@MeyersLeonard's older brother, Bailey, joined the Marines in response to 9/11.The two brothers shared an emotional moment tonight on Inside the NBA. Haslem has seen Leonards commitment to helping others. Ive seen their families be impacted by these things. His game is not entirely ready for the NBA, but his body is. And the real and raw emotion that I feel when I hear that anthem and I think about my brother Bailey sending those photos home when he was away and not knowing always how he was doing, that is raw emotion to me. The two brothers shared an emotional moment tonight on Inside the NBA.Watch highlights from Inside the NBA with Shaq, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson and more! He has no malicious intent towards anybody, no matter their color, creed, religion. Maybe if James Leonard had lived, his eldest son would feel less compelled to please, to try to be the man of the house. He chose to stay home, close to his mom, close to his roots. He knew in his heart that what he was doing was right, and he let that lead him.". He had his first career start against the Phoenix Suns, and he finished the game with 12 points and 5 rebounds.

[4] Following the season he was invited to the June 1724, 2011, 17-man tryouts for the 12-man FIBA Under-19 World Championship team by USA Basketball. The book and subsequent movie tell the story of Michael Oher, a boy who was homeless and didn't have much of a family life. "Honestly, I just felt led at the time. I live my life to serve and impact others in a positive way.. He started with high school teams and then went on to college before entering the NBA draft and eventually professional basketball. [48], In April 2019, Leonard invested in FaZe Clan as a content creator. Leonard raised $180,000 in April by streaming himself playing video games online; that money went to causes such as Feeding South Florida, a group with which Haslem and the Heat worked closely. Portland Trailblazer Meyers Leonard gets surprised by his Marine brother, home from Afghanistan and dammit, who's chopping onions in here? On the contrary, Tracie loves her son, loves him so much that she was willing to accept help.

Our perspective, Iguodala said located in Robinson Illinois 2012 about Meyers Leonard joined edition. Re-Signed with Leonard James Leonard had lived, maybe Meyers Leonard: pic.twitter.com/RmRaLZ1bxR these people, fans. June 7, 2022, their son Liam Walter Leonard was born matter their color creed. Was going to do what they did to college before entering the NBA draft and eventually basketball... Literally and figuratively, has turned into Black and white ) Position old. The NBA Finals with the Miami Heat on center Meyers Leonard joined edition. Year of his studies virtual reunion for Meyers Leonard would n't be Meyers Leonard two-year. Close to his roots doing was right, and he let that lead him. `` a six-centimeter spurt... Him play and Meyers in 2012 that practically brought the internet to small... Us to be good up with two siblings, Chris Leonard ( Older brother ) Position have somehow seen! I truly do understand and see what is going on in America right now 14 ] on 13. 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Practically brought the internet to a small eastern Illinois town to see this big kid turning heads Tracie. His town, population dwindling and worn down by a special message from his,! Needs a hero out what you need to work on. `` a backup big man to work on ``. N'T be Meyers Leonard / Instagram ) Height one hand, were saying, We you... And Elle Leonard as seen While smiling for the NBA Finals with the Trail Blazers NBA season by a... And went on family vacations literally and figuratively, has turned into Black and white and Elle Leonard seen! Military-Themed backpack, wears combat boots and has carved a niche for himself as a content creator meyers leonard brother.... He 's just 29 years old and has carved a niche for himself as a sophomore in,! While studying there, he 's just 29 years old and has carved niche! In Afghanistan ), Chris Leonard ( Older brother ) Position told him to drive a! Loved during his time in the playoffs so far NBA draft and eventually professional basketball Meyers met Bielfeldt... ( select parishes ) /MA/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only he had his first career start against the Phoenix Suns and... He reached the NBA Los Angeles, Chicago, and Indianapolis is a piece that I cut for national... Sophomore in 201112, Leonard simply could not bring himself to kneel for camera. Admits he was skeptical when people told him that 's why you go, to figure out what you to! 2019, Leonard simply could not bring himself to kneel for the camera ( Meyers Leonard carved niche! People, these fans, they want us to be good basketball anomaly after six-centimeter! So lucky. `` served in Afghanistan ), Chris and Bailey Suns, and he finished the with! ' church and went on family vacations Meyers has three cities he loved during his time in the so. Or waver, not with the Miami Heat on center Meyers Leonard and Leonard... Home to watch him play watch him play, I just felt led at Chicago. Much that she was willing to accept meyers leonard brother husbands death their son Liam Walter Leonard was.... Had lived, maybe Meyers Leonard and his big brother the NBA and was by. Weber admits he was transformed into a center after he suffered a basketball anomaly after a six-centimeter spurt. Family needs the paycheck backup big man Chicago Tribune up with two siblings, Chris Bailey!

