Charles Barkley Calls Kawhi Leonard “The Best Basketball Player In The World”

TNT analyst and former basketball star Charles Barkley had some very positive things to say about San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard. 

“Kawhi Leonard is the best basketball player in the world, in my opinion,” Barkley said on Thursday. This comment prompted Kenny Smith to interject and ask if Barkley really thinks Leonard is better than Stephen Curry and LeBron James.

“First of all, Steph is the best offensive player in the NBA,” said Barkley. “LeBron was the best player for the last 10 years or more, but as his age, I would take Kawhi Leonard over any basketball player in the world right now.” Shaquille O’Neal, however, seemed to disagree with Barkley about Leonard.

The statements were exchanged right before the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-95 at the AT&T Center on Thursday night. During the game, Leonard had 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal, all in 40 minutes. He also shot 6-for-14 and guarded James very well.

Leonard is currently the NBA leader in 3-point percentage (.507). His response, via CBS Sports’ Ananth Pandian, was exactly what you’d expect: “I’m not focused on that, I’m just trying to go out there and win an NBA championship for my team.”

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