When comparing the careers of Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard , two of the NBA's most dynamic and influential players, it's impossible to overlook their unique contributions and distinct playing styles. Both have left their marks on the league, with Westbrook known for his relentless energy and triple-double feats, and Leonard renowned for his clutch performances and defensive prowess. But when it comes to determining who has had the more impactful career, the answer might just surprise you.
NBA Championships
Russell Westbrook: 0
Kawhi Leonard: 2 (2014, 2019)
Russell Westbrook has not yet won an NBA championship. Despite reaching the NBA Finals in 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden , his team fell short against the Miami Heat. Westbrook has since been a prolific individual performer but has not been able to capture a title. In the 2012 Finals, he averaged 27.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard has won two NBA championships during his career. His first came with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, where his stellar defense and scoring earned him the Finals MVP. His second championship was with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, where he led the team to their first-ever title, cementing his legacy as a clutch performer in the postseason. In the 2014 Finals, he averaged 17.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. In the 2019 Finals, he averaged 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game.
Advantage: Kawhi Leonard
Finals MVP Awards
Russell Westbrook: 0
Kawhi Leonard: 2 (2014, 2019)
Russell Westbrook has not won any Finals MVP awards. His only NBA Finals appearance came in 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he performed admirably, averaging 27.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, but it was not enough to secure the championship or the Finals MVP award as that honor went to LeBron James of the Miami Heat.
Kawhi Leonard has been named the Finals MVP twice in his career. He earned his first Finals MVP in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs, becoming the third-youngest player to win the award, thanks to his impressive two-way play, averaging 17.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. His second Finals MVP came in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game, leading the Raptors to their first NBA title.
Advantage: Kawhi Leonard
MVP Awards
Russell Westbrook: 1 (2017)
Kawhi Leonard: 0
Russell Westbrook won the NBA MVP award in 2017, a historic season in which he averaged a triple-double with 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. This achievement made him the second player in NBA history, after Oscar Robertson, to average a triple-double for a season, and he led the league in scoring.
Kawhi Leonard has yet to win a regular-season MVP award. He has, however, been consistently in the conversation, especially during his peak seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Clippers. Leonard's contributions are often highlighted more in the postseason, where his performances have been most impactful.
Advantage: Russell Westbrook
Defensive Player Of The Year Awards
Russell Westbrook: 0
Kawhi Leonard: 2 (2015, 2016)
Russell Westbrook has not won any Defensive Player of the Year awards. While Westbrook is known for his athleticism and energy, his defensive impact has not reached the level of being considered for the DPOY award. Over his career, the triple-double holds averages of 1.1 steals and 0.3 blocks per game which don’t look too bad on the resume.
Kawhi Leonard has won the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award twice. He earned these accolades in consecutive seasons, 2015 and 2016, with the San Antonio Spurs. Leonard's elite perimeter defense, ability to guard multiple positions, and knack for timely steals and blocks were key factors in his winning these awards. Leonard is averaging 1.7 steals and 0.7 blocks per game over his illustrious career.
Advantage: Kawhi Leonard
Scoring Titles
Russell Westbrook: 2 (2015, 2017)
Kawhi Leonard: 0
Russell Westbrook has won two scoring titles during his career. He first led the league in scoring in the 2014-15 season with an average of 28.1 points per game. He claimed his second scoring title in the 2016-17 season, averaging 31.6 points per game, which was also the season he won the MVP award.
Kawhi Leonard has not won any scoring titles in his career. Known more for his efficiency and two-way play, Leonard has consistently been a high scorer but has not led the league in points per game in any season. Leonard has never been a high-volume shooter or scorer and will always pick his spots on the court before doing damage offensively.
Advantage: Russell Westbrook
All-NBA Teams
Russell Westbrook: 9 (2 First Team, 5 Second Team, 2 Third Team)
Kawhi Leonard: 6 (3 First Team; 3 Second Team)
Russell Westbrook has been named to the All-NBA Team nine times. He was selected to the First Team in 2016 and 2017, the Second Team in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2018, and the Third Team in 2019 and 2020. Westbrook's dynamic playing style and statistical achievements have consistently placed him among the league's best.
