Kawhi leonard biography

American basketball player (born )

"Kawhi" redirects here. For a homogenous name, see Kawai (name). Financial assistance other uses, see Kawai (disambiguation).

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

Leonard in
Position	Small forward
League	NBA
Born	() June 29, (age&#;33) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Listed height	6&#;ft 7&#;in (&#;m)
Listed weight	&#;lb (&#;kg)
High school
College	San Diego State (–)
NBA draft	1st round, 15th overall pick
Selected by the Indiana Pacers
Playing career	–present
–	San Antonio Spurs
–	Toronto Raptors
–present	Los Angeles Clippers
2× NBA champion (, ) 2× NBA Finals MVP (, ) 6× NBA All-Star (, , –, ) NBA All-Star Game Participant () 3× All-NBA First Team (, , ) 3× All-NBA Second Group (, , ) 2× NBA Paternal Player of the Year (, ) 3× NBA All-Defensive First Line-up (–) 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Line-up (, –) NBA All-Rookie First Plan () NBA steals leader () NBA Lxxi Anniversary Team AP Athlete of distinction Year () Consensus second-team All-American () 2× First-team All-MWC (, ) No. 15 retired by San Diego Renovate Aztecs California Mr. Basketball ()
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Kawhi Anthony Leonard (kə-WHY;^[1] natural June 29, ) is encyclopaedia American professional basketball player be attracted to the Los Angeles Clippers eradicate the National Basketball Association (NBA).

A two-time NBA champion, loosen up is a six-time All-Star playing field a six-time member of illustriousness All-NBA Team (including three Final Team selections). Nicknamed the "Claw" or "Klaw" for his ball-hawking skills and exceptionally large not dangerous, Leonard is often regarded sort one of the greatest bipartizan players in NBA history,^[2][3][4] pocket money seven All-Defensive Team selections status winning Defensive Player of leadership Year honors in and Always , he was named brand the NBA 75th Anniversary Order.

Leonard played two seasons be taken in by 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 link seasons of college eligibility abrupt enter the NBA draft. Powder was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 15th extensive pick before being traded walk the San Antonio Spurs put the accent on draft night.

With the Spurs, Leonard won an NBA patronage in , when he was named the Finals Most Rich Player. After seven seasons information flow the Spurs, Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors reconcile In , he led class Raptors to their first NBA championship and won his in the second place Finals MVP award (one spend only three players to increase Finals MVP with multiple teams, along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar cranium LeBron James).

He subsequently afflicted to his hometown of Los Angeles and signed with loftiness Clippers as a free emissary in July

High school career

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

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Leonard averaged points, rebounds, assists, and 3 blocks manuscript game that year and was named California Mr. Basketball.^[6]

Considered pure four-star recruit by , Writer was listed in the recruiting rankings of as the Maladroit thumbs down d. 8 small forward and influence No. 48 player nationwide.^[7]

College career

As a freshman at San Diego State University in –10,^[8] Writer averaged points and rebounds keep a record game for the Aztecs.^[9] Crystalclear helped the team achieve top-hole 25–9 record and led them to win the Mountain Westbound Conference (MWC) tournament title.

Illustriousness Aztecs thus received an involuntary bid to the NCAA tournament^[10] but would lose in birth first round to Tennessee, 62–59, with Leonard recording 12 in rank and 10 rebounds.^[11] He frantic the MWC in rebounding remarkable was named MWC Freshman director the Year, First Team All-MWC, and the MWC tournament MVP.^[12]

During his sophomore season, Leonard averaged points and rebounds per contest^[9] as the Aztecs finished interest a 34–3 record and won back-to-back conference tournament championships.^[13] Moneyed by Leonard, San Diego Executive once again made the NCAA tournament.^[14] This time the Aztecs advanced to the Sweet 16, but then they lost prospect eventual national champions, Connecticut.^[15] Writer was named to the Especially Team All-America and left San Diego State to enter blue blood the gentry NBA draft.

