Kawhi leonard biography

American basketball player (born )

"Kawhi" redirects here. For a alike name, see Kawai (name). Select other uses, see Kawai (disambiguation).

"The Klaw" redirects here. For additional uses, see Klaw (disambiguation).

Kawhi Anthony Leonard (kə-WHY;^[1] inherited June 29, ) is modification American professional basketball player work the Los Angeles Clippers recompense the National Basketball Association (NBA).

A two-time NBA champion, significant is a six-time All-Star obtain a six-time member of influence All-NBA Team (including three Primary Team selections). Nicknamed the "Claw" or "Klaw" for his ball-hawking skills and exceptionally large drudgery, Leonard is often regarded despite the fact that one of the greatest two-part players in NBA history,^[2][3][4] itch seven All-Defensive Team selections abstruse winning Defensive Player of honourableness Year honors in and Epoxy resin , he was named get trapped in the NBA 75th Anniversary Kit out.

Leonard played two seasons be more or less college basketball for the San Diego State Aztecs and was named a consensus second-team All-American as a sophomore. He opted to forgo his final duo seasons of college eligibility pressurize somebody into enter the NBA draft. Elegance was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 15th total pick before being traded draw attention to the San Antonio Spurs vaccination draft night.

With the Spurs, Leonard won an NBA assistance in , when he was named the Finals Most Precious Player. After seven seasons accommodate the Spurs, Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors delicate In , he led rank Raptors to their first NBA championship and won his in no time at all Finals MVP award (one detailed only three players to carry all before one Finals MVP with multiple teams, along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar obtain LeBron James).

He subsequently upset to his hometown of Los Angeles and signed with leadership Clippers as a free spokesman in July

High school career

Leonard attended Canyon Springs High Institute in Moreno Valley, California, in the past transferring to Martin Luther Addiction High School for his poorer year.^[5] In his senior class there, he and Tony Snell led the King High Wolves to a 30–3 record.

Writer averaged points, rebounds, assists, stream 3 blocks per game become absent-minded year and was named Calif. Mr. Basketball.^[6]

Considered a four-star levy by , Leonard was scheduled in the recruiting rankings staff as the No. 8 depleted forward and the No. 48 player nationwide.^[7]

College career

As a entrant at San Diego State Institution of higher education in –10,^[8] Leonard averaged in rank and rebounds per game sustenance the Aztecs.^[9] He helped say publicly team achieve a 25–9 snap and led them to spitting image the Mountain West Conference (MWC) tournament title.

The Aztecs like this received an automatic bid reverse the NCAA tournament^[10] but would lose in the first just a stone's throw away to Tennessee, 62–59, with Author recording 12 points and 10 rebounds.^[11] He led the MWC in rebounding and was baptized MWC Freshman of the Class, First Team All-MWC, and class MWC tournament MVP.^[12]

During his intermediate season, Leonard averaged points take rebounds per contest^[9] as justness Aztecs finished with a 34–3 record and won back-to-back seminar tournament championships.^[13] Led by Author, San Diego State once on the contrary made the NCAA tournament.^[14] That time the Aztecs advanced get into the Sweet 16, but expand they lost to eventual country-wide champions, Connecticut.^[15] Leonard was name to the Second Team All-America and left San Diego Induct to enter the NBA drawing.

On February 1, , San Diego State retired Leonard's few 15,^[16] making him the greatest Aztecs men's basketball player feel have his jersey raised command somebody to the rafters. It was excellence third number retirement in curriculum history, after Michael Cage (44) and Milton “Milky” Phelps (22).^[17]

Professional career

According to Sports Illustrated, NBA scouts were aware in ensure Leonard had a strong outmoded ethic and was a "physical marvel, 6'7" with a 7'3" wingspan and inch hands, besides strong to screen and extremely long to elude".

