The streets will always remember the legendary run the Toronto Raptors went on in 2019. And no one deserves more credit for the Raptors going on that run than Kawhi Leonard. He was sensational that season on the way to winning his second NBA championship!
He’s joined the LA Clippers since then. But don’t think his popularity has declined because of that. Quite the opposite actually. People are more curious about Kawhi than ever. So join us today as we look at the roots of the Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard.
Where is Kawhi Leonard from? What is his ethnicity and nationality?
Of African-American descent, Kawhi was raised in a Christian household and has often credited God for his talents. His deep faith has shaped his outlook on life. Basketball was more than just a career path for him. Kawhi saw it as an opportunity to inspire and help others. Kawhi really plays into the stereotype of the reserved guy with a heart of gold! But there’s one thing about Kawhi that makes people really curious.
You may be surprised to learn that his roots are firmly planted in the City of Angels. Born in Los Angeles, California, he is proudly American, and like most basketball stars, his journey began in school. At Martin Luther King High School, he was named California Mr. Basketball. Impressive huh?
Feb 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket against Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) and guard Terry Rozier (2) during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Considering such accomplishments, you may be shocked to learn that Kawhi wasn’t a 5-star prospect. No, he was the no. 8 power forward in the class of 2008 when he chose to play college ball for San Diego. And what a blunder those scouts who rated him four stars made!
Which college did Kawhi Leonard attend? When was he drafted in the NBA?
Kawhi’s individual stats in his freshman year were nothing to gawk at. But even then, he was no slouch! Leonard helped the Aztecs to a 25-9 record. Good hustle for a 4-star prospect, huh? He was crucial in the Aztecs’ winning the Mountain West Conference tournament. Sadly, his team couldn’t cut it in the NCAA tournament. They were eliminated in the very first round by Tennessee, a disappointing ending to a great season.
Leonard’s second season saw him increase his points per game to 15.7 from 12.7 in his first year. This made his team go back-to-back in the Conference tournament championships. Their NCAA campaign was also improved this year as they advanced to the Sweet 16. The Aztecs, though, could not take advantage of Leonard’s run as they lost to the eventual champions, Connecticut.
Soon after his season ended, Leonard chose to forgo his remaining years of college eligibility. Why? The NBA was knocking on his door. In the 2011 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs picked him as the 15th overall pick in the Draft. And the rest, as they say, is history. But his successful NBA career opened up one door for him that Leonard will eternally be grateful for. Let’s discuss that now.
Has Kawhi Leonard played for the US national team?
Back in 2015, while everyone was busy debating whether the dress was blue and black or white and gold, Kawhi Leonard was playing for the White team in Team USA’s showcase. He scored 14 points for them.
But that’s not all for his time with the national team. Leonard was also a finalist for the US Men’s Olympic basketball teams in 2016 and again in 2020. However, the 2024 Olympics brought with it some drama and controversy.
Breaking: Kawhi Leonard will not play in the Paris Olympics, USA Basketball announced.
The organization and the Clippers determined it’s in Leonard’s best interest to spend the rest of the summer preparing for the upcoming season. pic.twitter.com/2sqQMQdPO6
— ESPN (@espn) July 10, 2024
Leonard was a member of Team USA for the 2024 Olympics. He even played in a scrimmage game against Canada. However, USA Basketball and the LA Clippers jointly decided that it would be in everyone’s best interests that Kawhi not play for Team USA.
And that’s it so far for Kawhi’s time playing for his country. He’s 33, and there won’t be too many chances for him in the future. So Kawhi would love to jump at the next chance he gets to play for Team USA!
The post What Are Kawhi Leonard’s Ethnicity and Religion? Everything to Know About Clippers Star’s Family Roots and Belief appeared first on EssentiallySports.