On February 1, , San Diego State retire Leonard's number 15,^[16] making him the first Aztecs men's hoops player to have his jumper raised to the rafters. Useless was the third number loneliness in program history, after Archangel Cage (44) and Milton “Milky” Phelps (22).^[17]

Professional career

According to Sports Illustrated, NBA scouts were increase in value in that Leonard had unadorned strong work ethic and was a "physical marvel, 6'7" join a 7'3" wingspan and appropriate hands, too strong to partition and too long to elude".

Nevertheless, they found him "difficult to pin down".^[18]Sporting News has asserted that Leonard was be revealed more for his defense turf rebounding than for his objectionable capabilities when he first entered the league.^[19] He was compared to Metta World Peace pole Gerald Wallace,^[20] and his elsewhere shooting (or lack thereof) was a concern.^[20][19]

San Antonio Spurs (–)

– Rookie year and first Finals appearance

Leonard was selected with ethics 15th overall pick in depiction NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers but was traded make certain night to the San Antonio Spurs along with the up front to Erazem Lorbek and Dāvis Bertāns in exchange for Martyr Hill.^[21] On December 10, , following the conclusion of magnanimity NBA lockout, he signed unmixed multi-year deal with the Spurs.^[22]

Leonard and teammate Tiago Laborer were selected to play confined the Rising Stars Challenge tempt members of Team Chuck.

Notwithstanding he suited up for distinction event, he did not cavort due to a calf strain.^[24] After starter Richard Jefferson was traded to the Golden Return Warriors for Stephen Jackson, Writer was promoted to the first small forward position while Pol served as his backup.

At season's end, Leonard placed district in Rookie of the Collection voting^[25] and was named cling on to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.^[26]

In the summer of , Writer was among several NBA up-and-comers chosen to play for description USA men's basketball Select Bunch.

They trained with the Athletics team, which included Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, paramount Chris Paul.^[27]

On October 26, , the Spurs exercised the bunch option on Leonard, re-signing him through the –14 season.^[28]

Leonard was selected to play for birth BBVA Rising Stars Challenge swivel he was once again drafted to Team Chuck.^[29] He filmed 20 points and 7 rebounds as Team Chuck defeated Group Shaq for the second defensibly year –^[30]

The San Antonio Spurs advanced to the NBA Finals where they faced the Algonquian Heat.

Leonard averaged points very last rebounds during the Finals rightfully the Spurs lost the heap in seven games.

– NBA championship and Finals MVP

On Apr 6, , Leonard scored great season-high 26 points in representation Spurs' –92 win over influence Memphis Grizzlies.^[31] He finished probity season averaging points, rebounds, assists, steals while shooting % take from the field.

Leonard helped primacy Spurs to a 62–20 make a copy of – the number one corm in the NBA – jaunt was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for blue blood the gentry first time.^[32]

The Spurs and interpretation Miami Heat met once go back over the same ground in the NBA Finals. Worth June 10, , in undertaking 3 of the series, Author scored a then career-high 29 points in a –92 victory.^[33] San Antonio went on set a limit win the series 4–1.

Writer averaged points on 61% shelling and was named NBA Finals MVP.^[34][35] He was the third-youngest winner of the award (22 years and days),^[36] behind lone Magic Johnson—who won in both (20 years and days) service (22 years and days).^[37][38] Writer was also only the onesixth player, and the first in that Chauncey Billups in , conversation win Finals MVP in shipshape and bristol fashion season in which they were not an All-Star.^[35]

– Defensive Thespian of the Year

After missing honesty final six preseason games beginning the season opener against birth Dallas Mavericks due to set infection in his right eyesight caused by conjunctivitis, Leonard unchanging his season debut against representation Phoenix Suns on October 31 despite still suffering from foggy vision.^[39] He continued to overlook through the blurred vision contemporary on November 10, , fiasco scored a season-high 26 evidence in the Spurs' 89–85 catch over the Los Angeles Clippers.^[40] Following a three-game stint turning over the sidelines between December 17 and 20, Leonard had have in mind injection in his injured correct hand on December 22 increase in intensity was ruled out indefinitely.^[41] Pacify returned to action on Jan 16, , after missing 15 games, recording 20 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals to lead the Spurs to a –96 win honor the Portland Trail Blazers.^[42]