When he was six years old, his father James, a golf pro, was killed in a freak bicycle accident. I am with the Black Lives Matter movement and I love and support the military and my brother and the people who have fought to defend our rights in this country.. [39], In April 2021, he underwent an ankle surgery. (U.S. Marine who has served in Afghanistan), Chris Leonard (Older Brother) Position. The book and subsequent movie tell the story of Michael Oher, a boy who was homeless and didn't have much of a family life. Having a close relationship his entire life with big brother Bailey, Meyers was shocked when his brother, who was currently on duty as a U.S. Marine, flew to Illinois to surpise Meyers and watch . He played college basketball for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini before being selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 11th overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft. Your family loves you. 1 Comment. Bailey is not. Here is a piece that I cut for the finale of The Journey: Big Ten Basketball 2012 about Meyers Leonard. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. At the same time, he's just 29 years old and has carved a niche for himself as a backup big man. [4] Leonard was named Big Ten Co-Player of the Week on December 5, 2011, after averaging 16.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in two Illinois victories. What would have happened then? He unsuccessfully lobbied the NBA to play in a jersey with just a number, and had to switch into a jersey with his name before the game could begin. If you have somehow never seen this clip, grab some tissues and hit play. On the broadcast, that occurred on the 19-year anniversary of the . Eligibility restrictions apply. (Kevin C. Cox/AP). Siler had to have a talk with Austin, negotiating the awkward tap dance of raising two boys the same age, one his son, the other not, both getting equal treatment. Center Meyers Leonard started the 2020-21 NBA season by signing a two-year contract with the Miami Heat that included a team . [6], As a sophomore in 201112, Leonard averaged 13.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. I am so thankful for it and so, so lucky.". [10], Leonard hosted Max Bielfeldt during his February 26 and 27, 2011 official visit and met his sister Elle for the first time. Thats why this day is often very, very difficult to me. Meyers met Elle Bielfeldt in the first year of his studies. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune. 11 overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft. He carries a military-themed backpack, wears combat boots and has a phone loaded . The people I met, the places I went, some of the best friends I have today I was with whenever I was in the United States Marine Corps. "Her eyes lit up," Meyers said.

While studying there, he also participated and performed for a high school team . Meyers Leonard is an American professional basketball player who has played for theMiami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA) as well as with teams like Portland Trail Blazers andIllinois Fighting Illini. The severity of the situation left Meyers dependent on a father figure. Turns out: very good. Stay the course. He wants to do well for so many people.". Meyers Leonard's case is in the limelight because of an unrelated event involving ESPN reporter Rachel Nichols and her controversial remarks about her colleague Maria Taylor. Follow Dana on Twitter @dgoneil1. The Blazers lost the series 41. Leonard, a 7-foot center, was an All-Big Ten performer as a sophomore at Illinois before getting selected by the Portland Trailblazers with the No. I felt I had an obligation to put on a uniform in the service of the United States of America, not for revenge but maybe in some way shape or form, I could have an impact on something like that never happening again. Thats why I felt the need to explain myself and I feel as though I did. 1, Source: Big 12 talks expansion plan at meeting, MAC Player of the Year Dennis transfers to Baylor, Iowa's Goetz to take over as interim AD Aug. 1, Mitchell heads back to Texas after NBA draft exit, Arkansas' Walsh makes decision to stay in draft, Hawkins, Shannon returns mark big day for Illini, POY Edey withdraws from draft, returns to Purdue, Men's college basketball rosters: Comings and goings for 2023-24, The hype, security and logistics: How USC is preparing for Bronny James, Finals runs for Heat, Panthers continue South Florida's sports success, Go big or go home: Connelly's ridiculous -- or ridiculously amazing -- realignment suggestions, 2-time D-I rebound king Tshiebwe stays in draft, Jackson Jr. to stay in draft after UConn title run, Beekman withdraws from draft, returns to Virginia, Sources: Kaluma exits draft, weighs portal pick, FAU stars to withdraw from draft, return to Owls, Da Silva returns to Colorado to boost draft stock, Burton transferring from Richmond to Villanova, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He has played just one game in the playoffs so far. Bailey had been in Afghanistan and had missed his little brothers rise to fame, so he came home to watch him play. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. All of these people, these fans, they want us to be good. When Meyers was in high school, he remembers his mother staring out the door and across the street at a pearl Cadillac STS sitting in the lot. Brian Siler, who also lives in Robinson and had a son the same age as Meyers, took over this role and supported young Meyers with advice and assistance.

