Kawhi Leonard's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Kawhi Leonard.

Kawhi Leonard is a highly decorated American professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Clippers. Renowned as one of the NBA's premier two-way players, he has earned the moniker "The Klaw" due to his defensive prowess and large hands. Leonard boasts two NBA championships, six All-Star selections, six All-NBA Team nods, and seven All-Defensive Team selections. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year twice (2015, 2016). His accomplishments led to his inclusion on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, solidifying his status as an all-time great.

Sections (4)

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

1980: Magic Johnson NBA Finals MVP

In 1980, Magic Johnson won the NBA Finals MVP award.

1982: Magic Johnson NBA Finals MVP

In 1982, Magic Johnson won the NBA Finals MVP award.

1986: Mike Mitchell scoring record

In 1986, Mike Mitchell had six straight games with at least 30 points.

1989: Dennis Rodman's Defensive Player of the Year

In 1989, Dennis Rodman won Defensive Player of the Year.

1990: Dennis Rodman's Defensive Player of the Year

In 1990, Dennis Rodman won Defensive Player of the Year.

1992: Michael Jordan scores 759 points in the playoffs

In 1992, Michael Jordan scored 759 points in a single NBA postseason.

2001: Vince Carter scores 50 points

In 2001, Vince Carter scored 50 points in a playoff game, becoming the first Raptors player to eclipse 40 points in a playoff game.

2002: Tim Duncan's Scoring Streak

In 2002, Tim Duncan had a 91-game scoring streak, matching San Antonio's longest streak since.

2004: Finals MVP

In 2004, Chauncey Billups won the NBA Finals MVP award.

2005: Spurs' Previous Best Season

In 2005, the Spurs had a 63-win season, which was topped in 2016.

2010: MWC Freshman of the Year and Tournament MVP

In 2010, Kawhi Leonard was named MWC Freshman of the Year, First Team All-MWC, and the 2010 MWC tournament MVP. He also led the MWC in rebounding, averaging 12.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

2012: NBA All-Rookie First Team Selection

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

2012: Tony Parker Three Consecutive 30-Point Games

In 2012, Tony Parker recorded three consecutive 30-point games, a feat Kawhi Leonard matched in 2017.

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 achievement in his career.

2014: Home Winning Streak Start

In 2014, the Spurs began their franchise-record home winning streak, which was extended on March 23, 2016.

2015: Defensive Player of the Year

In 2015, Kawhi Leonard was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year, 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 to the Western Conference team for the 2016 All-Star Game, earning his first All-Star selection.

2016: Second Consecutive Defensive Player of the Year Award

In 2016, Kawhi Leonard earned the Defensive Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year, solidifying his reputation as an elite defender.

February 13, 2017: 32 Points and League-Record Streak

On February 13, 2017, Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points in a win over the Indiana Pacers, extending the Spurs' streak of consecutive winning seasons to a league-record 20.

2018: LeBron James scores 748 points in the playoffs

In 2018, LeBron James scored 748 points in a single NBA postseason.

January 1, 2019: Career-high 45 points vs Utah Jazz

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

2019: Raptors win NBA Championship; Leonard named Finals MVP

In 2019, Kawhi Leonard helped the Raptors win the NBA Championship and was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time.

2019: Raptors advance to NBA Finals

In 2019, Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors against the Milwaukee Bucks, helping them advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

January 14, 2020: Leonard scores season-high 43 points

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

February 1, 2020: San Diego State Retires Number 15

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 retired.