\u201cI\u2019m so darn blessed in my life,\u201d Heat Forward-Center Meyers Leonard says while sitting behind the computer screen of a virtual zoom call, wearing a mask, and holding up his injured arm in a sling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His positivity is unmatched. His kindness unparalleled. When Leonard says he aims to \u201cGive everybody my all,\u201d he means everybody<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basketball star spent time eagerly answering questions well past midnight in a private press conference with University of Miami students after the Heat\u2019s 108-94 road win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite being excited to return home after a seven-game road trip, season ending injury, and time away from his team for surgery, Leonard\u2019s attention was fully focused on the call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leonard lives and dies by two things: his character and his work ethic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have to give back; I have to be a positive impact,\u201d the seven-footer says with urgency, \u201cI got wide shoulders for a reason. I\u2019m carrying everyone with me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leonard finds his voice to be a \u201ccheat code\u201d elevating his leadership on and off the court — one reason why he thinks the Heat signed him in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When asked what his teammates would describe him as, he bluntly answered, \u201cOne energetic S.O.B.\u201d Though he laughed, saying he was kidding, it was clear the title had truth to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leonard\u2019s commitment to positivity never wavers. True character, he says, is defined through adversity, something he is all too familiar with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leonard learned to \u201csmile through adversity\u201d at a young age. As a kid, his family faced the passing of his father and extreme financial struggles. \u201cI think about sleeping on the floor, no electricity, no running water.\u201d Leonard remembers driving up to practices with squeaky cars and dripping oil, embarrassed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When he joined the NBA, he had all he ever dreamed of: a beautiful wife, millions of dollars, his dream job, and the nicest of cars. However, Leonard was not happy, and he struggled with anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the 2021 season began, Leonard was battling to get back into the rotation. In January, he injured his shoulder. Sitting in his car after hearing the season-ending diagnosis, Leonard says, \u201cTears just started pouring out of my eyes. It was like a shower.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nonetheless, Leonard says his glass remains half full, plus some. Playing the game he loves for a living, he says he doesn\u2019t understand \u201cwhy that\u2019s not the norm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, nine years in the NBA, Leonard says in awe, \u201cIt blows my mind how blessed I’ve been.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sidelined all season, Leonard could not be more confident that he is in the right place. He is committed to his crew in the 305.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cComing here made sense because of who I am right here<\/em>,\u201d he says tapping at his heart. \u201cI love it here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even on a Zoom-quality call, his eyes lit up as he talked about his love for the Miami Heat. Leonard admires the values of the organization, the people, and how they give back amidst adversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a 2021 season that is full of injury plagues and predicaments for the reigning runner ups, Head Coach Erik Spoelstra encourages the team saying, \u201cShooters keep shooting.\u201d The mantra of perseverance personifies Meyers Leonard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s next for Leonard? The recent purchase of a $7.75 million home may give it away. If it is up to Leonard, his next season will be spent again in South Florida with his wife, Elle, and their two-year-old Siberian Husky, Koko.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the meantime, Leonard promises this, \u201cI will give everything I have to the city of Miami and this organization in whatever way I can. That’s what I’ll continue to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around 12:30 a.m. Leonard hurriedly stepped away from the call to catch his flight home to Miami. He yells back to the computer as he is dragged out the door, \u201cIf you need something, please get it to Tim. I will answer your question. I promise you. I will. Thank you so much for everything. It was a pleasure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it is his teammates, his community, or random students from the University of Miami — Meyers Leonard cares for all.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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