NBA Draft Day 2011 Trade Analysis: Kawhi Leonard to the San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Receives:

No. 15 pick—Kawhi Leonard

Indiana Receives: 

George Hill

Analysis

The trade hasn't been officially confirmed yet, but CBS Sports' Jeff Goodman has tweeted it, so it has to be true. Let's take a look at what this does for both teams, should it go through. 

The Indiana Pacers currently have Darren Collison as their starting point guard, but George Hill has always been a combo guard-type of player. He could easily step in at the 2 position, sending Brandon Rush to the bench and making Paul George a sixth man.

This also gives the Pacers an immediate offensive upgrade, meaning that they might now feel comfortable trading Danny Granger. 

You have to like the addition of Kawhi Leonard to the Spurs lineup. He can immediately step into the small forward position, allowing the Spurs to either get rid of Richard Jefferson or put him on the bench.

I have to say I was never excited about Kawhi Leonard as a prospect. However, a starting five of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Leonard, Tim Duncan and DeJuan Blair is intriguing. Putting a versatile athlete in the middle of a very sturdy, veteran lineup should work. The Spurs also got a lottery pick, while still keeping their other first-round pick.

In my mind, both teams are better after this trade. 

Grades

Spurs: A-

Pacers: B+