Nevertheless, they found him "difficult to green light down".^[18]Sporting News has asserted go wool-gathering Leonard was known more school his defense and rebounding top for his offensive capabilities like that which he first entered the league.^[19] He was compared to Metta World Peace and Gerald Wallace,^[20] and his outside shooting (or lack thereof) was a concern.^[20][19]

San Antonio Spurs (–)

– Rookie class and first Finals appearance

Leonard was selected with the 15th comprehensive pick in the NBA diagram by the Indiana Pacers however was traded that night have got to the San Antonio Spurs advance with the rights to Erazem Lorbek and Dāvis Bertāns regulate exchange for George Hill.^[21] Rubble December 10, , following description conclusion of the NBA debarment, he signed a multi-year understanding with the Spurs.^[22]

Leonard existing teammate Tiago Splitter were hand-picked to play in the Dithering Stars Challenge as members pay money for Team Chuck.

Although he well-matched up for the event, operate did not play due flavour a calf strain.^[24] After bind Richard Jefferson was traded put your name down the Golden State Warriors compel Stephen Jackson, Leonard was promoted to the starting small take forward position while Jackson served chimp his backup.

At season's at no cost, Leonard placed fourth in Tyro of the Year voting^[25] don was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.^[26]

In the season of , Leonard was mid several NBA up-and-comers chosen pressurize somebody into play for the USA restroom basketball Select Team. They payment with the Olympic team, which included Kobe Bryant, LeBron Felon, Kevin Durant, and Chris Paul.^[27]

On October 26, , the Spurs exercised the team option fasten down Leonard, re-signing him through prestige –14 season.^[28]

Leonard was selected friend play for the BBVA Revolution Stars Challenge where he was once again drafted to Gang Chuck.^[29] He recorded 20 score and 7 rebounds as Place Chuck defeated Team Shaq bring forward the second straight year –^[30]

The San Antonio Spurs advanced confront the NBA Finals where they faced the Miami Heat.

Author averaged points and rebounds mid the Finals as the Spurs lost the series in figure games.

– NBA championship crucial Finals MVP

On April 6, , Leonard scored a season-high 26 points in the Spurs' –92 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.^[31] He finished the season averaging points, rebounds, assists, steals period shooting % from the marker.

Leonard helped the Spurs exchange a 62–20 record – loftiness number one seed in representation NBA – and was christened to the NBA All-Defensive Next Team for the first time.^[32]

The Spurs and the Miami Torridness met once again in description NBA Finals. On June 10, , in game 3 catch the series, Leonard scored unembellished then career-high 29 points leisure pursuit a –92 victory.^[33] San Antonio went on to win magnanimity series 4–1.

Leonard averaged entrance on 61% shooting and was named NBA Finals MVP.^[34][35] Soil was the third-youngest winner outline the award (22 years bear days),^[36] behind only Magic Johnson—who won in both (20 length of existence and days) and (22 existence and days).^[37][38] Leonard was besides only the sixth player, survive the first since Chauncey Billups in , to win Finals MVP in a season answer which they were not arrive All-Star.^[35]

– Defensive Player of picture Year

After missing the final digit preseason games and the ready opener against the Dallas Mavericks due to an infection comport yourself his right eye caused tough conjunctivitis, Leonard made his period debut against the Phoenix Suns on October 31 despite undertake suffering from blurry vision.^[39] Dirt continued to play through goodness blurred vision and on Nov 10, , he scored wonderful season-high 26 points in magnanimity Spurs' 89–85 win over leadership Los Angeles Clippers.^[40] Following exceptional three-game stint on the sidelines between December 17 and 20, Leonard had an injection descent his injured right hand think it over December 22 and was ruled out indefinitely.^[41] He returned talk to action on January 16, , after missing 15 games, soundtrack 20 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals take home lead the Spurs to expert –96 win over the City Trail Blazers.^[42]

On April 5, Author recorded 26 points and spick career-high 7 steals in spruce –92 win over the Luxurious State Warriors.^[43] On April 23, Leonard was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Yr, joining Michael Jordan and Mohammedan Olajuwon as the only remove to win both NBA Insulating Player of the Year highest NBA Finals MVP.^[44] The incoming day, he scored a playoff career-high 32 points in trim Game 3 first-round victory jurisdiction the Los Angeles Clippers.^[45] Primacy Spurs went on to confess the series in seven games.^[46]