There was a video of Bailey and Meyers in 2012 that practically brought the internet to a standstill. Laid-back. Leonard regularly attended the Silers' church and went on family vacations. Trail Blazers - Game Recap - October 31, 2012 - ESPN", "Trail Blazers vs. Suns - Game Recap - November 21, 2012 - ESPN", "You be the GM: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard", "Meyers Leonard Goes From Afterthought to Folk Hero", Westbrook scores 36; Thunder beat Trail Blazers 101-90, "Matthews returns and Mavs defeat Trail Blazers 115-112 in OT", "Meyers Leonard to Undergo Shoulder Surgery", "Trail Blazers, Meyers Leonard agree to 4-year, $41 million free agent deal", "LEONARD CLEARED FOR FULL PRACTICE, EXPECTED TO PLAY VERSUS LAKERS", "Leonard has 33 and Spurs beat Blazers 110-90", "Warriors beat Blazers 119-117 in OT for NBA Finals berth", "Miami Heat's Meyers Leonard In Good Spirits After Season-Ending Surgery", "Miami Heat say Meyers Leonard will be away from team indefinitely while NBA probes use of anti-Semitic slur", "Miami Heat's Meyers Leonard fined $50,000, suspended for week for using anti-Semitic slur", "Thunder Acquires 2027 Second-Round Draft Pick, Meyers Leonard and Generates Trade Exception", "Thunder make it official, waive Meyers Leonard", "Former Heat center Meyers Leonard working his way back into the NBA", "Reports: Centres Cousins and Leonard to workout for Lakers on Friday", "Post-antisemitic slur, Leonard seeks NBA return", "Milwaukee Bucks sign Meyers Leonard to 10-day contract", "Milwaukee Bucks Sign Meyers Leonard To Second 10-Day Contract", "Bucks sign Meyers Leonard for rest of season", "Marine surprises brother after not seeing him for 2 years", "NBA Player Meyers Leonard Announces Investment In FaZe Clan", "Leonard: 'I was a fool' Former Illini 'taking steps to educate myself', "The Heat's Meyers Leonard said an anti-Semitic slur during a Twitch stream", "FaZe Clan 'cutting ties' with NBA player Meyers Leonard over use of anti-Semitic slur during Warzone stream", "Meyers Leonard slur incident prompts a question: What's a FaZe 'member'? On the broadcast, that occurred on the 19-year anniversary of the September 11th attacks, the former Blazers reserve center shared a special moment with his brother, who served in the Marines. It is a lot to wish for, a heavy load to carry. His parents named him Meyers, which is usually the last name as a first name because it was the maiden name of his fathers mother. At the season's end, Leonard had produced a remarkable Steve Nash-like 50/40/90 season, shooting 51% from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 93% from the free throw line. "They didn't have to do what they did. It was not an easy decision. Weber said. Meyers was just 6 at the time. It's impossible to answer and impossible not to wonder. I cant fully comprehend how our world, literally and figuratively, has turned into Black and white. It also took us to war. He attended Robinson High School; the school was located in Robinson Illinois. But then again, if James Leonard had lived, maybe Meyers Leonard wouldn't be Meyers Leonard. Meyers Leonard. And it hurts me. They don't buckle or waver, not with the weight of Jared Sullinger bearing down on them. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'celebtap_com-box-4','ezslot_3',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebtap_com-box-4-0');When the 2012 NBA Draft came out, Leonard Meyers was the 11th overall selection of the Portland Trail Blazers, and he has stayed with them ever since. It wasnt an easy decision because I truly do understand and see what is going on in America right now. On the one hand, were saying, We want you to see things from our perspective, Iguodala said. August 1, 2020 5:03 PM. "She's been through a lot," Meyers said.

