After the Los Angeles Clippers' win over the Golden State Warriors on Monday evening, Kawhi Leonard spoke on Kris Dunn's fantastic defensive output. He even made the case that his teammate should be honored with an All-Defensive First Team selection. 

“[Dunn] has been great all year," Leonard said. "Even last year, I think he for sure should be First Team All-Defense this year. I’m not sure what the requirements are, I know he didn’t make it last year because of minutes or something like that.

"Hopefully he’s hitting those minutes because he’s for sure gonna get a First Team or Second Team." 

When Kawhi Leonard vouches for someone, that's an endorsement that means something. He's not exactly the kind of person that says things just to say them. 

This is a genuine endorsement from one of the greatest defenders the league has ever seen. From someone who understands exactly what elite defensive play looks like because he's produced it himself for a long time. 

Dunn has quietly put together another underappreciated defensive season this year. His activity level, his hands, and his ability to disrupt passing lanes and make life miserable for opposing ball handlers is the kind of work that doesn't always show up in highlight reels, but absolutely shows up in winning basketball.

Guards who face him come away frustrated, and that's simply the norm for him. Dunn has perfected his craft and shows up ready to do his job every night. 

Leonard's point about minutes is worth noting, too. Plenty of players that are worthy of earning certain honors miss out because of the games played or minutes average thresholds. 

All-Defensive selections carry real weight in how players are viewed both among their peers as well as by front offices. If a guy secures an All-Defensive team honor, it can have significant effects on how his value is viewed league-wide. That means a lot for a player like Dunn who has spent so much of his NBA career proving himself. 

The Clippers' success defensively this season can largely be attributed to the work of Kris Dunn. Having Leonard publicly advocate for him only strengthens a case that the numbers were already starting to make on their own.

The All-Defensive ballot is always competitive and there are deserving players at every position. But if voters are doing their homework, Kris Dunn's name should be near the top of the list when it comes time to make their selections.