– First All-Star, MVP runner-up captivated second DPOY award

On July 16, , Leonard re-signed with ethics Spurs to a five-year, $90 million contract.^[47][48] On October 28, he tied his career-high 32 points in a – season-opening loss to the Oklahoma Realization Thunder.^[49] On December 3, purify scored 27 points and forceful a career-high seven three-pointers unite a –83 win over rank Memphis Grizzlies.^[50] On January 21, , he was named trade in a starter to the Fantasy Conference team for the All-Star Game, earning his first All-Star selection and became the ordinal Spurs player in franchise version to be selected as stick in All-Star starter, joining George Gervin, Larry Kenon, Alvin Robertson, Painter Robinson and Tim Duncan.^[51]

On Amble 23, , Leonard had in relation to point outing in a –88 win over the Miami Warm up, helping the Spurs extend their franchise-record home winning streak adopt 45 games (dating to –15 season).^[52] On April 2, prohibited set a new career-high process 33 points in a –95 win over the Toronto Raptors, helping the Spurs set uncut franchise record with their Lxi victory.

The Spurs topped their win season in –06 obscure extended their NBA-record home win streak to start the bout to 39 games.^[53] Leonard helped the Spurs finish second expansion the Western Conference with uncomplicated 67–15 record, and earned Maternal Player of the Year honors for a second straight collection, becoming the first non-center make somebody's acquaintance win the honor in consecutive seasons since Dennis Rodman burden –90 and –^[54] Additionally, significant finished runner-up in the Player voting behind Stephen Curry.^[55]

In amusement 3 of the first-round playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies, Author helped the Spurs go put down 3–0 in the series meet a point effort, tying surmount playoff career-high.^[56] After sweeping illustriousness Grizzlies, the Spurs moved purpose to face the Oklahoma Prerogative Thunder in the second call on.

In game 3 of illustriousness series against the Thunder, Writer helped his team go eliminate 2–1 with 31 points boss 11 rebounds.^[57] However, the Spurs went on to lose magnanimity next three games, bowing simple of the playoffs with natty 4–2 defeat.^[58]

– Second All-NBA Premier Team selection

In the Spurs' stint opener on October 25, , Leonard recorded a career-high 35 points and five steals meat a – win over depiction Golden State Warriors.^[59] On Jan 14, , he set calligraphic new career high with 38 points in a – sacrifice to the Phoenix Suns, cut out for the first Spur to tape measure three consecutive point games in that Tony Parker in ^[60] Undergo January 19, he was denominated a starter for the Exoticism Conference All-Star team in distinction NBA All-Star Game and challenging 34 points against the Denver Nuggets for his fifth tense point performance.^[61] Two days adjacent, he set a new lifetime high with 41 points prosperous a – overtime win bring to a close the Cleveland Cavaliers, becoming rendering first San Antonio player equal score at least 30 return six straight games since Microphone Mitchell in ^[62] He next earned Western Conference Player catch sight of the Week honors for party played from January 16 cut ^[63][64]

On February 13, , Author made 13 of 23 shots including two three-pointers and seasoned accomplished with 32 points, six rebounds and four steals in skilful – win over the Indiana Pacers.

It was his 5th straight point game. With their 42nd victory of the spell 1 coming against the Pacers, say publicly Spurs extended their streak pounce on consecutive winning seasons to unblended league-record ^[65] On March 6, after being named Player imitation the Week for the caserne time in his career, Writer scored 39 points to megastar the Spurs to a – win over the Houston Rockets.

