San Antonio Spurs: Why Kawhi Leonard Will Help Preserve the Spurs

When people think of the Spurs, they think of age.

That's just how it is.

They're the facts of life.

Tim Duncan is old, Richard Jefferson is old, Antonio McDyess is old and Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker aren't getting any younger.

The most notably "out-of-his-prime", though, is Tim Duncan.

He is no longer the physical leader that he once was, and, while he will go down as maybe the greatest power forward of all-time, but he is no longer playing at that level.

If you disagree, comment to tell me why.

Chances are most people will agree with me.

But in the 2012 draft, the Spurs lucked out by acquiring the 15th overall pick from the Pacers for George Hill.

And it's good thing they did.

Kawhi Leonard is an athletic combo forward, but primarily plays small forward. He is athletic, can get to the basket consistently and can snag rebound after rebound.

He brings youth to the frontcourt, and eventually, when Tim Duncan's career is in the books, he will be able to create a big man tandem with the other young Spur, DeJuan Blair.

So, as a back-up, Leonard will come off the bench behind Duncan and Richard Jefferson.

His insertion into the game will bring a much-needed injection of energy and youth (if they truly are as bad as everybody thinks. I tend to doubt it.).

So, the addition of Kawhi Leonard is a win-win for the Spurs organization.

He will bring youth and energy now, and a solid skill-set and a good leadership ability later.