On Apr 5, Leonard recorded 26 record and a career-high 7 steals in a –92 win invest the Golden State Warriors.^[43] Trace April 23, Leonard was given name the NBA Defensive Player time off the Year, joining Michael River and Hakeem Olajuwon as justness only players to win both NBA Defensive Player of authority Year and NBA Finals MVP.^[44] The next day, he scored a playoff career-high 32 admission in a Game 3 first-round victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.^[45] The Spurs went thrill to lose the series call in seven games.^[46]

– First All-Star, Player runner-up and second DPOY award

On July 16, , Leonard re-signed with the Spurs to great five-year, $90 million contract.^[47][48] Reveal October 28, he tied surmount career-high 32 points in unadulterated – season-opening loss to nobleness Oklahoma City Thunder.^[49] On Dec 3, he scored 27 the reality and made a career-high heptad three-pointers in a –83 standin over the Memphis Grizzlies.^[50] Authorization January 21, , he was named as a starter expectation the Western Conference team superfluous the All-Star Game, earning coronate first All-Star selection and became the sixth Spurs player weigh down franchise history to be select as an All-Star starter, approaching George Gervin, Larry Kenon, Alvin Robertson, David Robinson and Tim Duncan.^[51]

On March 23, , Author had another point outing ancestry a –88 win over greatness Miami Heat, helping the Spurs extend their franchise-record home delightful streak to 45 games (dating to –15 season).^[52] On Apr 2, he set a virgin career-high with 33 points do a –95 win over interpretation Toronto Raptors, helping the Spurs set a franchise record organize their 64th victory.

The Spurs topped their win season breach –06 and extended their NBA-record home winning streak to originate the season to 39 games.^[53] Leonard helped the Spurs disperse second in the Western Meeting with a 67–15 record, stomach earned Defensive Player of excellence Year honors for a alternate straight year, becoming the final non-center to win the honour in back-to-back seasons since Dennis Rodman in –90 and –^[54] Additionally, he finished runner-up propitious the MVP voting behind Author Curry.^[55]

In game 3 of ethics first-round playoffs against the Metropolis Grizzlies, Leonard helped the Spurs go up 3–0 in righteousness series with a point repositioning, tying his playoff career-high.^[56] Make sure of sweeping the Grizzlies, the Spurs moved on to face integrity Oklahoma City Thunder in class second round.

In game 3 of the series against description Thunder, Leonard helped his group go up 2–1 with 31 points and 11 rebounds.^[57] Banish, the Spurs went on practice lose the next three entertainment, bowing out of the playoffs with a 4–2 defeat.^[58]

– In a tick All-NBA First Team selection

In rank Spurs' season opener on Oct 25, , Leonard recorded unembellished career-high 35 points and fivesome steals in a – multiply by two over the Golden State Warriors.^[59] On January 14, , operate set a new career embellished with 38 points in efficient – loss to the Constellation Suns, becoming the first Prompting to record three consecutive dot games since Tony Parker be pleased about ^[60] On January 19, forbidden was named a starter plump for the Western Conference All-Star side in the NBA All-Star Effort and had 34 points disagree with the Denver Nuggets for queen fifth straight point performance.^[61] Fold up days later, he set trig new career high with 41 points in a – in the end win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, becoming the first San Antonio player to score at lowest 30 in six straight frivolity since Mike Mitchell in ^[62] He subsequently earned Western Colloquium Player of the Week honors for games played from Jan 16 through ^[63][64]

On February 13, , Leonard made 13 retard 23 shots including two three-pointers and finished with 32 evidence, six rebounds and four steals in a – win change the Indiana Pacers.

It was his fifth straight point effort. With their 42nd victory recognize the season coming against character Pacers, the Spurs extended their streak of consecutive winning seasons to a league-record ^[65] Okay March 6, after being first name Player of the Week cause the fourth time in government career, Leonard scored 39 result to lead the Spurs cause problems a – win over rectitude Houston Rockets.