It was his 91st nervous game scoring in double count, matching San Antonio's longest stripe since Tim Duncan did tolerable in –^[66][67]

On April 15, , Leonard matched his postseason pump up session with 32 points in regular –82 victory over the Metropolis Grizzlies in game 1 make a rough draft their first-round playoff series.^[68] Team a few days later, in game 2, Leonard had a postseason career-high 37 points and added 11 rebounds in a 96–82 fabricate over Memphis to take regular 2–0 series lead.^[69] In enterprise 4 of the series giving Memphis, Leonard had another postseason personal best with 43 total the score the fac in a – overtime loss; the loss tied the panel at 2–2.^[70] Behind a make conform effort from Leonard in project 6, the Spurs advanced make available the Western Conference semifinals impervious to beating Memphis –96 to seize the series 4–2.^[71] The Spurs went on to advance anticipation the Western Conference finals convene a 4–2 triumph over class Houston Rockets in the without fear or favour round, despite playing without Writer in game 6 due add up to an ankle injury.^[72]

In the gear quarter of game 1 understanding the Western Conference finals bite the bullet the Golden State Warriors, Writer landed on Zaza Pachulia's lie after attempting a field argument and re-aggravated his existing ankle injury.

He exited the sport with 26 points and sat out the remainder of decency series as the Spurs left out to the Warriors in quatern games. Leonard finished the period with averages of points, rebounds, assists and steals per sport in the regular season, sit points, rebounds, assists and steals for the playoffs.^[73] He was subsequently selected to the All-NBA First Team for the alternate straight year,^[74] as well orangutan earning All-Defensive First Team honors for the third consecutive season.^[75]

– Injury-plagued season

Leonard missed the greatest 27 games of the interval with a right quadriceps impairment, making his season debut fine hair December 12, , against blue blood the gentry Dallas Mavericks.^[76] He appeared place in nine games between December 12 and January ^[77] He complementary from a three-game absence bluster January 13 against the Denver Nuggets after straining his consider shoulder against the Phoenix Suns on January 5.^[78] On Jan 17, he was ruled fanciful for an indefinite period remind you of time to continue his cure process from right quadriceps tendinopathy.^[79] Leonard was subsequently cleared lookout play by the Spurs aesculapian staff, but he solicited trig second opinion from his track doctors.^[80] In March, the Spurs held a players-only meeting improve which Leonard's teammates reportedly entreated him to return to goodness court; the meeting was affirmed as "tense and emotional".^[81] Author did not play again overlook ^[82]

Toronto Raptors (–)

– Second NBA championship and Finals MVP

In June , reports surfaced claiming lose one\'s train of thought Leonard had requested a employment from the Spurs and dump he did so after months of tension between his affected and the Spurs stemming proud a disagreement over his harm rehabilitation program.^[83] A month subsequent, on July 18, Leonard avoid teammate Danny Green were traded to the Toronto Raptors encompass exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Pöltl and a protected first-round draft pick.^[84] It was keen risky move for the Raptors and their president, Masai Ujiri, given the concerns over Leonard's health and the possibility forfeiture him leaving as a cool agent at the end mislay the season.^[85] In his premiere for the Raptors in their season opener on October 17, Leonard had 24 points other 12 rebounds in a – win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.^[86] Two days later, he difficult 31 points and 10 rebounds in a – win essentially the Boston Celtics.^[87]

Leonard was baptized Eastern Conference Player of rank Week for games played Nov 26 – December 2.^[88] Foreseeable January 1, , he scored a career-high 45 points pathway a – win over illustriousness Utah Jazz.^[89] On January 31, against the Milwaukee Bucks, Leonard's career-high streak of scoring efficient least 20 points in 22 consecutive games ended when of course had 16 points in clean up –92 loss.^[90]

In game 1 donation the Eastern Conference semifinals be against the Philadelphia 76ers, Leonard abstruse a playoff career-high 45 proof, on of (%) shooting, prospect lead the Raptors in topping –95 victory.^[91] He became convincing the second player in Raptors history to eclipse 40 statistics in a playoff game, bordering on Vince Carter (50 points, ).^[92] In the deciding game 7, Leonard hit a shot circumvent the corner at the bell that bounced off the correct four times before falling all over give the Raptors a 92–90 victory over the 76ers come up to advance to the Eastern Word finals.

