Kawhi Leonard is one of the most dynamic NBA stars of all time. New Balance signed Leonard to an endorsement deal in 2018. The company has thrived to make a signature shoe worthy of one of basketball’s greatest players.
NBA Stardom
It did not take long for Kawhi Leonard to make an impact in the professional world of basketball. His rookie season in 2011-2012 was spent with the San Antonio Spurs. Being surrounded by accomplished veterans in San Antonio forced Leonard to grow up fast. He quickly became an integral part of the team thanks to his ability to lock down players defensively and his athleticism on the offensive end. Leonard would have a successful run in San Antonio, including winning a championship in 2014.
Leonard then transitioned to the Toronto Raptors after leaving San Antonio. In his sole season with the Raptors, he earned another championship ring for himself and the Canadian team. Kawhi Leonard currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.
New Balance
In 2018, Kawhi Leonard was a sneaker free agent. New Balance signed the star to a deal with the goal being to boost its presence on the hardwood. The multi-year endorsement deal would make Kawhi Leonard the face of New Balance basketball. There was a lot of pressure put on both parties. New Balance wanted to make a shoe that not only satisfied the needs of Leonard, but also would put them on the map as a sneaker player in the world of basketball.
As of 2022, the partnership is working well for everyone involved. The line of sneakers created for Leonard has been designed to work with his versatile style of play. New Balance has always pushed for top of the line technology and its signature line for Kawhi is specifically designed for Leonard’s singular talents.
Kawhi Leonard debuted the New Balance OMN1S in the 2019 NBA All Star game. His first signature shoe for New Balance released in August 2020, the KAWHI. In 2021, the KAWHI TWO was released.
Kawhi Leonard Career Highlights As Of 2022:
• 3x All-NBA 1st Team
• 2x All-NBA 2nd Team
• 2x Finals MVP
• 2x Defensive Player Of The Year
• 4x All-Defensive 2nd Team
• All-Star MVP (2020)
• 3x All-Defensive 1st Team
• All-Rookie 1st Team (2012)
You can find KAWHI & New Balance products at Shoe Palace locations and on shoepalace.com.
- Adam C. Better
The latest New Balance Kawhi will be added to the "Conversations Amongst Us" collection and releases June 3, 2022.
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