“Kawhi Leonard is the best two-way player in the game right now”: When Michael Jordan sang the Clippers superstar’s praise at a basketball camp in 2017

Michael Jordan had high praise for Kawhi Leonard back in 2017 as he claimed the now-Clippers superstar was the best two-way player. 

Kawhi Leonard has consistently been a top tier talent in the NBA for years now. His dominance and rise to the top began in the 2013-14 season when it became apparent he was more than just a defensive minded forward who couldn’t create his own shot. He began to add a bevy of moves on the offensive end of the floor to help compliment his lockdown defense. 

Before he knew it, he was a regular participant in the All-Star Game and also on the All-NBA teams, while also snagging a Finals MVP with the Spurs in 2014. His combination of defensive skills and go-getter mentality on the offensive end of the floor were perfect for what a superstar is supposed to be made of and Michael Jordan saw that in him.

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Leonard was a part of the Nike subsidiary brand known as Jordan brand all the way up until 2018 when he eventually turned down a 4 year, $22 million extension to become a sneaker free agent. 

Michael Jordan called Kawhi Leonard the best two-way player in the game back in 2017. 

Michael Jordan knows a thing or two about two-way players as he most certainly was one during his illustrious career. He nabbed 10 scoring titles and 9 All-Defensive team selections and was clearly the best perimeter defender the Bulls had during their title runs. 

So, during a Jordan basketball camp back in 2017, Michael Jordan gave Kawhi Leonard the ultimate form of praise as he called him, “the best two-way player in the game right now.”

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This compliment goes a long way for anybody but knowing Kawhi, it most probably didn’t faze him one bit. Nevertheless, receiving such praise from Jordan is more monumental than you’d think. Mike was the best two-way player in the NBA for years on end and Kawhi Leonard being that caliber of a player says something about his skill level when compared to the greats. 

What’s more astonishing is that, the ‘Klaw’ has maintained his productiveness on both ends of the floor throughput all these years. He’s become one of the most lethal threats on the offensive end of the floor and is still one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, up there with guys like Ben Simmons and Jrue Holiday.