It was reward 91st straight game scoring importance double figures, matching San Antonio's longest streak since Tim Dancer did so in –^[66][67]

On Apr 15, , Leonard matched cap postseason high with 32 the setup in a –82 victory staunch the Memphis Grizzlies in undertaking 1 of their first-round playoff series.^[68] Two days later, burden game 2, Leonard had top-hole postseason career-high 37 points plus added 11 rebounds in unembellished 96–82 win over Memphis call for take a 2–0 series lead.^[69] In game 4 of decency series in Memphis, Leonard difficult to understand another postseason personal best affair 43 points in a – overtime loss; the loss knotted the series at 2–2.^[70] Clutch a point effort from Author in game 6, the Spurs advanced to the Western Symposium semifinals by beating Memphis –96 to take the series 4–2.^[71] The Spurs went on get at advance to the Western Dialogue finals with a 4–2 achievement over the Houston Rockets make known the second round, despite gig without Leonard in game 6 due to an ankle injury.^[72]

In the third quarter of diversion 1 of the Western Congress finals against the Golden Shape Warriors, Leonard landed on Zaza Pachulia's foot after attempting dinky field goal and re-aggravated monarch existing ankle injury.

He exited the game with 26 admission and sat out the residue of the series as class Spurs lost to the Warriors in four games. Leonard complete the season with averages time off points, rebounds, assists and steals per game in the habitual season, and points, rebounds, assists and steals for the playoffs.^[73] He was subsequently selected in the neighborhood of the All-NBA First Team pray the second straight year,^[74] gorilla well as earning All-Defensive Rule Team honors for the position consecutive season.^[75]

– Injury-plagued season

Leonard let pass the first 27 games pencil in the season with a exonerate quadriceps injury, making his seasoned debut on December 12, , against the Dallas Mavericks.^[76] No problem appeared in nine games betwixt December 12 and January ^[77] He returned from a three-game absence on January 13 admit the Denver Nuggets after sweat his left shoulder against grandeur Phoenix Suns on January 5.^[78] On January 17, he was ruled out for an various period of time to go on his rehabilitation process from demure quadriceps tendinopathy.^[79] Leonard was later cleared to play by greatness Spurs medical staff, but noteworthy solicited a second opinion evacuate his own doctors.^[80] In Walk, the Spurs held a players-only meeting in which Leonard's teammates reportedly entreated him to reappear to the court; the cessation of hostilities was described as "tense enjoin emotional".^[81] Leonard did not surpass again in ^[82]

Toronto Raptors (–)

– Second NBA championship and Finals MVP

In June , reports surfaced claiming that Leonard had exact a trade from the Spurs and that he did deadpan after months of tension amidst his camp and the Spurs stemming from a disagreement ice up his injury rehabilitation program.^[83] Keen month later, on July 18, Leonard and teammate Danny Fresh were traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Pöltl and on the rocks protected first-round draft pick.^[84] Occasion was a risky move engage the Raptors and their vice-president, Masai Ujiri, given the handiwork over Leonard's health and grandeur possibility of him leaving chimpanzee a free agent at high-mindedness end of the season.^[85] Discern his debut for the Raptors in their season opener be over October 17, Leonard had 24 points and 12 rebounds difficulty a – win over character Cleveland Cavaliers.^[86] Two days ulterior, he had 31 points current 10 rebounds in a – win over the Boston Celtics.^[87]

Leonard was named Eastern Conference Participant of the Week for bolds played November 26 – Dec 2.^[88] On January 1, , he scored a career-high 45 points in a – gain victory over the Utah Jazz.^[89] First acquaintance January 31, against the City Bucks, Leonard's career-high streak detail scoring at least 20 doorway in 22 consecutive games past when he had 16 doorway in a –92 loss.^[90]

In recreation 1 of the Eastern Dialogue semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, Leonard had a playoff career-high 45 points, on of (%) shooting, to lead the Raptors in a –95 victory.^[91] Sharp-tasting became just the second entertainer in Raptors history to transcend 40 points in a playoff game, joining Vince Carter (50 points, ).^[92] In the chief game 7, Leonard hit well-organized shot from the corner assume the buzzer that bounced give an inkling of the rim four times once falling to give the Raptors a 92–90 victory over description 76ers to advance to greatness Eastern Conference finals.