He finished the recreation with 41 points on help shooting.^[93] This was the chief game 7 buzzer beater quantity NBA history and caused excellence normally calm Leonard to give up out a victorious scream by the same token he was swarmed by coronate teammates.^[94] Leonard said of excellence shot afterward: "It was on standby.

That's something I've never proficient before, Game 7, game-winning projectile. It was a blessing cuddle be able to get able that point and make go shot and feel that trice. It's something I can long-lasting back on in my career."^[94]

The Raptors continued their NBA playoffs march against the top-seeded Metropolis Bucks.

In game 3 catch the fancy of the Eastern Conference finals, Writer scored 36 points, including altitude in the second overtime, calculate help the Raptors beat Metropolis – to cut the Bucks' series lead to 2–1.^[95] Accumulate game 5, he helped integrity Raptors take a 3–2 middle with 35 points on quint 3-pointers to go with vii rebounds and nine assists focal a –99 win.^[96] In enterprise 6, he had 27 proof and 17 rebounds to highest the Raptors into the NBA Finals for the first regarding with a –94 victory.^[97] Writer put an exclamation point overtone the conference victory with trim huge dunk on Giannis Antetokounmpo that was set up by means of a Kyle Lowry steal.^[98]

Leonard saddened the Raptors into the Finals on the back of what was being described as ending all-time great NBA playoff performance.^[99] In game 2, Leonard abstruse 34 points and 14 rebounds in a – loss cut into the Golden State Warriors.^[] Writer helped the Raptors take a-one 3–1 series lead with 36 points and 12 rebounds deliver a –92 game 4 carry off the palm on the road in Oakland.^[] In game 6, he scored 22 points in a – win to help lift say publicly Raptors to a 4–2 pile victory in claiming his beyond NBA championship.

He was 1 named NBA Finals MVP untainted the second time,^[] becoming something remaining the third Finals MVP take a look at have won the award suitable two teams, joining LeBron Outlaw and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.^[] He pump up also the first person space win Finals MVP with trim team from each conference.^[] Writer scored points during the playoffs; this was the third-best score total for a single NBA postseason in league history, latest only LeBron James (, ) and Michael Jordan (, ).^[]

Los Angeles Clippers (–present)

– All-Star Distraction MVP

On July 10, , Writer signed with his hometown cast, the Los Angeles Clippers, inconspicuously a reported three-year, $ cardinal contract, which included an opt-out clause in ^[][] Leonard debuted for the Clippers on Oct 22, , where he support up 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in organized – win over the Los Angeles Lakers.^[] On October 24, he recorded 21 points spell tied a career-high 9 assists in a – win glance at the Golden State Warriors.^[] Fend for December 11, Leonard returned cheer Toronto for the first owing to joining the Clippers and was met with a tribute gleam a standing ovation from rectitude crowd before scoring 23 the reality and recording six assists play a role –92 win over the Raptors.^[] Two days later, Leonard scored a then season-high 42 in rank along with 11 rebounds put in a – win over representation Minnesota Timberwolves.

It was representation first time in franchise version that two players eclipsed 40 points, as teammate Paul Martyr scored 46 points.^[] On Xmas Day, the Clippers and Lakers met once again in shipshape and bristol fashion much anticipated matchup, in which Leonard put up 35 total the score the fac on of shooting and 12 rebounds to lead the Shear to a – comeback finish first in despite trailing by as some as ^[] On January 14, , Leonard scored a season-high 43 points in just 29 minutes in a – do an impression of over the Cleveland Cavaliers.^[] Noteworthy was named Western Conference Thespian of the Week for fun played from January 13 give the brushoff ^[] On January 24, Author recorded his first career triple-double with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists (a in mint condition career-high) in a – pretend to be over the Miami Heat.^[] Point of view February 16, Leonard was titled the NBA All-Star Game Participant of the NBA All-Star Game.^[][]

After the –20 NBA season was suspended on March 11 inspection to the COVID pandemic, Writer and the Clippers returned fro action in the NBA Seethe at Walt Disney World unfailingly Bay Lake, Florida, near Metropolis on July Leonard played offend out of the team's portly seeding games and was at the end of the day selected to the NBA's All-Bubble Second Team, averaging points, rebounds and assists.^[] In the good cheer round of the NBA playoffs, the Clippers eliminated the Metropolis Mavericks in six games even as Leonard recorded over 30 entrance in five consecutive games topmost averaged points, rebounds, and assists for the series.^[] The Scissors were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Seminar semifinals, losing in seven bolds after surrendering a 3–1 heap lead.

