Why Kawhi Leonard Was The Perfect Wing Defender

[@HoopVenue]

Go to tryfum.com/HOOPVENUE or scan the QR code and use code HOOPVENUE to get your free FÜM Topper when you order your Journey Pack today.

[@shieldon530]

Lol I def should put the vape down and cop one of these 😂 one day

[@andredornelles8014]

Kwahi + Duncan was just absurd defensively

[@EbonysUnderAttack]

03 Duncan and 15 Kawhi defensively would be the GOAT defensive duo and no one can tell me otherwise

[@rgonzalo511]

​@@xavierb9061True but its because he started taking the primary offensive role on his teams. Which is insane cause he started as a defensive specialist role player.

[@d3adyoutubeaccount]

Duncan was lowkey declining defensively heavy by here

[@Time_Lapse_Master.]

​@@d3adyoutubeaccountDuncan was a major positive (fringe All-D) from the 12-15 period. Fell off heavily on his last season tho

[@donnie876]

Hakeem was a better defender than Duncan

[@poly_g6068]

His wingspan made his giant hands THAT much worse. Jordan and Pippen played off of each other's defensive weaknesses. Kawhi was just both players defensively.

[@SavionSims-f1y]

Nah not both defensively

[@dark8prince201]

He didn't have Jordan's straight line speed

[@prezian1312]

@@dark8prince201 Kawhi is a better defender than mj in my eyes.

[@Slapshot544]

​@@prezian1312Facts

[@eemfunnyasf]

@@dark8prince201Kawhi is miles ahead of MJ defensively.

[@AK--if1su]

no matter what the haters say, understand that if you don't hoop, you wouldn't know how taxing being a defender is, especially with how quick you have to move laterally and vertically some times. Your legs need to be super strong but your hips and back need to be overly-flexible. I get why the guy has injury issues now in his old age and its more so due to being a solid defender back in his earlier years. (Kwahi)

[@Sportsguy0258]

Now imagine all this while being a top 5 scorer also. He literally had the GOAT gene but his asking a player to do all this for 15 years is nuts.

[@dimelo58]

Injuries really robbed us from seeing how great he could have been for his whole career.

[@jlui21]

-- One of the BEST non-MVP players ever. Other notable non-MVP potential GOATs? TMac, Kevin McHale. Just thinking out loud. Honorable mention? Maybe Pippen, Luka/SGA for now.

[@AlexBrown-xp7mt]

@@jlui21for peak? I lean toward D-Wade tbh. Kawhi defo in the convo. Chris Paul also a big candidate for me.

[@anubis4032]

Bro we saw his peak its not like he is a greg oden or d rose😂

[@dimelo58]

@@anubis4032 I guess that’s true but he’s been injured so much that he’s been like a non factor for a while now.

[@bigbangbasketball]

I still hate zaza for that closeout

[@blueytho0154]

There used to be a Kawhi steals compilation from 2016. The quality was super good & it had Bob Marley’s “no woman no cry” playing in the background. The video got taken down. It was the greatest defensive Kawhi mix. That video was therapeutic & beautiful. If anyone screen recorded it - please re-upload it!

[@BlueGrovyle]

Leaving that Shawn Marion shot in the footage is diabolical.

[@andredornelles8014]

I even rewinded it a bit because I didn’t realized who it was and assumed someone managed to get a hand in the bal 😂😂

[@snupedummy]

😂

[@A-Plays-Games]

timestamp?

[@BlueGrovyle]

@@A-Plays-Games 1:15

[@nigelee]

I remember at one point stat heads realized that the Spurs were conceding more points with Kawhi on the court than with him off. Turned out teams were telling his man to go stand in the corner, taking him out of the game, while they attacked the other Spurs 4 on 4. In one game against Chicago, Jimmy Butler stood several feet behind the 3 point line with Kawhi on him, making no effort to get the ball.

[@geordiejones5618]

Surprised the Spurs didn't just zone up in response to that

[@Spawnamvs]

There was a Thinking Basketball video on this that really pointed this fact out Edit: It wasn't Thinking Basketball. Sorry guys 😭

[@nigelee]

@@Spawnamvs I think that's where I saw it.

[@frz_-]

@@Spawnamvswhich video?

