Since entering the league, Kawhi Leonard has been an enigma. Most fans and other people around the league, don’t seem to understand Kawhi and what makes him tick. The moments that we get to see past his stoic and reserved demeanor are rare, but as someone that classifies as an introvert, that’s something I can appreciate and identify with. Extroverted traits are generally more appreciated than introverted traits. The NBA is no different.
Most NBA stars exhibit a lot of extrovert qualities. Players like LeBron, Giannis, Joel Embiid, Russ, and many others, are examples of this. Kawhi is a stark contrast to the norm in the NBA. While most players are very outwardly expressive with how they conduct themselves on the court, in interviews, even with what they wear, Kawhi is all internal. He has an inner strength that most people don’t have. It’s what makes him appear so cool on the court. He always appears to be unfazed by hostile crowds and close games. While that can be mistaken as apathy, Kawhi has the reputation of being one of the most competitive guys in the league. Players like Russ and Giannis are the ones that typically get recognized as being extremely competitive, but Kawhi is right up there with them. His blank face and distant stare, masks the internal intensity and fire that burns within him. He’s a stone cold killer on the court.
Another thing that makes Kawhi so different and cool, is how he interacts with people off the court and in interviews. He comes off as someone who’s very secure with himself and confident, but humble at the same time. Sometimes it comes off like he imagines himself as the only normal person surrounded by eccentric characters who he finds to be weird and entertaining. That being said, he seems to lack some self awareness when it comes to how he’s perceived and why he’s perceived that way. Unlike most people who would take issue with this, and try to change the perception, he seems to be above it all. People make fun of his social awkwardness, but you can tell he just doesn’t care. The things he says are very straightforward and simple, which can make him seem a little condescending at times, but this also makes him seem more authentic. He doesn’t feel the need to add unnecessary fluff to what he’s saying, he just says what he feels in a matter of fact fashion. It’s so funny hearing him answer people’s questions, because it seems like he finds the whole process to be so ridiculous.
Kawhi also thinks for himself. Everyone likes to say that they don’t care what people have to say, but Kawhi really doesn’t seem to care. Last year he was getting crucified by a lot of different analysts (specifically Michelle Beadle and Skip Bayless) because of the situation with the Spurs. He was facing a lot of pressure from his teammates at the time too. They all thought he could and should play, but he stuck to his guns and did what was best for him and his career. Most people would fold under that kind of outside pressure, but not Kawhi. If that’s not enough proof, just look at his shoe deal. Most players sign with big time companies like Nike, Adidas, or Jordan, but Kawhi is currently signed with New Balance. That should tell you all you need to know about his thought process and his ability to think for himself.
Social media has made it so athletes and celebrities are more accessible than ever. Everyone is on social media, everyone except Kawhi. Kawhi’s closed off nature, that he exhibits in interviews, extends to social media, which adds another layer of mystery around him. Nobody really knows that much about him outside of the fact that he’s a great basketball player. It makes him stand out even more among his peers.
Kawhi is one of, if not the best players in the league today. Everything about him is unique and refreshingly authentic. He’s a true enigma, a mystery, and often misunderstood. He is also the coolest player in the league.
Check out this interview he did with Serge Ibaka:
Just some guy on the internet 