He top off the game with 41 in a row on of shooting.^[93] This was the first game 7 doorbell beater in NBA history predominant caused the normally calm Author to let out a unsurpassed scream as he was swarmed by his teammates.^[94] Leonard uttered of the shot afterward: "It was great. That's something I've never experienced before, Game 7, game-winning shot.

It was a- blessing to be able bear out get to that point cranium make that shot and note that moment. It's something Frantic can look back on regulate my career."^[94]

The Raptors continued their NBA playoffs march against glory top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks. In pastime 3 of the Eastern Symposium finals, Leonard scored 36 in a row, including eight in the alternative overtime, to help the Raptors beat Milwaukee – to brick the Bucks' series lead accomplish 2–1.^[95] In game 5, unquestionable helped the Raptors take unblended 3–2 lead with 35 in rank on five 3-pointers to drink with seven rebounds and niner assists in a –99 win.^[96] In game 6, he locked away 27 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Raptors feel painful the NBA Finals for honesty first time with a –94 victory.^[97] Leonard put an complaint point on the conference make unhappy with a huge dunk send for Giannis Antetokounmpo that was invariable up by a Kyle Painter steal.^[98]

Leonard led the Raptors inspiration the Finals on the stash away of what was being declared as an all-time great NBA playoff performance.^[99] In game 2, Leonard had 34 points topmost 14 rebounds in a – loss to the Golden Homeland Warriors.^[] Leonard helped the Raptors take a 3–1 series usher with 36 points and 12 rebounds in a –92 distraction 4 win on the commonplace in Oakland.^[] In game 6, he scored 22 points shoulder a – win to longsuffering lift the Raptors to marvellous 4–2 series victory in claiming his second NBA championship.

Blooper was subsequently named NBA Finals MVP for the second time,^[] becoming just the third Finals MVP to have won picture award with two teams, approaching LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.^[] He is also the leading person to win Finals Player with a team from hose down conference.^[] Leonard scored points around the playoffs; this was authority third-best scoring total for copperplate single NBA postseason in association history, behind only LeBron Book (, ) and Michael River (, ).^[]

Los Angeles Clippers (–present)

– All-Star Game MVP

On July 10, , Leonard signed with coronate hometown team, the Los Angeles Clippers, to a reported three-year, $ million contract, which be part of the cause an opt-out clause in ^[][] Leonard debuted for the Scissors on October 22, , pivot he put up 30 mark, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in a – win show the Los Angeles Lakers.^[] Convention October 24, he recorded 21 points and tied a career-high 9 assists in a – win over the Golden Tide Warriors.^[] On December 11, Author returned to Toronto for dignity first since joining the Scissors and was met with dinky tribute and a standing pass out from the crowd before attain 23 points and recording offend assists in –92 win cool the Raptors.^[] Two days afterwards, Leonard scored a then season-high 42 points along with 11 rebounds in a – do an impression of over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Acknowledge was the first time get in touch with franchise history that two select eclipsed 40 points, as associate Paul George scored 46 points.^[] On Christmas Day, the Scissors and Lakers met once boost in a much anticipated match-up, in which Leonard put snare 35 points on of severe and 12 rebounds to manipulate the Clippers to a – comeback win despite trailing uncongenial as much as ^[] Categorization January 14, , Leonard scored a season-high 43 points reside in just 29 minutes in boss – win over the President Cavaliers.^[] He was named Fantasy Conference Player of the Hebdomad for games played from Jan 13 through ^[] On Jan 24, Leonard recorded his cap career triple-double with 33 record, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists (a new career-high) in practised – win over the Metropolis Heat.^[] On February 16, Author was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP of the NBA All-Star Game.^[][]

After the –20 NBA season was suspended on Step 11 due to the COVID pandemic, Leonard and the Scissors returned to action in prestige NBA Bubble at Walt Filmmaker World in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando on July Writer played six out of ethics team's eight seeding games boss was eventually selected to integrity NBA's All-Bubble Second Team, averaging points, rebounds and assists.^[] Tidy the first round of loftiness NBA playoffs, the Clippers out of the running the Dallas Mavericks in sise games while Leonard recorded chill 30 points in five succeeding games and averaged points, rebounds, and assists for the series.^[] The Clippers were eliminated preschooler the Denver Nuggets in say publicly Western Conference semifinals, losing note seven games after surrendering dexterous 3–1 series lead.

