Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kawhi Leonard

Discover the career path of Kawhi Leonard, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Kawhi Leonard is a highly decorated American professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Clippers. Known as "The Claw" for his defensive prowess and large hands, he's considered one of the NBA's best two-way players. His accolades include two NBA championships, six All-Star selections, six All-NBA Team selections, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards (2015, 2016). Leonard's defensive impact is further highlighted by his seven All-Defensive Team selections. He was also named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2010: MWC Tournament MVP and NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2010, Kawhi Leonard was named MWC Freshman of the Year, First Team All-MWC, and the MWC tournament MVP. He also helped San Diego State reach the NCAA tournament.

December 10, 2011: Signing with the San Antonio Spurs

On December 10, 2011, Kawhi Leonard signed a multi-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs, officially joining the team after being drafted and traded earlier in the year.

2011: NBA Draft and Trade to Spurs

In 2011, Kawhi Leonard was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 15th overall pick in the NBA draft but was then traded to the San Antonio Spurs on draft night.

2011: NBA Scouts' Assessment

In 2011, NBA scouts recognized Kawhi Leonard's strong work ethic and physical attributes, but found him "difficult to pin down" and noted his defensive and rebounding strengths over offensive capabilities.

2011: Entering the NBA Draft

In 2011, after his sophomore season, Kawhi Leonard left San Diego State to enter the NBA draft.

October 26, 2012: Spurs Exercise Team Option

On October 26, 2012, the Spurs exercised the team option on Kawhi Leonard, re-signing him through the 2013–14 season.

2012: NBA All-Rookie First Team

At the end of the 2012 season, Kawhi Leonard was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

2012: Rising Stars Challenge Selection and Starting Position

In 2012, Kawhi Leonard was selected for the Rising Stars Challenge, though he didn't play due to injury. He also became the starting small forward for the Spurs after a trade.

2012: USA Men's Basketball Select Team

In the summer of 2012, Kawhi Leonard was selected to play for the 2012 USA men's basketball Select Team, training with the Olympic team.

2013: Contract Extension with Spurs

In 2013, Kawhi Leonard was under contract with the spurs after the team exercised their option.

April 6, 2014: Season-High 26 Points Against Grizzlies

On April 6, 2014, Kawhi Leonard scored a season-high 26 points in the Spurs' 112–92 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

June 10, 2014: Career-High 29 Points in Game 3 of NBA Finals

On June 10, 2014, in game 3 of the NBA Finals, Kawhi Leonard scored a then career-high 29 points in a 111–92 victory against the Miami Heat.

November 10, 2014: Season-High 26 Points Against Clippers

On November 10, 2014, Kawhi Leonard scored a season-high 26 points in the Spurs' 89–85 win over the Los Angeles Clippers despite suffering from blurred vision due to conjunctivitis.

2014: NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 2014, Kawhi Leonard won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs and was named the Finals Most Valuable Player.

January 16, 2015: Return from Injury

On January 16, 2015, Kawhi Leonard returned to action after missing 15 games due to a hand injury, recording 20 points to lead the Spurs to a victory.

July 16, 2015: Re-signing with the Spurs

On July 16, 2015, Kawhi Leonard re-signed with the San Antonio Spurs to a five-year, $90 million contract.

2015: Defensive Player of the Year

In 2015, Kawhi Leonard won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. This recognition highlighted his exceptional defensive skills.

January 21, 2016: First All-Star Selection

On January 21, 2016, Kawhi Leonard was named as a starter to the Western Conference team for the 2016 All-Star Game, earning his first All-Star selection.

March 23, 2016: Another 32-Point Outing

On March 23, 2016, Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points in a win over the Miami Heat, extending the Spurs' home winning streak.

April 2, 2016: Career-High 33 Points and Franchise Record

On April 2, 2016, Kawhi Leonard set a new career-high with 33 points in a win over the Toronto Raptors, helping the Spurs set a franchise record with their 64th victory.

October 25, 2016: Career-High 35 Points Against Warriors

On October 25, 2016, Kawhi Leonard recorded a career-high 35 points and five steals in a win over the Golden State Warriors.

2016: Second Consecutive Defensive Player of the Year Award

In 2016, Kawhi Leonard earned his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award, solidifying his reputation as a top defensive player in the NBA.

January 14, 2017: New Career High of 38 Points

On January 14, 2017, Kawhi Leonard set a new career high with 38 points in a loss to the Phoenix Suns.

