NBA News & Rumors: Kawhi Leonard Eyeing All-Star Nod, MVP

Kawhi Leonard, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year (DPY), has his eyes on bigger goals this coming season.

In a report by David Zink of Press Enterprise via CBS Sports, the San Antonio Spurs' Small Forward has high praises for his team whom he said has helped him in learning to play the game the "right way."

"Winning just rubs off on you, once you see Manu (Ginobili), Tony (Parker) and Tim (Duncan) wanting to win every game," Leonard furthered in the report.

However, the 24-year old soft-spoken Leonard who just signed a $90 million contract this July, has also some other plans as he takes a big leap on his career.

"I want to be an (NBA) all-star and MVP of the regular season. I'm trying to be one of the greatest players so whatever level that consists of is where I want to take my game," Leonard told Zink.

Leonard becoming an all-Star and winning the season MVP is not far from impossible. Coming from a year that placed him with the likes of Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon and his "Airness" Michael Jordan as the only players to win a Finals MVP and DPY, bringing home NBA's best player award is very much within his capacity.

Moreover, the 6-foot-7 San Diego State standout is already poised for an all-star berth after a staggering season where he set career highs, averaging 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and league-best 2.3 steals. However, as cited by CBS Sports, the defense-minded forward will have to carry much of the scoring load for the Spurs and average at least 20 points per game if he wants to be considered for the season MVP, also pointing that scoring matters as there has not been an MVP who has averaged below 20 points since Steve Nash in 2006.

Pro Basketball Talk mentioned that although Leonard is highly capable to do all his basketball goals, it might not happen any time soon as he might not be willing to give up the "team play" culture the Spurs are known for.

Leonard, who, after helping the Spurs win the 2014 NBA championship, has been tagged as the next face and cornerstone of the Spurs franchise once the trio of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili retired, will be teaming up with the newly acquired Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge to lead San Antonio's new dynasty.

Leonard was the 15th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft of the Indiana Pacers but was then shipped to the Spurs with two other players in exchange for George Hill.