Can Kawhi Leonard Make an Impact in His Rookie Season for the San Antonio Spurs?

During the 2011 NBA draft, the San Antonio Spurs took a venture from their norm and actually did something to generate buzz.

The late-drafting, gem-finding, secretly-killing-everyone organization put their international scouting on hold and traded up to get SDSU product Kawhi Leonard.

The cost was high: Gregg Popovich's "favorite player" (and Austin Green All-Underrated Team member), George Hill, was shipped to Indiana.

But of course, the prudent Spurs wouldn't enter a high-risk situation without high-reward possibilities. Leonard is an absolute beast on the glass and bled pro potential all over NCAA courts across the country.

Will the high-energy, high-intensity rebounding machine make an immediate impact in the Alamo city? Let's examine...

Past Credentials

Leonard's pre-NBA resume is as extensive as it is impressive.

Here's the abbreviated version: 2009 Mr. Basketball California, 2010 Mountain West Conference Tournament MVP, Associated Press Second-Team All-American (2011), fifth all-time in rebounds (MWC), second all-time in rebounding average (MWC).

In hoops terms, the guy was a beast.

He earned those capitalized accolades by averaging 15.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore while leading his team to a 34-3 record, a Sweet 16 appearance and back-to-back MWC Championships.

Of course, the league is much, much different than the Mountain West. No more dunking on Mormons and Horned Frogs for Kawhi.

Will his skills actually translate to the NBA?

College to NBA Transiton

Leonard is most often compared to Gerald Wallace and the artist formerly known as the Matrix, due to his lanky 6'7" frame, absurd rebounding instincts and of course, cornrows.

Luckily for Leonard, rebounding proficiency is one of the most translatable (yes, that's actually a word) skills from college to the pros, and his predecessors have fared quite well when given quality minutes.

Wallace was buried on the bench in Sacramento until he was shipped to basketball purgatory in Charlotte.

Once he earned some grown-man playing time, Wallace proved that his super-athletic, not-so-super-cerebral style could be very effective. He averaged a solid 11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 30 minutes per game.

Marion got good minutes from the start, putting up 10.2 points and 6.6 rebounds in 24 minutes per game as a starry-eyed rook.

So, could Leonard put up quality numbers in his first year?

Absolutely, if he capitalizes on the minutes he'll be stealing from the odd Richard Jefferson.

The Woes of Richard Jefferson

Before ripping RJ, I would like to clarify that I have no personal issue with him. I have never spoken to him and for all I know he is a fine man. He's had a long, productive career and exhibited the utmost professionalism in all instances that I can recall.

But good God, he has just been awful as a San Antonio Spur.

I hate to rip on guys who are just trying to do their job, but this has gotten a little ridiculous.

His points (11) and rebounds (4.1) per game in 2010-11 were the lowest since his rookie year. His assists (0.8) and steals (0.5) per game were career lows.

In the Spurs' demoralizing first-round loss to eighth-seeded Memphis, Jefferson was non-existent. He scored just 10 points combined in Games 3 through 6. 

I scored as many points as Jefferson in Games 4 and 6, and in 37 fewer minutes.

Oh, and Jefferson will be earning $9.2 million next season.

I think it's safe to assume some of his minutes will be thrown Leonard's way.

What To Expect

Leonard will undoubtedly get minutes.

Due to Jefferson's struggles and the sheer presence of Steve Novak, the Spurs will be looking for a major upgrade at small forward. Leonard, with his pterodactyl wingspan, massive hands and instinctual timing, could be the perfect fit.

The Spurs haven't made a deep playoff run since their last title in 2006-07. It's no coincidence that they also employed Bruce Bowen, a lockdown perimeter defender, at the time.

San Antonio's defensive system is reliant on an athletic, in-your-jersey perimeter defender. Without one, opponents can run a layup drill against the ancient Spurs intreior.

Leonard's size, versatility and tenacity will be welcome additions in San Antonio.

As long as he doesn't screw up too badly too early, Leonard will make an immediate impact for the Spurs.