Kawhi Leonard has been selected to the All-NBA Team six times. He made the First Team in 2016, 2017, and 2021 and the Second Team in 2019, 2020, and most recently in 2024. Leonard's consistent excellence on both ends of the court has earned him these accolades.
Advantage: Russell Westbrook
Related: First NBA Finals Comparison: Doncic, LeBron, Jordan, Bryant, Curry, And Durant
All-Star Appearances
Russell Westbrook: 9
Kawhi Leonard: 6
Russell Westbrook has been an All-Star nine times. He made consecutive appearances from 2011 to 2013 and again from 2015 to 2020. Westbrook's electrifying play and ability to stuff the stat sheet have made him a fan favorite and a perennial All-Star. No doubt, Westbrook in his prime was a perennial All-Star contender year after year.
Kawhi Leonard has been selected as an All-Star six times. His All-Star selections in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021 reflect his status as one of the premier players in the league during those seasons and if not for injuries, he would have had as many as Westbrook or perhaps more.
Advantage: Russell Westbrook
All-Defensive Teams
Russell Westbrook: 0
Kawhi Leonard: 7 (3 First Team, 4 Second Team)
Russell Westbrook has not been named to any NBA All-Defensive Teams. While known for his athleticism and energy, his defensive play has not been consistently elite to earn a spot on these teams because of how often he gambled after loose balls and lost a step as he aged.
Kawhi Leonard has been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team seven times. He was selected to the First Team from 2015 to 2017 and to the Second Team in 2014, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Leonard's defensive prowess, including his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses, has been widely recognized.
Advantage: Kawhi Leonard
Total Win Shares
Russell Westbrook: 110.6
Kawhi Leonard: 99.3
Russell Westbrook has accumulated 110.6 win shares over his career. His ability to influence games with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking has translated into substantial value added to his teams' success over the years. Especially with the Thunder, Westbrook was an MVP candidate every year and it was a joy to watch.
Kawhi Leonard has accumulated 99.3 win shares over his career, showcasing his significant impact on the success of his teams. His contributions on both offense and defense have consistently added value, leading to victories for his teams including the Spurs, Raptors, and Clippers.
Advantage: Russell Westbrook
Career Player Efficiency Rating (PER)
Russell Westbrook: 22.0
Kawhi Leonard: 23.4
Russell Westbrook has a career PER of 22.0. His PER highlights his significant impact on the game, driven by his ability to fill the stat sheet and consistently produce at a high level across multiple aspects of the game. The fact that the point guard could consistently come up with triple-doubles and even have a high field-goal percentage in his prime boosted his PER.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard has a career Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 23.4. This metric reflects his high level of efficiency and effectiveness on the court, factoring in his scoring, defense, and overall contributions to his teams. Leonard always picked his spots on the court and was excellent when it came to efficiency.
Advantage: Kawhi Leonard
Final Score
Russell Westbrook vs. Kawhi Leonard 5-5
In comparing the careers of Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard, it is evident that each player has excelled in different areas, reflecting their unique playing styles and strengths. Russell Westbrook's career is marked by his extraordinary individual achievements, including an MVP award in 2017 and two scoring titles. His nine All-NBA Team selections and nine All-Star appearances demonstrate his consistent excellence and impact on the game.
Westbrook's remarkable athleticism and relentless drive have allowed him to accumulate impressive statistical achievements, including 118.2 total win shares. Despite not winning an NBA championship, Westbrook's legacy is defined by his ability to dominate games, and his career comparison is tied against Kawhi Leonard taking into account all accolades.
Kawhi Leonard's career is highlighted by his two NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards, underscoring his ability to perform at the highest level when it matters most. His Defensive Player of the Year awards and multiple All-Defensive Team selections speak to his elite defensive prowess, making him one of the most formidable two-way players of his generation. Leonard's contributions have been instrumental in the success of his teams, particularly in the playoffs.
Ultimately, the comparison between Westbrook and Leonard showcases two contrasting yet equally impressive careers. His championships and defensive accolades highlight Leonard's success, while Westbrook's legacy is built on his individual brilliance and statistical dominance.
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