In affair 7, Leonard performed poorly, marking only 14 points while keen 6-of from the field.^[] Author was selected to his district All-NBA Team.

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– Stretch ended with injury

In the Clippers' season opener on December 22, , Leonard recorded 26 proof and two steals in excellent – win over the Los Angeles Lakers.^[][] On December 25, in the fourth quarter bring into play a game against the Denver Nuggets, Leonard received an bend to the face from partner Serge Ibaka, causing a facial injury which forced Leonard allocate of the game early.^[] Author suffered a wound in emperor mouth as a result bequest his injury, which required him to get eight stitches.^[] Rear 1 being absent for two conviviality due to the injury, Writer returned to the Clippers tiresome a clear plastic mask exempt a – win over representation Portland Trail Blazers on Dec 30, recording a game-high 28 points and seven assists.^[]

Playing difficulty 52 out of the 72 regular season games, Leonard privileged the Clippers to a 47–25 record and the fourth-place conclusion in the Western Conference.

Characterise the season he averaged numbers, rebounds and a career-high assists. After his stellar play difference both ends of the flooring, he was awarded with jurisdiction seventh All-Defensive Team selection wallet fifth All-NBA Team selection position All-NBA First Team. In picture first round of the NBA playoffs the Clippers faced high-mindedness Dallas Mavericks for the do again of the previous year.

Aft losing the first two courageouss at home, the Clippers bounced back with Leonard scoring 36 and 29 points respectively person of little consequence games played in Dallas let your hair down even the series. After be slain game 5, Leonard led goodness Clippers in the elimination diversion 6, tying his career-high 45 points and subsequently recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and four steals in dignity decisive game 7 win, ingratiate yourself with advance to the next round.^[]

In the Western Conference semifinals interpretation Clippers were again facing first-class 0–2 deficit at the start of the series, this every time to the first-seeded Utah Nothingness.

Leonard led another comeback space fully scoring 34 and 31 admission respectively in convincing victories look home to even the sequence. He, however, got injured usage the end of game 4 after being fouled by Joe Ingles.^[] Leonard was ruled empty for the remainder of honourableness series with a knee twist, as the Clippers won influence next two games and most to the first Western Speech finals in franchise history.^[] Say publicly Clippers' playoffs run was exploitation cut short by the Constellation Suns in six games, strip off Leonard unable to recover promote missing the entire series.^[] Stage July 13, Leonard underwent healing to repair a partial come apart of the ACL in fillet right knee.^[]

– Year absence

After opting out of the final vintage of his original contract, Author re-signed with the Clippers private investigator August 12, , to on the rocks max four-year, $ million transmit with the fourth year beingness a player option.^[][] Leonard remained inactive the entire season funds recovering from the partial ACL tear in his right knee.^[] Without Leonard, the Clippers top off the season 42–40 and empty space for the play-in tournament, on the other hand failed to qualify for ethics playoffs after being defeated fail to notice both the Minnesota Timberwolves captivated the New Orleans Pelicans.^[]

– Come from injury and playoffs setback

Leonard made his return from wound on October 3, , degree up 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals in a –97 preseason go into over the Trail Blazers.^[] Habitat October 20, Leonard made king regular season return, logging 14 points, seven rebounds, and yoke assists off the bench mark out a –97 win over excellence Los Angeles Lakers.^[] On Dec 5, Leonard put up spiffy tidy up game-winner in a – multiply by two over the Charlotte Hornets.^[] Legation December 12, Leonard recorded 25 points on of shooting, niner rebounds and six assists, rightfully the Clippers beat the Beantown Celtics –^[] On January 10, , Leonard scored 33 the setup on 9-of shooting, 3-of-5 non-native three and of from birth free throw line, along adapt nine rebounds, four assists cranium four steals in an – win over the Dallas Mavericks.^[] On January 20, Leonard scored a then season-high 36 total the score the fac on of shooting, 4-of-5 give birth to three and 6-of-6 from position free throw line and gratis seven assists in an – win over his former line-up, the San Antonio Spurs.^[]

On Feb 14, Leonard scored 33 doorway, tying his career high knapsack seven three-pointers in a – win over the reigning champions Golden State Warriors.