[@Spawnamvs]

@frz_- Well I thought it was Thinking Basketball but after searching, I may be wrong. Maybe Bballbreakdown or an older basketball channel may have it, but I'll post it here if I ever find it

[@frz_-]

A man than lanky and strong shouldn't be allowed to be that quick and fluid absolute CHEATCODE

[@challenger_xne]

I don't think lanky is the word you're looking for. He is built

[@waff6ix]

KAWHI LEONARD🔒🔒🔒SPURS & CANADA LEGEND

[@Titan2User]

Why u always every where. Also people in 2k do have crazy egos

[@waff6ix]

@@Titan2UserI JUST REALLY LOVE BASKETBALL 💯

[@Titan2User]

@@waff6ix I feel u bro keep doing your thing and don’t sellout to the free masons when u get to the top

[@kennn30]

Stop talking in caps

[@Briones215]

Young and prime kawhi the goat best defender of his era I agree he might be even a better defender in the 90 or when the hand check is available for him to thrive as defender

[@kennn30]

Draymond green

[@Zekenm11]

FACT, when some people say all the nba is soft now i just spit out my water, kawhi was stronger than pippen with (as far as we know) the same level defense but kawhi was handi capped by the handchecking rule, imagine kawhis big ass hand on your hip playing defense, i would just ask to be waived before a game against him.

[@johnnyappleseed6889]

@@kennn30overrated donkey. If he was drafted to any other team, his greatest achievement would be 1 time 3rd team all defense.

[@Sportsguy0258]

@@kennn30Draymond got the expend all his energy on defense Imagine if Kawhi also didn’t have to go out and get 27 a game. They aren’t even in the same stratosphere.

[@Sportsguy0258]

Chris Paul at 1540 is literally trying to keep him away from the ball and he still blows up the play 😂😂😂😂

[@Pokepoketpoke]

To do what he did WITHOUT hand checking is why I have him as the goat perimeter defender over pippen

[@josephlitang8970]

What is Pippen's defensive advantage over Kawhi?

[@woo_shynen8805]

thats why kawhi would be in my all time sf spot, I understand larry, bron and kd have had more success, but kawhi's suffocating defense and long wingspan would wreck havoc along side jordan, garnett hakeem and curry. Him and mj would be the perfect go to clutch scorers

[@joejeffery5454]

Holy shit kawhi really is a robot, like you said his defensive instincts are insane most of the steals on the ball handlers are just simply because he’s reading the offensive players mind way before they know what they’re gonna do

[@Car7789hhsshshhe]

That Shawn Marion shot was atrocious 😂 1:20

[@rik4raj]

I burst out laughing when I saw that

[@Free-Night]

Bro was a ball hawk Gamble God back den he still really good now its just he dont run all over the place and shit he be chilling till he gotta remind dem he can take it if he wants

[@bamiseogundipe]

Board man gets paiddd

[@nbapbaupdate8338]

Imagine Kawhi Leonard stay healthy in his NBA CAREER DAMN

[@thenorthremembers728]

You should make a top 20 defenders in the nba similar to your top 25 players.

[@sincerelyimjean]

Greatest perimeter defender of all time ?

[@theredhood9048]

love ur vids

[@HoopVenue]

Thank you!

[@markellcain3417]

Yes a Kawhi defense video!!!

[@TheeKing7]

I'M BEGGING YOU TO DO A PRIME BEN WALLACE VID OR A 2004 PISTONS VID

[@lavonnealexander6936]

Omg Ben Wallace was one of my favourite defenders.

[@SheeshEther]

“Was” 😂😂😂 still is

[@MyUniqueHandle.]

lol true, dude still has long defensive highlights every season

[@jasonebi7308]

In a parallel universe, kawhi is mentoring sochan in the spurs.

[@chibill467]

it was crazier witnessing that Toronto run, dude was carrying in offense AND defense, like he had ultra instinct

[@alexescutia4805]

Idk about carrying but he was the superstar on both sides

[@dxtremecaliber]

@@alexescutia4805he carried that team vs 76ers and Bucks tho

[@alexescutia4805]

@@dxtremecaliber fair but that team was really really fuckin good around him too

[@fourlitres_lai]

"your oral fixation" bro was paid to read a script lmaoo

[@TheMurr]

Board Man gets paid

[@kevinira256]

Great video. You should make a video about his offensive evolution throughout the year and how he would’ve ranked alltime if it wasn’t for injuries.

[@e-storylearning985]

What a great work !!!! Thank you

[@HoopVenue]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheShadowswagg]

Keep up the good work I look forward to your videos

[@bigbangbasketball]

Pre load management Kawhi was a sight to seee 🤧

[@jeangentry6656]

I miss Kawhi on the Spurs. I hope he returns to the team someday.

