Kawhi Leonard is putting on a clinic for the Clippers this season, and it's catching the eye of his former teammate, Nicolas Batum. Having spent six years alongside Leonard, Batum is witnessing something extraordinary.
Even after seeing Leonard's brilliance with the Spurs and Raptors, this version of "The Claw" is on another level. Clippers fans are feeling the impact firsthand.
Leonard's ability to dominate both ends of the court has ignited a late-season surge, lifting Los Angeles from a challenging 6-21 start to contending for a top playoff seed in the West. This turnaround includes a remarkable 10-of-12 win streak. Leonard's confidence is infectious, empowering younger teammates to excel without pressure.
On "The Old Man and the Three" podcast, Batum shared his insights on Leonard's game: “I’ve been with him for six years. I joined the Clippers in 2020, and I’ve never seen him this good.
I faced him when he was with the Spurs and in Toronto, but now he’s in total control. His routine hasn’t changed; he’s always been a workhorse.
The way he plays now is just unbelievable.”
Leonard's mastery is translating into career-high efficiency, with stats to back it up. He's averaging 28.3 points per game on 50.4% shooting and 89.9% from the line, flirting with the elite 50/40/90 club. His defensive prowess is also back in full force, averaging 2.0 steals per game, reminiscent of his Defensive Player of the Year days with the Spurs.
While his 2019 playoff run with the Raptors (30.5 PPG) remains legendary, Batum believes this current stretch showcases Leonard's veteran poise and smooth dominance. It might just be his most controlled and complete regular-season performance yet.