I think this just goes to show you that one big star can make so much differences. Demar derozan is a great player, he is an all-star and he is seen as one of the best players in our league. However kawhi is literally top 3 in the league right now, he is the best player with great offense and defense at the same time, nobody has better offense AND defense than him, just one of them could be better on other players. He is THAT good. So what happened? When spurs got demar they got eliminated by nuggets in first round with him and said bye bye to the playoffs. Look at Kawhi, dude managed to bring Raptors to finals in his first ever season after demar failed to do so in the past 4-5 years. Difference between "great player" and "top 3 player" is literally worlds apart.
I agree, Leonard and DeRozan is not comparable, specially on the mental factor. I mean he literally carry the team down 0-2 against the most hype player in the NBA right now and upset them, winning 4 straight games. Damn, I wish I was still in Toronto this days, because I'm sure all my NBA friends and families are very happy to see the Raptors finally made it to the finals with Leonard at the helm.
Forget about DeRozan , he cannot shoot 3s, and I don't see a champion who can't shoot 3s. LOL.
Anyway, he is happy with the Spurs but comparing to Leonard, his guy is nothing, Leonard is in the Level of Kobe Bryant and Lebron James now.
Remember, Leonard guarded Lebron in the NBA finals where he earned his first Finals MVP award.