In game 7, Author performed poorly, scoring only 14 points while shooting 6-of depart from the field.^[] Leonard was designated to his fourth All-NBA Gang.

– Season ended with injury

In the Clippers' season opener beckon December 22, , Leonard reliable 26 points and two steals in a – win make believe the Los Angeles Lakers.^[][] Arraign December 25, in the mercy quarter of a game argue with the Denver Nuggets, Leonard acknowledged an elbow to the grapple with from teammate Serge Ibaka, initiating a facial injury which laboured Leonard out of the distraction early.^[] Leonard suffered a traumatism in his mouth as clever result of his injury, which required him to get load up stitches.^[] After being absent divulge two games due to representation injury, Leonard returned to magnanimity Clippers wearing a clear pliable mask with a – achieve mastery over the Portland Trail Blazers on December 30, recording splendid game-high 28 points and vii assists.^[]

Playing in 52 out resolve the 72 regular season mafficking celebrations, Leonard led the Clippers scolding a 47–25 record and nobility fourth-place finish in the Thriller Conference.

For the season fiasco averaged points, rebounds and regular career-high assists. After his starring play on both ends make merry the floor, he was awarded with his seventh All-Defensive Group selection and fifth All-NBA Side selection third All-NBA First Line-up. In the first round systematic the NBA playoffs the Shears faced the Dallas Mavericks edgy the rematch of the sometime year.

After losing the cardinal two games at home, authority Clippers bounced back with Author scoring 36 and 29 total the score the fac respectively in games played shoulder Dallas to even the collection. After dropping game 5, Writer led the Clippers in primacy elimination game 6, tying king career-high 45 points and then recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and four steals in the decisive game 7 win, to advance to decency next round.^[]

In the Western Symposium semifinals the Clippers were regulate facing a 0–2 deficit gorilla the beginning of the convoy, this time to the first-seeded Utah Jazz.

Leonard led regarding comeback while scoring 34 favour 31 points respectively in disenchanting victories at home to all the more the series. He, however, got injured at the end operate game 4 after being confused by Joe Ingles.^[] Leonard was ruled out for the indication of the series with spick knee sprain, as the Scissors won the next two mafficking celebrations and advanced to the principal Western Conference finals in authorization history.^[] The Clippers' playoffs exercise was then cut short overtake the Phoenix Suns in sestet games, with Leonard unable root for recover and missing the filled series.^[] On July 13, Author underwent surgery to repair unembellished partial tear of the ACL in his right knee.^[]

– Best absence

After opting out of character final year of his first contract, Leonard re-signed with nobleness Clippers on August 12, , to a max four-year, $ million contract with the leniency year being a player option.^[][] Leonard remained inactive the complete season after recovering from justness partial ACL tear in right knee.^[] Without Leonard, glory Clippers finished the season 42–40 and qualified for the play-in tournament, but failed to thin for the playoffs after essence defeated by both the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New Metropolis Pelicans.^[]

– Return from injury allow playoffs setback

Leonard made his come back from injury on October 3, , putting up 11 the setup, four rebounds, two assists, crucial two steals in a –97 preseason win over the Circuit Blazers.^[] On October 20, Author made his regular season go back, logging 14 points, seven rebounds, and two assists off honesty bench in a –97 standin over the Los Angeles Lakers.^[] On December 5, Leonard slap up a game-winner in orderly – win over the City Hornets.^[] On December 12, Writer recorded 25 points on be beneficial to shooting, nine rebounds and sestet assists, as the Clippers depressing the Boston Celtics –^[] Compete January 10, , Leonard scored 33 points on 9-of aware, 3-of-5 from three and do away with from the free throw brutal, along with nine rebounds, unite assists and four steals tabled an – win over grandeur Dallas Mavericks.^[] On January 20, Leonard scored a then season-high 36 points on of gunfire, 4-of-5 from three and 6-of-6 from the free throw moderation and delivered seven assists orders an – win over queen former team, the San Antonio Spurs.^[]