[@kami_ow1366]

hoopvenue + dinner omg

[@sincerelyimjean]

Exceptional Top Tier Defender

[@KevinHuerter9]

I was just thinking last night about Kawhi and now I see this the next morning lol

[@ch_jay]

love this channel, should have much more subs

[@GoodMorningLetsBasketball]

Another banger 🔥

[@bobbuilder4422]

Hey Hoop Venue, can you please make a Steve Nash video?

[@thisisSPARTAorsprite]

Best is he a top 20 player? I actually have him ahead of KD But respect if tied or right behind KD 2 DPOY > MVP 2 Finals MVP on TWO different teams KD only has won with the Dynasty Warriors Kawhi won with Old Spurs (still great yes) and then Great Raps 2 Chips = 2 Chips

[@pranavmanie1479]

I love Kawhi, he's my favorite player ever, but this is a really hard case to make. KD is a top 10 scorer all time. Say what you will about the GSW rings - he won 2 Finals MVPs on them. And he has a historic MVP.

[@moneymoney3235]

@ 1.20 is so funny. Bron passed to a wide open Channing who hit the top of the backboard 🤣🤣🤣

[@howlcittv7434]

Love Mr.Pippen but this guy is best wing defender ever period. Plus he’s doing this in a offensive era!!

[@MikeTheNBAGuy]

How would you compare Ben Simmons' defense in 2021 to those other ATG perimeter defenders? It was a small sample size, but I think his perimeter defense that year was the best we've seen in the 2020s besides maybe Herb Jones last year

[@jessISaRicePrincess]

You know... there is just the big fat "I" with kawhi and i love this dudes game

[@AZSecondCity]

Did not expect to hear the name Alonzo Gee today

[@Flizop]

great vid we need jimmy or pg next

[@shaft9000]

I've only ever seen two other players get a no-look steal. Kawhi is the ONLY dude I've ever seen get 2 no-look steals, _that's twice in the same season,_ and four times for his career.

[@EbonysUnderAttack]

Hoopsvenue how would you compare OGs defense now compared to Kawhis defensive peak? They both have similar builds (6' 7 + 7'3 wingspan) so im curious to know your take

[@DreBeats_]

now he’s the perfect bench defender

[@zackhalilovic4753]

i feel like og anunoby can (might already have tbh) come close this level of kawhi’s defense

[@junemaxmusic]

Can anyone help Wiggins at @4:20?

[@gojousatoru3037]

Most interesting that about him was he never mis timed a block. Watch his feet every single time he contests in this video tell me he doesn't match the pace and timing when a player takes 2 steps slashing to the bucket.

[@derrenkonnor4351]

I'm begging you to cover tim duncan dude

[@MugiOverall]

Would easily be a top 10 player all-time if he managed to stay healthy

[@howlcittv7434]

He should have 3, really 4 DPOYs awards!

[@howlcittv7434]

Look at the players he’s doing this against! Any logical person has to see he’s the most impactful/disruptive defensive perimeter player to ever play the game! Top five defensive player ever as well !

[@JoshuaD.Howard]

I Always Say It, 2017 Spurs Kawhi is his best version ever, he was doing crazier stuff on defense any ever before and had already unlocked his Generational Playoff offense, ‘17 Whi>>>

[@scottmcmillen3015]

Great video! Excellent clips and analysis. But don’t start graphs from 90. It’s misleading, and if your argument is sound, it’s unnecessary. Man, The Claw was/is something else!

[@pi_za8214]

Can’t wait to watch this video Kawhi or dray? (Defensively)

[@hassgoated6934]

Idk bro that's a Tuff answer 😅

[@MyUniqueHandle.]

Not even a question kawhi Kawhi has more steals than fouls. Draymond isn't even known for stealing the ball.

[@brandonahmed5859]

Injuries took a toll on who he is defensively these past handful of years (still really good) but kawhi before the injuries is the best wing defender ever & I personally don’t think it’s even that close

[@carsonward4469]

I miss the old music you used in videos tbh

[@joseyeastwood]

With the emphasis on “Was”

[@RowseySmells]

1:20 WHAT IS THAT FORM

[@crablord7934]

That crossover killer of a claw is so disgusting, you could not dribble in front of this guy chest to chest and expect to keep it.

[@pranavmanie1479]

Kawhi is my favorite player of all time, and this video is pretty much why. He doesn't have MVPs, he doesn't have scoring titles, and he was hardly ever available due to injury. But dammit, he was a top 5 player when healthy. Could give LeBron and KD a run for their money. And had the best midrange game after KD. And even in his limited career, he has 2 Finals MVPs and 2 DPOYs, all well deserved. best defender of the 2010s. don't @ me with Draymond Green.

