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What super team can beat the Golden State Warriors?

By Carlos Murillo

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Stephen Curry (30) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) react in the second quarter in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Stephen Curry (30) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) react in the second quarter in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Small Forward – Kawhi Leonard

Golden State Warriors
Apr 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Kevin Martin (23) is defended by San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

The Golden State Warriors have had trouble running their offense with Kawhi Leonard on the floor.

Kawhi Leonard is the best perimeter defender in the league.

He’s won consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards and he’s definitely earned both of them. Green, who finished second both times, probably should have won the first one, but that says more about him than the Spurs’ star.

Leonard has gotten better every year. He eliminates one side of the basketball court with his long arms and quick reactions. He can lock down any star. He’s given both James and Curry trouble over the course of his young career.

He’s improved offensively, learning how to put the ball in the basket. Leonard finally took that jump last year and become the Spurs’ undisputed offensive leader. He scored 21 points per game while shooting 44 percent on threes.

He’s putting the ball on the floor and finishing in traffic. He’s learning to take over offensively. But being on the Spurs has taught Leonard basketball is a team game and he doesn’t force the issue on that end which makes him perfect for this team.

Like George, he’s extremely versatile. Leonard can guard multiple positions effortlessly. You’re not going to flat out outscore the Warriors, you’re going to have to defend them extremely well. He would be the defensive leader on a team that knows how to guard people.

He’s already one of the best players in the league.

Next: Power Forward

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