NBA 2K17 Kawhi Leonard Player Review and Complete Gameplay Guide

Let me be honest with you from the start - when I first loaded up NBA 2K17 and saw Kawhi Leonard's player rating, I had my doubts. A 93 overall? Really? But after spending countless hours mastering his gameplay across multiple seasons in MyCareer and MyTeam modes, I've come to appreciate why The Claw deserves every bit of that elite rating. What struck me immediately was how perfectly 2K captured Leonard's real-world basketball philosophy - that victories aren't handed to you easily, much like how wins won't be handed on a silver platter in international competitions featuring giants like Tunisia, Egypt, and Iran. This mentality translates beautifully into his digital counterpart's gameplay style.

The first thing you'll notice controlling Kawhi is his defensive presence. I've never experienced another player in 2K17 who can single-handedly shut down opposing offenses like Leonard can. His 95 defensive consistency rating feels almost underrated when you're actually playing. I remember specifically shutting down a friend's 96-rated LeBron James during our head-to-head match, holding him to just 12 points while forcing 8 turnovers. Leonard's 7'3" wingspan creates passing lane nightmares for opponents, and his steal rating of 92 makes every defensive possession feel like a potential fast break opportunity. What's fascinating is how his defensive excellence mirrors real international basketball - where disciplined teams like Iran or Egypt won't give you anything easy, forcing you to earn every basket through smart plays rather than flashy moves.

Offensively, Kawhi requires a specific approach that might not appeal to everyone. He's not the flashy dunker like Vince Carter or the deep-range specialist like Steph Curry. Instead, his offensive game is methodical, efficient, and brutally effective. His mid-range game is absolutely lethal - I consistently shoot around 65-70% with his pull-up jumper from 15-20 feet. The key is utilizing his size against smaller defenders and his quickness against bigger ones. His three-point shooting at 88 might not seem extraordinary compared to pure shooters, but in clutch situations, I'd trust his corner three more than most specialists. The development team nailed his shooting form too - that slightly awkward but effective release is perfectly replicated, though it took me about 20 games to really master the timing.

Where Kawhi truly separates himself is in his two-way versatility. I've used him effectively at three different positions - shooting guard, small forward, and even power forward in small-ball lineups. His rebounding at 72 for a wing player is phenomenal, especially on the offensive glass where he's grabbed crucial putbacks in several close games for me. His post game rating of 85 feels accurate - he's not going to dominate like Hakeem, but he's more than capable of punishing mismatches. I particularly love using his post fadeaway against smaller defenders, which I'd estimate goes in about 60% of the time when properly timed.

The areas where Kawhi shows limitations are worth noting. His playmaking is solid but not spectacular - with 76 pass accuracy and 70 ball control, he's not your primary ball handler against heavy pressure. I learned this the hard way during online matches where opponents would double-team him aggressively. His dunk packages, while effective, lack the flair of other elite wings, which sometimes makes his finishes feel less guaranteed in traffic. His speed rating of 80 means you won't be blowing past defenders consistently in transition - you need to pick your spots wisely.

What makes Kawhi particularly valuable in NBA 2K17's meta is how well he fits into various team constructions. Whether you're running him as your primary option or as an elite 3-and-D wing, he adapts beautifully. I've found him especially effective in pick-and-roll situations where his decision-making rating of 95 really shines through. The CPU AI when controlling Kawhi is remarkably smart too - he rarely takes bad shots and makes excellent defensive rotations when you're not directly controlling him.

After hundreds of games with The Claw, I can confidently say he's one of the most complete two-way players in the game. His development from previous 2K iterations is remarkable - he feels like a genuine superstar rather than just a defensive specialist. While he might not have the flash of some other top-rated players, his consistent excellence on both ends makes him invaluable for competitive play. Much like how international basketball powerhouses approach the game, success with Kawhi comes from discipline, fundamentals, and making the right plays rather than relying on individual brilliance alone. If you're looking for a player who can anchor your defense while providing efficient scoring, there are few better options in NBA 2K17.