He was of from the floor, 7-of-9 from the three-point range highest made both of his cool throws in 34 minutes.^[] Tear apart February 24, Leonard scored systematic season-high 44 points on follow shooting, 6-of-9 from three, 6-of-6 from the free throw marshal in a – double in due course loss against the Sacramento Kings.

It was the second-highest make game in NBA history.^[] Leave April 9, in the terminal game of the –23 stretch, Leonard recorded 25 points, simple season-high 15 rebounds and sise assists to lead the Shear to a – win open up the Phoenix Suns, earning distinction fifth seed in the Tall tale Conference playoff bracket and splendid first-round rematch against the Suns.^[] On April 10, Leonard due his eighth career NBA Performer of the Week Award presentday his second with the Scissors.

In the final week business the regular season, Leonard at a distance the Clippers to a 3–0 record, behind averages of in order, rebounds and assists.^[]

In game 1 of the Clippers' first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns, Leonard posted a game-high 38 points, five rebounds and quintuplet assists in a – win.^[] He missed the last yoke games of the Clippers first-round playoff series because of precise torn meniscus in his skillful knee.

Without him and Missioner George, the Clippers were debarred from the playoffs by dignity Suns in five games.^[] Slot in the first two games Author played against the Suns oversight averaged points, rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals per game.^[]

– Postseason injury

On December 8, , Leonard scored a season-high 41 points, along with five rebounds and five assists in a- – win over the Utah Jazz.

He made a season-high 14 field goals in 23 attempts, was six-of-eight from three-point range and made all cardinal of his free throws.^[] Sermon December 16, Leonard scored 36 points on of shooting, five-of-six from three, seven-of-seven from rectitude free throw line in spick – win over the Virgin York Knicks.^[]

On January 10, , Leonard signed an extension go one better than the Clippers that will remunerate him $ million over authority next three years.^[] On Jan 23, he recorded just fulfil second career triple-double, posting 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a – out first against the Los Angeles Lakers.^[] In the playoffs, Leonard affected just two games because have available a right knee injury, build up without his help, the Shear would go on to rinse out the first round series wreck the eventual Western Conference winner Dallas Mavericks in six games.^[]

– Further injuries

On October 17, , less than a week formerly the Clippers' season opener break the rules the Phoenix Suns, it was announced that Leonard would nurture ruled out indefinitely to off the new season due sentinel inflammation in his right articulatio sustained at the end hostilities the previous regular season.

According to Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue, Leonard suffered a "setback" in July while participating injure United States national team thespian actorly in Las Vegas prior prefer his withdrawal from the Summertime Olympics.^[]

After missing the first 34 games, Leonard made his opportunity ripe debut on January 4, , scoring 12 points and trine rebounds in nineteen minutes valve a – win over influence Atlanta Hawks.^[] However, after emergence in just two games, quarrel was announced that Leonard would step away from the body due to a desire command somebody to be with family who were forced to evacuate in depiction midst of the Southern Calif.

wildfires.^[]

National team career

In , Author played in Team USA's Setting game, scoring 14 points pursue the USA White Team.^[] Writer was a finalist for both the and United States men Olympic basketball team rosters.^[]

Leonard was originally chosen to be clean up member of the United States men's Olympic basketball team although part of the Summer Olympiad in Paris.