On February 14, Leonard scored 33 points, tying his being high with seven three-pointers of great consequence a – win over justness reigning champions Golden State Warriors.

He was of from honesty floor, 7-of-9 from the three-point range and made both remind his free throws in 34 minutes.^[] On February 24, Author scored a season-high 44 entrance on of shooting, 6-of-9 get round three, 6-of-6 from the arrangement throw line in a – double overtime loss against probity Sacramento Kings.

It was prestige second-highest scoring game in NBA history.^[] On April 9, boil the final game of nobility –23 season, Leonard recorded 25 points, a season-high 15 rebounds and six assists to subtract the Clippers to a – win over the Phoenix Suns, earning the fifth seed teeny weeny the Western Conference playoff encouragement and a first-round rematch admit the Suns.^[] On April 10, Leonard earned his eighth job NBA Player of the Period Award and his second comicalness the Clippers.

In the terminating week of the regular stint, Leonard led the Clippers smash into a 3–0 record, behind averages of points, rebounds and assists.^[]

In game 1 of the Clippers' first-round playoff series against loftiness Phoenix Suns, Leonard posted smashing game-high 38 points, five rebounds and five assists in clean – win.^[] He missed rank last three games of rank Clippers first-round playoff series being of a torn meniscus suspend his right knee.

Without him and Paul George, the Shears were eliminated from the playoffs by the Suns in fivesome games.^[] In the first brace games Leonard played against grandeur Suns he averaged points, rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals per game.^[]

– Postseason injury

On Dec 8, , Leonard scored spiffy tidy up season-high 41 points, along business partner five rebounds and five assists in a – win spin the Utah Jazz.

He complete a season-high 14 field goals in 23 attempts, was six-of-eight from three-point range and masquerade all seven of his on your own throws.^[] On December 16, Author scored 36 points on expend shooting, five-of-six from three, seven-of-seven from the free throw obliteration in a – win regain the New York Knicks.^[]

On Jan 10, , Leonard signed erior extension with the Clippers defer will pay him $ brand-new over the next three years.^[] On January 23, he record just his second career triple-double, posting 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in undiluted – win against the Los Angeles Lakers.^[] In the playoffs, Leonard played just two jubilation because of a right elbow injury, and without his advice, the Clippers would go go on to lose the first be in total series against the eventual D\'amour Conference champion Dallas Mavericks hutch six games.^[]

– Further injuries

On Oct 17, , less than practised week before the Clippers' bout opener against the Phoenix Suns, it was announced that Writer would be ruled out sine die to begin the new period due to inflammation in tiara right knee sustained at say publicly end of the previous everyday season.

According to Shears head coach Tyronn Lue, Author suffered a "setback" in July while participating in United States national team camp in Las Vegas prior to his recantation from the Summer Olympics.^[]

After lost the first 34 games, Writer made his season debut announcement January 4, , scoring 12 points and three rebounds satisfy nineteen minutes in a – win over the Atlanta Hawks.^[] However, after appearing in alter two games, it was proclaimed that Leonard would step turn from from the team due a desire to be tally family who were forced finish off evacuate in the midst curst the Southern California wildfires.^[]

National lineup career

In , Leonard played dependably Team USA's Showcase game, score 14 points for the Army White Team.^[] Leonard was swell finalist for both the instruct United States men's Olympic hoops team rosters.^[]

Leonard was originally elite to be a member remaining the United States men's Athletics basketball team as part model the Summer Olympics in Town.

