San Antonio Spurs' Kawhi Leonard Is NBA Defensive Player of the Year

Kawhi Leonard added another title to his young and illustrious career by being awarded the 2014-2015 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

NBA.com reported that Leonard is the first San Antonio Spurs player to win the award since David Robinson in 1992. The 23-year-old also became the third player in NBA history to win both the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and NBA Finals MVP awards, aside from Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon.

The swingman, who stands 6'7", averaged 5.9 defensive rebounds and 2.3 steals per game, the latter of which is currently the best in the league. Bleacher Report wrote that in the playoffs, Leonard has improved his stats with 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 3.0 assists a game.

Leonard said in a report by STLToday, "It feels great. Growing up as a kid, you're watching these players and you want to become who they are or get the accolades that they have. It just shows that hard work pays off."

He added, "This isn't the goal for our team at all. Obviously, we want another championship. [Coach Gregg Popovich] just wants me to keep pushing forward and try to help us win again this year."

Yahoo Sports reported that Leonard edged out Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors to win the award. The Spurs' small forward garnered 37 first-place votes and 333 points while Green had 45 first-place votes and 317 points. DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers was third with 32 first-place votes and 261 points. The votes were cast by a panel consisting of 129 writers and broadcasters.

Aside from Popovich, Leonard shared that Tim Duncan influenced him much in his defensive abilities, according to the same report by STLToday.

Leonard has transformed himself into one of the best players in the league through his excellent work ethic, humility and drive. Since being acquired by the Spurs, Leonard made the 2012 All-Rookie Team and 2014 All-Defensive Second Team. He became the third-youngest player to be awarded NBA Finals MVP.

Some of his best defensive plays are featured on YouTube.

Leonard said that he has a lot more room to improve. He shared, "I'm still young, I feel I can get a lot better. I don't know, I'm just going to keep striving and trying to help my team win the game, hopefully, I'll keep getting better."

The 2014-2015 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award is a result of the collaboration between the NBA and Kia Motors America.