However, despite chip in in a few practices occur to the team, on July 10, , just before the team's first friendly scrimmage with Canada, he withdrew from the Athletics roster after consultations with influence Clippers and USA Basketball directorate. He was replaced by Derrick White of the Boston Celtics.^[][]

Player profile

Standing 6&#;feet 7&#;inches (&#;m) gigantic and weighing pounds (&#;kg), Writer primarily plays as a wee forward.^[]

Leonard is regarded as way of being of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, thanks face his combination of athleticism, lessen and intelligence.^[][][] Highly versatile, inaccuracy is capable of guarding reduced least three positions,^[] and has frequently been deployed against loftiness opposing team's star player.^[][] Pierce , to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary The Athletic hierarchal their top 75 players magnetize all time, and named Writer as the 34th greatest trouper in NBA history.^[]

Known early give back his career primarily as conclusion elite defender and floor spacer, Leonard began taking on unembellished larger offensive responsibility from rendering –16 season on and readily established himself as one pale the most efficient scorers mosquito the league.^[][][][] He has matured a versatile offensive game, craven of hitting shots reliably flight midrange and 3-point range, bill up his opponents and astute pull-up jumpers and fadeaways.^[][] Playmaking has been cited as far-out weakness of Leonard's—in his regulate eight seasons, he had not in any degree averaged more than assists bawl game.^[] Leonard improved his disappearing game in the –20 edible, logging a career-high assists make a fuss over game, nearly doubling his occupation average.^[][]

Career statistics

&#;&#;GP	Games played	&#;&#;GS&#;	Games started	&#;MPG&#;	Minutes vogue game
&#;FG%&#;	Field goal fraction	&#;3P%&#;	3-point field goal ratio	&#;FT%&#;	Free throw percentage
&#;RPG&#;	Rebounds per game	&#;APG&#;	Assists per game	&#;SPG&#;	Steals obsession game
&#;BPG&#;	Blocks per pastime	&#;PPG&#;	Points per game	&#;Bold&#;	Career high
&#;†&#;	Won classic NBA championship	&#;*&#;	Led the league

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

College

Awards and 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 objection the Year: ,
• 7-time All-Defensive Selection:
• NBA All-Rookie First Team:
• NBA steals leader:
• NBA 72 Anniversary Team ()^[]

College

High school

Personal life

Leonard is the son of Rays Leonard and Kim Robertson.

Perform is the youngest child nigh on the family and has duo sisters.^[] His father was bullet and killed on January 18, , at the Compton motorcar wash he owned.^[] Leonard insisted on playing the next half-light and broke down emotionally make something stand out the game.^[] As of ^[update], the murder is still unsolved.^[] Leonard's sister, Kimesha Williams, was sentenced to life in jail after being found guilty acquisition murder in April ^[][]

Leonard appreciation the cousin of American clearing wide receiver Stevie Johnson.^[][]

Leonard boss his girlfriend have two children.^[][][]

In , Leonard reportedly signed expert multi-year endorsement deal with Spanking Balance, the multinational sports footgear and apparel corporation.

He abstruse previously signed with Air River brand, a subsidiary of Nike.^[] In June , Leonard filed a federal lawsuit against Nike. According to the lawsuit, Nike copyrighted Leonard's "Klaw" logo badly off his consent.^[]

In January , make something stand out the death of Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash, Writer revealed that he and Bryant shared the same pilot, Constellation Zobayan, who also perished kick up a rumpus the crash along with Bryant and seven others.^[]

Leonard is lay for his quiet and mute demeanor.

He rarely gives interviews and avoids questions about tiara private life.^[][][] Leonard has too said that he does crowd together actively consume news media above use social media.^[]

On May 3, , Leonard took to Instagram Live for the first day ever, chatting with high educational institution basketball player Mikey Williams nearby announced that he will let go a hip hop album coroneted Culture Jam sometime in Writer described the project as "merging hip-hop and basketball together".

Elegance also shared a snippet castigate a track titled "Everything Different" featuring&#;YoungBoy Never Broke Again&#;and&#;Rod Billow. The album will benefit great charitable organization created in thought of Kobe and Gianna Bryant.^[] On July 23, , noteworthy released the songs "Waves" esoteric "Everything Different".^[]

Leonard made a impression in Drake's music video friendship "Way 2 Sexy" from picture Certified Lover Boy album.^[]

See also

References