Kawhi Leonard Praises Clippers Teammate For Defensive Effort

The Los Angeles Clippers have been building a new identity over the last couple of seasons. They went from being by two aging offensive stars to a defensive juggernaut. Even without changing the roster that much, the Clippers forged a new identity around being a defensive-minded team. 

Last season, this worked out incredibly well for the Clippers. Despite their best player (and possibly best defender), Kawhi Leonard, missing more than half of the season with injuries, the Clippers still ended the year as the third-best defensive team in the league. 

Part of what has made the Clippers' defense so good has been their defensive role players. Kris Dunn, who was almost out of the league just a couple of seasons ago, has found a home in Los Angeles as one of their key defensive weapons. Kawhi recently spoke about Dunn’s defensive impact. 

"He's been great all year, even last year. I think he for sure should be First Team All-Defense this year. I'm not sure what the requirements are. I know he didn't make it last year because of minutes or something like that. Hopefully, he's hitting those minutes because he's for sure gonna get a First Team or Second Team. I think he's for sure, the way I've been seeing him play since last year and this year."

Making an All-Defensive team is a high honor. Only 10 players make the team every year, and it often is comprised of many of the unsung heroes of the NBA. While Dunn has been incredible defensively, the Clippers just aren't as good a team on defense this year. The Clippers' mediocre defense will likely make it difficult for a role player like Dunn to get an All-Defensive nod.