The Los Angeles Clippers forward, known for his reserved demeanor, has sparked widespread social media reaction after trading his signature look for longer locks. This unexpected transformation comes following the Clippers’ disappointing first-round playoff exit despite finishing their regular season with a respectable 50-32 record.
Kawhi in Paris 🇫🇷
(via @BonesGotBizzy) pic.twitter.com/W7aqWWEjdd
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 27, 2025
Fans across platforms have responded to Leonard’s new appearance with humor and surprise, drawing comparisons to various celebrities including Bob Marley, J. Cole, and even fictional character John Wick. The usually private two-time NBA champion and defensive standout rarely makes headlines for personal style choices, making this visual transformation particularly noteworthy during the offseason as Leonard takes time away from basketball following another challenging playoff campaign.
The San Antonio Spurs’ 14th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Carter Bryant, has revealed his basketball inspiration comes from a somewhat controversial figure in Spurs history. When asked which former Spurs player most resembles his playing style, Bryant immediately pointed to Kawhi Leonard.
“I think immediately the first guy I think of is Kawhi, just his defensive versatility, being able to guard multiple positions early on in his career,” Bryant explained. He specifically admires how Leonard established himself as “one of the best players in the world.”
Leonard’s Spurs career, though relatively brief at five seasons, was remarkably accomplished:
| Leonard’s Spurs Achievements |
|---|
| NBA Championship (2014) |
| Finals MVP (2014) |
| 2× Defensive Player of the Year |
| 2× NBA All-Star |
Bryant’s 3-and-D skill set appears well-suited to follow Leonard’s defensive-minded path. Unlike former Spurs players such as Derrick White who have found success elsewhere, Bryant hopes to develop his talents in San Antonio rather than potentially moving to teams like the Dallas Mavericks later in his career.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
