San Antonio Spurs

NBA GMs are smart, vote Kawhi Leonard as league's top defender

Published Oct. 21, 2015 1:53 a.m. ET

foxsports

So much of San Antonio's annual success is deservedly credited to its system and culture; an unselfish incubator where basketball is played in a most aesthetically beautiful state. But the Spurs are also great because, well, they have great players. And right now, Kawhi Leonard is arguably the best of the bunch.

NBA GMs may not agree that Leonard is the best overall player on San Antonio this season, but they did vote him in as the league's top defender. It's no surprise, considering Leonard was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2015.

Leonard grabbed 27.6 percent of the vote, with Anthony Davis coming in second and LeBron James coming in third. Tim Duncan also received some love, but didn't place in the top five.