Kawhi Leonard's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Kawhi Leonard.
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.
1992: Third-best scoring total for a single NBA postseason
During the 2019 playoffs, Kawhi Leonard scored 732 points. In 1992, Michael Jordan had 759 points.
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.
2012: NBA All-Rookie First Team
At the end of the 2012 season, Kawhi Leonard was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
2014: NBA Championship and Finals MVP with Spurs
In 2014, Kawhi Leonard won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs and was named the Finals Most Valuable Player, marking a significant milestone in his career.
January 16, 2015: Returns to Action After Injury
On January 16, 2015, Kawhi Leonard returned to action after missing 15 games due to a hand injury, recording 20 points in a win against the Portland Trail Blazers.
2015: Defensive Player of the Year
In 2015, Kawhi Leonard earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, showcasing his defensive prowess in the NBA.
January 21, 2016: Named All-Star Starter
On January 21, 2016, Kawhi Leonard was named as a starter for the Western Conference team for the 2016 All-Star Game, earning his first All-Star selection.
2016: Second Defensive Player of the Year
In 2016, Kawhi Leonard won Defensive Player of the Year honors for a second consecutive year, solidifying his reputation as a top defender.
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.
2018: Third-best scoring total for a single NBA postseason
During the 2019 playoffs, Kawhi Leonard scored 732 points. In 2018, LeBron James had 748 points.
2018: Endorsement Deal with New Balance
In 2018, Kawhi Leonard reportedly signed a multi-year endorsement deal with New Balance, the multinational sports footwear and apparel corporation.
2019: Led Raptors to NBA Finals and Championship
In 2019, Kawhi Leonard helped the Raptors take a 3-1 series lead against the Warriors with 36 points and 12 rebounds in game 4. He then scored 22 points in game 6 to secure the Raptors' 4-2 series victory and second NBA championship. Leonard was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time, becoming the third Finals MVP to have won the award with two teams.
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.
2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Kawhi Leonard was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing his significant contributions to the league.
2021: All-Defensive and All-NBA Team Selections
In 2021, Kawhi Leonard was selected to his seventh All-Defensive Team and fifth All-NBA Team, achieving third All-NBA First Team honors.
2021: Ranked 34th Greatest Player in NBA History
In 2021, The Athletic ranked Kawhi Leonard as the 34th greatest player in NBA history.
October 3, 2022: Return from Injury
On October 3, 2022, Kawhi Leonard made his return from injury, scoring 11 points in a preseason win over the Trail Blazers.
