firmly believe Durant's time is coming. I just don't know if it will be next year.

 

[Tequilla]

My point on Ginobili was that IMO he was pivotal in turning Games 1 and 5 of the series with his play. When you factor on how the series last year turned on Ginobili's poor play, his play in those 2 games could be viewed as the difference between a 4-1 series win versus Miami going back to Miami up 3-2.

At the same time, no complaints with Leonard. Timmy was solid. Would have definitely had no problem with Diaw because he was the most influential 6 point per game player in a series ever.

I also expect that Leonard will increase his minutes per game up over 30 this next season. The biggest thing that the Spurs need to do in the offseason is to find another wing to take some of the pressure off of Leonard when playing Durant and James.

I don't see how OKC wins a title with Durant at this point because I don't see them being able to go after any "elite" role players to surround them with given that their ownership is so damn cheap. What's funny is that they kind of remind me of the '95-'98 Mariners in that they have all of this elite talent but they are too damn cheap to surround them with the kind of supporting players necessary to win a championship.

 

[RoadDawg55]

My point on Ginobili was that IMO he was pivotal in turning Games 1 and 5 of the series with his play. When you factor on how the series last year turned on Ginobili's poor play, his play in those 2 games could be viewed as the difference between a 4-1 series win versus Miami going back to Miami up 3-2.

At the same time, no complaints with Leonard. Timmy was solid. Would have definitely had no problem with Diaw because he was the most influential 6 point per game player in a series ever.

I also expect that Leonard will increase his minutes per game up over 30 this next season. The biggest thing that the Spurs need to do in the offseason is to find another wing to take some of the pressure off of Leonard when playing Durant and James.

I don't see how OKC wins a title with Durant at this point because I don't see them being able to go after any "elite" role players to surround them with given that their ownership is so damn cheap. What's funny is that they kind of remind me of the '95-'98 Mariners in that they have all of this elite talent but they are too damn cheap to surround them with the kind of supporting players necessary to win a championship.

The Spurs do have another wing. His name is Danny Green and he's a very good defender. I disagree about OKC. Ownership is cheap, but they have 3 all stars under 26. A lot of the Spurs improvements for the "elite role players" came from within. Danny Green was a cast off who has improved, same for Patty Mills. Diaw has gotten better each season in their system and despite still being big, he's in a lot better shape than 3 years ago. Splitter is another guy who has continued to get better. I won't be surprised if/when Ayres, Baynes, and Joseph become solid players for them because that's just what they do.

Reggie Jackson made a big leap for OKC year and Steven Adams looks like he will be a legitimate starting center. Jeremy Lamb has talent and I think Brooks was a fucking idiot for not playing him more instead of Butler or Fisher. He has talent and could become an elite role player. OKC has some roster and management issues, but they have shown they can develop young players (Ibaka, Jackson, Westbrook, Durant, Harden). They will have mid level exceptions and will always be a player when veterans get cast off, like Butler, Fisher, Stojakovich, and Diaw were at one point.