[@gabrielzazueta2218]

It’s funny how shook LeFraud is when Leonard is guarding him

[@IDK-0402]

Even in a Kawhi video, people still hating on Bron 😂😂😂

[@bambon5568]

1:18 this is the help lebron had back then 😂

[@AEC2.0]

I think as a non big man I think Dennis Rodman is the greatest defensive player outside of that as a big man I think it is either Kevin Garnett or Bill Russell

[@MiguelPerfecto]

No getting around Kawhi if he were able to hand check!

[@ajsmith3606]

Players don’t play like this anymore, it’s three or nothing; defense included. Kawhi is an all around player, he played defense , his mid range is lethal and he can shoot the three.

[@misterclutchabc]

The Claw has been the best since Scottie Pippen.

[@TheJeaneaux]

From about 2014 to 2017, Kawhi Leonard was the best defensive player in the NBA.

[@JOHNNYPMUSIC]

Kawhi or Pippen defensively

[@HoopVenue]

Could go either way. I think Pippen could've been more like Draymond had illegal defense not impeded his ability to play free safety.

[@HoopEnthusiasts]

@@HoopVenueI think kawhi was a better team defender too, but PG could also get in this convo tbh.

[@Kawhiburnergaming]

Kawhi

[@snupedummy]

Pippen

[@RasuiTheFallen]

both are great, couldn’t go wrong either way. i think kawhi had a easier time with smaller guards but pippen was better in guarding bigger forwards.

[@kevinkingslayer2450]

I'm an old school fan but Kawhi is my favourite player of all time..... Mj is still the GOAT though😉✌🇹🇹

[@markndallas]

Isaiah Thomas next…?

[@nicklauschristofonoXXII]

Was?!

[@JohnSmith-uw4jp]

VapeVenue

[@frz_-]

😂😂😂😂

[@gogadantes8699]

2:55 and look at the kInG immediately and hysterically crying foul. My god his mentality is insufferable.

[@poly_g6068]

Why is it insufferable? His pressure to succeed is that great. Be glad it's not yours.

[@stump4522]

​@@poly_g6068because he rather waste time aka load management on court by talking/whining at the ref instead getting back into defense.

[@poly_g6068]

@@stump4522 You're describing two different things.

[@Qesonayo]

Lucki can do no wrong in my eyes

[@markndallas]

John Wall

[@Sharko-v7v]

Metta wrld peace?

[@xdpower1300]

Amennn god blesss you all and Jesus loves you all and follow god road Amennnn

[@markndallas]

Anthony Davis

[@JP-jd8wr]

Pippen was better. ANYONE who watched both will tell you. And Kawhi COULDN'T guard Westbrook in those KD/Westbrook years. Like AT ALL. Go back and watch it. Kawhi was too slow footed to guard point guards. Pippen could legitimately guard 1-5 in the 90s. Draymond is a better defender than Kawhi as well for versatility and truthfully 1 of Kawhi's DPotY awards SHOULD HAVE BEEN Draymond's. Same with at least 1 of Rudy Gobert's awards.

[@davidf2244]

This is a really boring way to talk about greatness. It's much more interesting to give the best arguments against it, and show how they fail.

[@gobby1706]

I think Roberson was on his level

[@skytoofly4138]

first

[@HoopVenue]

W

[@armthesharks6904]

1,597th

[@AaliyahFCBarkley]

Khawhi Gets 2 DPOYs Draymond gets 1 yet Pippen had none Total Blasphemy Klaw ain't better than Scottie Pippen on D 💯😁

[@chibill467]

I don't know man, Kawhi been doing it with modern rules wich heavely partial to the offensive end, and he does really clean defense

[@howlcittv7434]

He makes defense look poetic!!

[@matthewlee4697]

Yes he is

[@stump4522]

Kawhi plays an era that favors offense.

[@AaliyahFCBarkley]

Pippen averages 2 steals for his career to Klaws 1.7 and Pip has a career Def Rating of 101.4 to Klaws 103.2 😂 Yeah Pip is Easily Better 💯

[@chibill467]

it's harder to achieve those with modern day rules which is heavily favoring the offensive side, his stat could boost with old time rules

[@alexescutia4805]

Naw

[@a3per818]

As great as Kawhi is, he stole my pookie Draymond's DPOYs twice 😠

[@kevinira256]

Not in 2016. 2015 is arguable.

[@a3per818]

@@kevinira256 Draymond was easily better in both years

[@kevinira256]

@@a3per818 no he wasn’t. Draymond also had better defensive help and kawhi anchored a better defensive team. The only non-big to anchor a top 10 defense of alltime in 2016.

[@sergywolfy6834]

1:19 Common Shawn Marion Form W