NBA Playoffs 2019: 5 Best players so far before the NBA Finals

#1 Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard

The Klaw's achievements before this playoffs were substantial by themselves, but he has raised his legend to a whole new level this summer. When everyone else on the court was visibly tired out and shooting short, Kawhi played through injuries to carry the Raptors through to the NBA Finals - a stage they've never experienced in 25 years of existence as a franchise.

Through 18 games of the playoffs, Kawhi is averaging near about 31 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists a game. But as is the case with a truly elite two-way player, these figures only tell half of the story. The Klaw has faced the likes of Giannis, Middleton, Aaron Gordon, Eric Bledsoe, Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Jimmy Butler and Malcolm Brogdon at various points in the postseason, and none of them save for the first-time Bucks All-Star (Middleton) was able to play to their usual standards.

He heads to the offseason of 2019 with his stock at its highest as it has ever been. Irrespective of what happens in the Finals, he has proved that he can carry a prepared team with experience to the ultimate stage in a manner only LeBron has proved among current players. He'll undoubtedly be the big catch of the summer, and the Raptors should count their lucky stars and Masai Ujiri for making this next step in their progress possible.