NBA: Top 4 Contenders for the New "King of The East"

#3 Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard's antics with the Spurs organisation finally came to an end as on July 18, as he was traded to the Toronto Raptors alongside Danny Green in return for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a protected 2020 first-round pick.

Though he says very little and shows even fewer emotions, Leonard is a certified top 5 player as the 2014 NBA Finals MVP, a two-time All-Star, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-NBA First Team. While Kawhi could quite certainly be called the best player in the Eastern Conference ability wise, his immature behaviour, injury woes and overall demeanour make his credibility as "King of the East" subject to large debate.

He ranks at number 3 on this list because the Raptors now have a legitimate chance at winning the Eastern Conference. If Kawhi stays healthy and well-behaved, maybe even re-signs the Raptors could be a long time threat in the East. But because Kawhi is Kawhi, he will likely end the season as timid and maybe even less involved than he was last season, with his eyes on a bigger shoe deal from the Jordan brand.

Whether its to convince the Raptors he's the right person to lead their franchise, or convincing the Jordan representatives that he deserves a bigger, better-paying shoe deal, or convincing the Los Angeles Lakers and other teams that they should offer him max money to play for their team, Kawhi will be looking to perform this year, both on and off the court. Kawhi has a lot to prove the doubters will be talking, so he needs to start talking on the court and in the interview room, letting people know he means business. If he carries that kind of mindset there is no reason why he can't become the certified, best player in the East.