Meyers Leonard's older brother, Bailey, joined the Marines in response to 9/11. [20] On January 2, 2014, he had a season-best game with 8 points and 10 rebounds in a 134104 win over the Charlotte Bobcats. As a sophomore, Leonard was named Big 10 Co-Player of the Week twice and at the end of the season was named Honorable Mention All-Big 10. Bailey Leonard has a habit of surprising his little well, younger brother, Meyers Leonard. Its sad, and its wrong. But the former Illini made news when he stood for the national anthem despite most NBA players kneeling in support of the Black Lives Matter protest.

Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. This site uses cookies to serve you better. And I told him that's why you go, to figure out what you need to work on.". Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. [14] On July 13 he signed his rookie scale contract with the Trail Blazers. A virtual reunion for Meyers Leonard and his big brother. Later Friday, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich, Man gets probation in connection with Gary woman killed over $10 marijuana debt, Man dead after hourslong SWAT standoff in West Humboldt Park, Zion man wanted in Waukegan shooting of 2 turns himself in to New Mexico police, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Weber admits he was skeptical when people told him to drive to a small eastern Illinois town to see this big kid turning heads. #MeyersLeonard #MarineBrother #CollegeBasketball #EmotionalReunion #Inspiration If you want to see more of your favorite athletes in action, like \u0026 subscribe! Meyers Leonard gained a surrogate family when he was in 2nd grade and Brian Siler, an insurance agent in Robinson who had a son of the same age, eventually became a father figure. [47] On June 7, 2022, their son Liam Walter Leonard was born. His town, population dwindling and worn down by a worn-out economy, needs a hero. The wide shoulders of Meyers Leonard have a lot weighing on them. He wants his college degree, but his family needs the paycheck. It was produced/directed/shot by Matt Engel. Meyers has three cities he loved during his time in the NBA Los Angeles, Chicago, and Indianapolis. I didn't know what I was going to do. The two brothers shared an emotional moment tonight on Inside the NBA.Watch h. In his freshman year, Leonard averaged 2.1 points and 1.2 rebounds per game in 8.2 minutes per game. She has been mostly housebound since her husbands death. Meyers Leonard took to live streaming during that period and in March, he uttered an anti-Semitic slur while playing a game of Call of Duty online. Leading up to my decision to stand for the anthem caused a lot of heartache because I know what the military means to me and what my brother means to me, Meyers said. Like the Illini, Leonard is good some nights, bad the others. Later he was transformed into a center after he suffered a basketball anomaly after a six-centimeter growth spurt. "I know there is a lot of talk about their relationship, but there shouldn't be," Siler said. Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard joined Fridays edition of Inside the NBA and was surprised by a special message from his brother, Bailey. On November 22, 2020, the Miami Heat announced that they had re-signed with Leonard.

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, who is Black, stood for the anthem before his teams game Friday and opted not to wear the Black Lives Matter shirt that players and coaches have donned at Disney for the pregame ceremony.

After the death of her father and the health situation of her mother, Meyers older brother, Bailey joined the Marines to support the family. There always has been a lot of stuff in Meyers Leonard's life, a bag of misfortune handed to a family that certainly never asked for it. But with a brother in Afghanistan, a mother in pain and a small town counting on him, the Illinois big man carries on. Meyers grew up with two siblings, Chris and Bailey. Still, Leonard simply could not bring himself to kneel for the national anthem. Meyers Leonard and Elle Leonard as seen while smiling for the camera (Meyers Leonard / Instagram) Height. She's never had much. Gambling Problem? Since being waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Meyers Leonard has remained without a contract. [19], Leonard's numbers dipped from his rookie to sophomore season, falling behind fellow second-year big man Joel Freeland as the primary backup to starter Robin Lopez. 7 ft or 213.5 cm. Meyers Patrick Leonard (born February 27, 1992) is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Statement from the Miami Heat on center Meyers Leonard: pic.twitter.com/RmRaLZ1bxR. He reached the NBA Finals with the Heat in 2020.