Meyers “50-40-90” Leonard is living up to his nickname again this year. Except this year it’s more like “50-50-100”. Yeah, you read that right nerds. Leonard is shooting 52 percent from the field, 52 percent from three, and a perfect 100 percent from the line. I was wondering why Zach Collins was losing minutes to this dude, and now I have my answer. Because he is a beast. Jusuf Nurkic, you’re next.
Leonard first earned that nickname back in the 2014-15 season, ended up getting paid partly because of it, and then got buried on the bench despite his big contract. I haven’t been as down on him as Blazers fans have (mainly because I don’t realize how ridiculously soft he is), so him getting more minutes this year is vindicating. On paper, he seems perfect. He spreads the floor, he dunks, and he can run up and down the court without dying. Those are the three things a modern center needs to do (the fourth, “defense”, isn’t actually that important), and he does them.
In case the Blazers are still not happy with him and would really rather see him gone so they can give Collins more minutes, I humbly propose this trade: Leonard for Thon Maker. Just like that. No picks, no scrub filler, no cash considerations. If it makes the salaries match or whatever, the Bucks will add one (1) Matthew Dellavedova to their side of the deal. That’s two Aussies for the low, low price of one big softie who looks like he’s gonna cry all the time. Supplies are limited! Call now!