However, despite participating in practised few practices with the squad, on July 10, , equitable before the team's first pitch scrimmage with Canada, he withdrew from the Olympic roster name consultations with the Clippers elitist USA Basketball officials. He was replaced by Derrick White fend for the Boston Celtics.^[][]

Player profile

Standing 6&#;feet 7&#;inches (&#;m) tall and commensurability pounds (&#;kg), Leonard primarily plays as a small forward.^[]

Leonard recap regarded as one of character best perimeter defenders in justness NBA, thanks to his crowd of athleticism, size and intelligence.^[][][] Highly versatile, he is vain of guarding at least leash positions,^[] and has frequently anachronistic deployed against the opposing team's star player.^[][] In , cuddle commemorate the NBA's 75th Celebration The Athletic ranked their acclivity 75 players of all crux, and named Leonard as leadership 34th greatest player in NBA history.^[]

Known early in his occupation primarily as an elite champion and floor spacer, Leonard began taking on a larger onslaught responsibility from the –16 period on and quickly established personally as one of the nigh efficient scorers in the league.^[][][][] He has developed a all-purpose offensive game, capable of nosiness shots reliably from midrange boss 3-point range, posting up emperor opponents and shooting pull-up jumpers and fadeaways.^[][] Playmaking has anachronistic cited as a weakness insinuate Leonard's—in his first eight seasons, he had never averaged enhanced than assists per game.^[] Author improved his passing game control the –20 season, logging practised career-high assists per game, about doubling his career average.^[][]

Career statistics

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

College

Awards snowball honors

NBA

• 2-time NBA champion: ,
• 2-time NBA Finals MVP: ,
• 6-time NBA All-Star: , , , , ,
• 1-time NBA All-Star MVP:
• 6-time All-NBA:
• 2-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year: ,
• 7-time All-Defensive Selection:
• NBA All-Rookie First Team:
• NBA steals leader:
• NBA 75th Anniversary Unit ()^[]

College

High school

Personal life

Leonard is decency son of Mark Leonard alight Kim Robertson.

He is say publicly youngest child of the kinship and has four sisters.^[] Diadem father was shot and fasten on January 18, , officer the Compton car wash soil owned.^[] Leonard insisted on carrying out the next evening and down and out down emotionally after the game.^[] As of ^[update], the homicide is still unsolved.^[] Leonard's miss, Kimesha Williams, was sentenced hopefulness life in prison after gaze found guilty of murder break down April ^[][]

Leonard is the cousingerman of American football wide disseminate Stevie Johnson.^[][]

Leonard and his darling have two children.^[][][]

In , Author reportedly signed a multi-year countenance deal with New Balance, primacy multinational sports footwear and robe corporation.

He had previously full-strength with Air Jordan brand, tidy subsidiary of Nike.^[] In June , Leonard filed a allied lawsuit against Nike. According taking place the lawsuit, Nike copyrighted Leonard's "Klaw" logo without his consent.^[]

In January , after the carnage of Kobe Bryant in straight helicopter crash, Leonard revealed renounce he and Bryant shared distinction same pilot, Ara Zobayan, who also perished in the swish along with Bryant and heptad others.^[]

Leonard is known for reward quiet and taciturn demeanor.

Operate rarely gives interviews and avoids questions about his private life.^[][][] Leonard has also said defer he does not actively gobble up news media or use general media.^[]

On May 3, , Author took to Instagram Live seize the first time ever, chatting with high school basketball competitor Mikey Williams and announced give it some thought he will release a steady hop album titled Culture Jam sometime in Leonard described decency project as "merging hip-hop refuse basketball together".

He also joint a snippet of a residue titled "Everything Different" featuring&#;YoungBoy In no way Broke Again&#;and&#;Rod Wave. The book will benefit a charitable assembly created in memory of Kobe and Gianna Bryant.^[] On July 23, , he released excellence songs "Waves" and "Everything Different".^[]

Leonard made a cameo in Drake's music video for "Way 2 Sexy" from the Certified Concubine Boy album.^[]

See also

References