February 13, 2017: 32 Points Against Pacers

On February 13, 2017, Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points in a win over the Indiana Pacers, marking his fifth straight 30-point game.

April 15, 2017: Playoff Game 1 Win Against Grizzlies

On April 15, 2017, Kawhi Leonard matched his postseason high with 32 points in a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

December 12, 2017: Season Debut After Injury

On December 12, 2017, Kawhi Leonard made his season debut against the Dallas Mavericks after missing the first 27 games due to a right quadriceps injury.

June 2018: Leonard Requests Trade from Spurs

In June 2018, reports surfaced that Kawhi Leonard requested a trade from the San Antonio Spurs due to tensions over his injury rehabilitation program.

2018: Endorsement Deal with New Balance

In 2018, Kawhi Leonard reportedly signed a multi-year endorsement deal with New Balance, a sports footwear and apparel corporation, after previously being with Air Jordan brand (a Nike subsidiary).

2018: Trade to the Toronto Raptors

In 2018, Kawhi Leonard was traded from the San Antonio Spurs to the Toronto Raptors, marking a significant change in his career.

January 1, 2019: Career-High 45 Points Against Jazz

On January 1, 2019, Kawhi Leonard scored a career-high 45 points in a 122–116 win over the Utah Jazz.

July 10, 2019: Leonard Signs with Los Angeles Clippers

On July 10, 2019, Kawhi Leonard signed a three-year, $103 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, his hometown team.

July 2019: Free Agent Signing with the Los Angeles Clippers

In July 2019, Kawhi Leonard signed with the Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent, returning to his hometown of Los Angeles.

October 22, 2019: Leonard Debuts for Clippers

On October 22, 2019, Kawhi Leonard made his debut for the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 30 points in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

2019: NBA season

After the 2019-20 NBA season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Leonard returned to action in the NBA Bubble.

2019: Leonard wins NBA Championship and Finals MVP with Raptors

In 2019, Kawhi Leonard led the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA Championship, defeating the Golden State Warriors. He was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time in his career, becoming the third player to win the award with two different teams. Leonard also scored 732 points during the 2019 playoffs, the third-highest total in a single NBA postseason.

January 14, 2020: Leonard Scores Season-High 43 Points

On January 14, 2020, Kawhi Leonard scored a season-high 43 points in just 29 minutes in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

February 1, 2020: San Diego State Retires Leonard's Number

On February 1, 2020, San Diego State retired Kawhi Leonard's number 15, making him the first Aztecs men's basketball player to have his jersey raised to the rafters.

December 22, 2020: Clippers win against Lakers

On December 22, 2020, Kawhi Leonard recorded 26 points in the Clippers' 116–109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

May 3, 2021: Instagram Live and Album Announcement

On May 3, 2021, Kawhi Leonard announced his plans to release a hip hop album titled Culture Jam sometime in 2021 on Instagram Live. He also shared a snippet of "Everything Different" featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Rod Wave.

Loading Video...

July 23, 2021: Release of "Waves" and "Everything Different"

On July 23, 2021, Kawhi Leonard released the songs "Waves" and "Everything Different".

Loading Video...

August 12, 2021: Leonard Re-Signs with Clippers

On August 12, 2021, Kawhi Leonard re-signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on a max four-year, $176.3 million contract.

2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Kawhi Leonard was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, honoring him as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

2021: Opt-out Clause

In 2021, Leonard's contract with the Los Angeles Clippers included an opt-out clause.

October 3, 2022: Return from Injury

On October 3, 2022, Kawhi Leonard returned from injury with 11 points in a preseason win over the Trail Blazers.

January 10, 2023: Scores 33 Points

On January 10, 2023, Kawhi Leonard scored 33 points in an 113–101 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

December 8, 2023: Season-High 41 Points Against Jazz

On December 8, 2023, Kawhi Leonard scored a season-high 41 points in a 117–113 win over the Utah Jazz.

January 10, 2024: Leonard Signs Extension with Clippers

On January 10, 2024, Kawhi Leonard signed an extension with the Los Angeles Clippers for $153 million over three years.

July 10, 2024: Withdrawal from Olympic Roster

On July 10, 2024, Kawhi Leonard withdrew from the United States men's Olympic basketball team roster after consulting with the Clippers and USA Basketball officials. Derrick White replaced him on the team.