Kawhi Leonard would provide Detroit Pistons with instant energy and rebounding help

kawhi-leonard-rebound.jpgKawhi Leonard was one of the top rebounders in the nation last season at San Diego State.

The Detroit Pistons were the worst-rebounding team in the NBA last season.

While they improved slightly after Greg Monroe moved into the starting lineup, the team could definitely use some help on the glass.

The anticipated return of Jonas Jerebko should alleviate part of the problem, but the Pistons could quickly turn rebounding into a strength by drafting Kawhi Leonard out of San Diego State.

Last season the 6-foot-7 Leonard parlayed his long arms (7-foot-3 wingspan), explosive leaping ability and nonstop motor into 10.7 rebounds per game.

Leonard also utilizes those traits to his advantage in another area where the Pistons struggled - defending the perimeter. But defense is not just about physical tools for Leonard, it's also a mentality.

"You just have to come into the game with a positive mindset that you're going to stop players," Leonard said.

Leonard's offensive development is certainly behind the other aspects of his game, but he's been aggressively working to improve.

"I'm just working on staying balanced and shooting a lot," Leonard said. "I've also been working on my ball-handling. Sometimes I fall back on my shots - I'm not straight up-and-down - so I've been working on that. "

According to ESPN's Chad Ford, who has had multiple opportunities to observe Leonard working out this offseason, his jump shot is coming along nicely.

Beyond Leonard's developing offensive game, strength could be a concern. He weighed in at 227 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. He also had a poor showing in the bench press, completing just three 185-pound reps. That could be an issue, trying to defend the more physical small forwards in the NBA.

All factors considered, Leonard's draft stock has risen considerably in the past few months.

"During the season, and just after the season, my coach (Steve Fisher) told me I'd probably go between 13-22," Leonard said.

Now you'd be hard-pressed to find an analyst who doesn't view Leonard as a top-ten selection. His ultimate landing spot will ultimately be decided by how much faith NBA decision makers put into this year's crop of foreign players including Bismack Biyombo, Jonas Valanciunas and Jan Vesely.

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