Kawhi Leonard is 18% more efficient this season than last season. He ranks 5th in overall efficiency, behind Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
He’s the only player in the top-5 in both offensive (5th) and defensive win shares (1st). Leonard’s overall win shares are second in the NBA to Curry.
His shooting has improved to a 56.9% effective field goal percentage this season, 8th in the NBA and a rate 9% better than last season.
And then, we realize that Leonard is still just 24 years old.
In the last 5 seasons, only Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Durant have had higher efficiencies at a younger age.
The only players in NBA history as young (or younger) with a higher efficiency and effective field goal percentage are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal.
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.allball365.com.