San Antonio Spurs all-time draft steal starting lineup

San Antonio Spurs v Los Angeles Lakers
San Antonio Spurs v Los Angeles Lakers / Sean M. Haffey/GettyImages
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Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard

Spurs fans can roll their eyes all they want at this selection, but there is no denying Kawhi Leonard is one of the most famous draft heists in NBA history. While San Antonio had to say goodbye to George Hill in the trade that landed them Kawhi with the 15th pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, there is no doubt that deal was more than worth losing a rotation player.

Leonard started his career in Silver and Black as a defensive specialist for a team that desperately needed support on the perimeter and blossomed into one of the finest two-way players in the league as his scoring arsenal expanded year after year. He eventually helped San Antonio capture their fifth championship in 2014, becoming the face of the franchise.

Although the superstar forward forced his way out of Alamo City in the middle of his prime, he made four All-Defense and two All-NBA teams, earned two All-Star appearances, and won Defensive Player of the Year twice with the Spurs. He might have cut the dynasty short, but was there anyone who honestly deserved this slot over The Klaw?