Not Stephen Curry: The most feared NBA player is a two-time Finals MVP, claims ex-Clippers forward

Stephen Curry, at 37 years old, remains one of the most important players in the NBA and the driving force behind the Golden State Warriors’ quest for another title. However, a former Los Angeles Clippers player believes that Curry is not the most feared player in the league, but rather another star from the Western Conference who has been a two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP.

During a debate with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN, Marcus Morris Sr. was asked if Curry was the most feared player in the NBA right now. “I wouldn’t go as far as to say Steph Curry. He’s very respectable, everyone knows Steph Curry, if not the best point guard to ever play the game, right? I gotta disagree with you,” Morris began.

“You know who I’m going to go to? And I know this is not going to be your favorite, but I’m gonna talk about number two over there with the Clipper Nation, baby. I’m going with Kawhi Leonard,” Marcus surprised his co-host, sparking immediate disbelief.

“The reason why is because Kawhi, healthy, is a totally different player,” continued the former Los Angeles Clippers power forward. “Kawhi, offensively, defensively, you don’t want him even near the ball. And the way he carries teams when he’s healthy, he’s the best player to be paired up with.”

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on October 25, 2023.

The Clippers’ confidence in Leonard

Kawhi Leonard faced serious physical issues during the first half of the 2024-25 NBA regular season. He needed an extended period to recover from knee problems, delaying his debut until January 2025. During that time, James Harden took on the responsibility of keeping the Los Angeles Clippers afloat, a task he fulfilled admirably.

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Now that Leonard has been playing consistently for almost two months, logging more and more minutes, Tyronn Lue’s team has found a rhythm that allows them to enter the final stretch of the regular season in strong form. They’ve won 12 of their last 15 games and are currently in the seventh seed in the West, though they are tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies at 44-32.

Leonard’s season

Since returning to the court earlier this year, Kawhi Leonard has demonstrated his tremendous impact, posting numbers that rank him among the most impactful players in the league. The two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP with the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors is averaging 31.3 minutes, 20.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over 32 games.