Philadelphia 76ers and NBA legend Julius Irving did not hide his admiration for the Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.
In a recent conversation with Clippers writer Farbod Esnaashari, Doctor J revealed that his favorite player to watch nowadays is Kawhi Leonard.
“Kawhi is my favorite NBA player. Absolutely,” he said. “I’ll tell you what, it’s kind of like a mutual admiration,” Erving said. “I really admire him, I haven’t sat down or had dinner with him or lunch or anything like that.
We connected All-Star weekend during the top 75 [celebration]. It’s always just a cordiality there because he’s a favorite guy that I like to watch in the NBA. So I’ve gone on record and saying that, I don’t know if he’s heard about it or not.”
Kawhi Leonard is expected to return to action next season after missing the whole 2021-22 campaign due to injury.
Irving appeared open to offer advice and mentor the Clippers’ superstar. Irving revealed Bill Russell played this role for him.
He said that he met the 11-time champion while attending UMass and was always extended a hand of friendship.
Leonard has been a dominant force through the years but struggled with injuries the past few seasons.
He’s expected to get back in action ahead of the 2022-23 campaign hoping to lead the Clippers to their first championship in the history of the franchise.
