With social media razzle-dazzle, highlight reels, and viral celebrations, the NBA atmosphere is getting louder. Kawhi Leonard, to the opposite, grows ever graver-and-more menacing.
The Los Angeles Clippers forward has seen it all-his existence has been a testament to pyrotechnics and volume. Brutal execution carried out with precision is the currency of Kawhi’s own life. Silent in demeanor, often marked as an arrogant dude, is a ruthless competitor well acquainted with his own story.
Fans have taken to parodying his robotic response and his stone-faced interviews. But behind those memes lies a grief-stricken man. When Kawhi was just a teenager of 16 years, his father, Mark Leonard, was fatally shot and killed outside the family car wash in Compton, California, just moments before Kawhi’s scheduled high school game.
The day after his father’s passing, he went to play his game with relatives supporting him from the bleachers. His coach did not believe he could play; Kawhi confronted him and insisted he wanted to. After the game, he fell into his mother’s arms.
“She said he was never really the same after this,” according to Strictly BBall.
By those who know him best, this is said to be the moment that changed him for life. Leonard, though, isn’t some unfeeling robot. He’s got a dry sense of humor, subtle charm, and quiet confidence that shines through in the locker room and encompasses his leadership style.
In his own words, Leonard said,
“I’m not a rah-rah guy,” he once said, per SI. “It’s just who I am.”
Leonard is a certified two-time NBA Champion, six-time All-Star, and two-time Finals MVP. His accomplishments are comparable to the quiet greatness of Tim Duncan, who let his game speak for itself while winning five NBA championships and three Finals MVP awards.
Kawhi is living proof that there is more than one way to be a leader. LeBron and Steph lead with charisma, Jordan and Kobe with intensity, while Kawhi leads with silence.
The attitude of Kawhi Leonard is only for fulfilling obligations to win
Kawhi Leonard says that let all the criticism from the outside happen; what he prefers is hitting the court and winning, per SI report.
“Just trying to be a better basketball player,” Leonard said. “I’ll let the outside analyze or criticize my game. Just trying to go out there and win.”
By playing basketball, he dealt with his father’s loss, and through such tragic times, Leonard became so dedicated to the game using his grieving past as a fuel to thrive towards becoming an NBA superstar.
His father would have enjoyed seeing him as a professional athlete and had a prayer to “Watch my boy go to the pros”.
His stepmom believes that Leonard father would have been joyful enough to see what kind of player he has turned into today.
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I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
