Image via Getty/Noah Graham/Contributor
For a guy who seemingly hates talking, Kawhi Leonard sure racked up a ton of podium games throughout the 2014 playoffs. Leonard let his game speak en route to the Finals MVP, stifling LeBron on D while averaging nearly 18 points and six rebounds per game in the Finals. Leonard carried the Spurs to the chip in his ridiculously big 11.25 inch hands, and launched the Kawhi Leonard era in San Antonio.
But who is Kawhi Leonard? He rarely appears on camera, and Greg Popovich even admitted that Leonard doesn't talk to him. Popovich isn't the only one who gets the silent treatment from the Finals MVP. Stuart Scott also tried (and failed) to find out about Leonard in this interview. So we did some digging and to found out 11 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Kawhi Leonard.
He drove a Chevy Malibu throughout his first year in the NBA.
Who needs an expensive whip when the only place you ever go is the gym?
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His hands are 11.25 inches wide.
This picture of Kawhi's hand matched up with a normal hand really puts it into perspective.
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He doesn't own any social media accounts.
Prior to winning the Finals MVP award, I don't think I had ever heard Leonard say anything besides this, so it's not exactly a surprise he's a a recluse on social media.
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He's the first Jordan Brand athlete to win Finals MVP since Jordan.
Between the endless Lebron comparisons and Leonard winning the MVP award in a pair of Jordans, M.J. definitely came out a winner in the 2014 Finals. TAKE THAT LEBRON.
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He's the youngest Finals MVP since Magic Johnson.
Just keep saying the words, "Kawhi Leonard Finals MVP" out loud.
At SDSU, Kawhi would leave home at 5 a.m. every morning to workout before class
While everyone else is sleeping like a baby at 5 a.m., Kawhi is grinding. This song comes to mind.
He played football until ninth grade, when he quit to focus on basketball full time.
According to Mr. Leonard himself, he could have went to the NFL if he pursued football instead of basketball. Keeping his talents on the hardwood was a smart move.
He didn't play basketball his freshman year of high school because he missed tryouts.
That coach showed him what it took to be a successful basketball player. Coach Pop should thank him.
He worked at a car wash with his father as a child.
Given his wingspan, Kawhi was able to wash both sides of cars at the same time.
Kawhi's dad was shot to death in front of a car wash six years ago.
Leonard has an elaborate tattoo on his right arm, a tombstone with an "R.I.P. Dad" inscription with angel wings coming from each side.
He's Jay Bilas' favorite player. Ever.
Because Leonard has a 7'3" wingspan, and we all know how much Jay Bilas loves wingspan more than Jeezy probably.