Early Life and Education of Kawhi Leonard: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Kawhi Leonard. From birth to education, explore key events.
Kawhi Leonard is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers. Known as "The Claw" for his defensive prowess and large hands, he is a two-time NBA champion, six-time All-Star, and six-time All-NBA Team member. Leonard has earned seven All-Defensive Team selections and was named Defensive Player of the Year twice (2015, 2016). He is widely considered one of the greatest two-way players in NBA history and was selected for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
June 29, 1991: Kawhi Leonard's Birth
On June 29, 1991, Kawhi Anthony Leonard was born. He is now known as a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers.
January 18, 2008: Father's Death
On January 18, 2008, Kawhi Leonard's father, Mark Leonard, was shot and killed at his car wash in Compton. Kawhi insisted on playing the next evening and broke down emotionally after the game.
2009: Freshman year at San Diego State University
In 2009, Kawhi Leonard began his freshman year at San Diego State University.
2009: Recruiting Rankings
In 2009, Kawhi Leonard was considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and was listed as the No. 8 small forward and the No. 48 player nationwide in recruiting rankings.
2010: MWC Tournament MVP
In 2010, Kawhi Leonard led the Mountain West Conference (MWC) in rebounding and was named MWC Freshman of the Year, First Team All-MWC, and the 2010 MWC tournament MVP.
January 2020: Shared Pilot with Kobe Bryant
In January 2020, after the death of Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash, Kawhi Leonard revealed that he and Bryant shared the same pilot, Ara Zobayan, who also perished in the crash.
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.
May 3, 2021: Instagram Live and Album Announcement
On May 3, 2021, Kawhi Leonard took to Instagram Live for the first time ever, chatting with Mikey Williams and announcing the release of his hip hop album titled Culture Jam.
July 23, 2021: Release of "Waves" and "Everything Different"
On July 23, 2021, Kawhi Leonard released the songs "Waves" and "Everything Different".
2022: Father's Murder Still Unsolved
As of 2022, the murder of Kawhi Leonard's father remains unsolved.
April 2023: Sister Sentenced to Life in Prison
In April 2023, Kawhi Leonard's sister, Kimesha Williams, was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murder.
