meyers leonard brother

Brian Siler remembers the moment he decided to change his life. [22] In the penultimate game of the regular season on April 13, he scored a career-high 24 points in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Siler vaguely remembers James Leonard leaning on an outfield fence, watching his boys play, hollering like dads do to their kids. Tracie is not a complainer, but her son knows his mother and knows her agony. Heat captain Udonis Haslem had multiple conversations with Leonard in recent days about his decision. Like Meyers himself, a straightforward 19-year-old whose cropped haircut and intense gaze let you know he doesn't suffer fools or slights well, the shoulders are strong and unflinching. Meyers is the Paul Bunyan of Robinson, the gentle giant who led the tiny town to its first state title. He never called Siler dad but says he is "like a dad," and Siler always respected his boundaries -- "You treat him like a son, but he's not my own," -- but offered support, guidance and discipline when needed. In his freshman year, Leonard averaged 2.1 points and 1.2 rebounds per game in 8.2 minutes per game. They did it out of the kindness of their hearts. On the contrary, Tracie loves her son, loves him so much that she was willing to accept help. This was a particularly tough and unique situation for them to be in. He knew in his heart that what he was doing was right, and he let that lead him.". What would have happened then? [49] The Leonards have donated $500,000 to the Illinois Athletic Department toward the renovation of the site of their first date, the Ubben Basketball Complex. [41][42], On February 22, 2023, Leonard signed a 10-day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. He is stubborn yet needs to be cajoled, a kid who needs structure yet requires praise. [14] On July 13 he signed his rookie scale contract with the Trail Blazers. But tall tales don't always stand up so well in reality, and Meyers' freshman year was a serious reality check. But also I will continue to use my platform to bring awareness to these situations because I truly know that silence is compliance and I do need to speak up. Ahead of this year's trade deadline, Leonard was sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who subsequently waived him. 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. But he noted that he . The Illinois sophomore is impressive one day, vexing the next. 7 ft or 213.5 cm. [17] He made his first career start on November 21, 2012, against the Phoenix Suns, finishing with 12 points and 5 rebounds. (Kevin C. Cox/AP). After signing his contract as a rookie, he made his NBA debut against the Los Angeles Lakers and scored four points. Weight. Odds and lines subject to change. And if hes proud of me, and if my brothers on this team are with me, then I know this is what I have to do.. His mother Tracie, once an athlete who would run upwards of 10 miles a day, had been largely housebound since her husband's death, due to an old horseback injury and subsequent disc surgery that left her with crippling pain.[2]. He does it to help people, and thats the bottom line., Bailey enlisted in the Marines in 2008. He attended Robinson High School; the school was located in Robinson Illinois. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Back in the Orlando bubble, NBA players had decided to take a knee during the national anthem as a sign of support for the Black Lives Matter movement. So it wasn't surprising that no other team decided to sign him on a veteran's minimum contract. I could tell she knew it was what I wanted, but I can never understand what it is like for a mother to hear her son say he wants to join the Marine Corps, especially during a time of war.". Stay the course. [40], On January 13, 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers hosted Leonard for a workout, which was the first publicized activity of his attempted NBA comeback after his anti-Semitism controversy. Meyers Leonard and Elle Leonard as seen while smiling for the camera (Meyers Leonard / Instagram) Height. Meyers Leonard has a family. If Austin needed gear, Siler bought some for Meyers, too. Because Ive listened to Udonis and am constantly inspired by him, every single one of those dollars will go to Overtown and Liberty City, where he grew up, Leonard said, referring to two of Miamis historic Black neighborhoods. NBA Finals Game 1: Heat vs. Nuggets Time, TV, Discussion, Trade or Use the Third Pick? I know how hard it is for her. [34], On March 9, 2021, the Heat announced that Leonard would be suspended indefinitely while the NBA conducted an investigation into his use of an anti-Semitic slur during a Twitch video game livestream session. Meyers went and made the team, using that experience to fuel his confidence and his play this season. They are not filthy rich -- Brian is an insurance agent -- but they are comfortable, and, more, they are Christian, holding fast to the notion that, by helping someone else, they will be rewarded 10 times over. His confidence was so shaken that, this past summer, when he was invited to attend the USA Basketball U-19 training camp, he initially went to his coach to decline. Dana O'Neil covers college basketball for ESPN.com and can be reached at espnoneil@live.com. . It just hits me in a different way. Barely a few weeks into the new year, Meyers Leonard injured his left shoulder in a matchup against the Washington Wizards. He was 6 years old when his father passed away. She has done an amazing job with those boys.". I felt an overwhelming amount of emotion as I stood there during the National Anthem. Meyers Leonard's Family Background . [32] The Heat reached the 2020 NBA Finals, but lost the series in 6 games to the Los Angeles Lakers. Leonard was among the few names who decided against kneeling. Heat forward Andre Iguodala, a member of the National Basketball Players Associations executive committee, said he respected Leonards choice. Former teammates have warned Leonard that he may deal with criticism, possibly from fellow NBA players. I hadn't told her beforehand. On the broadcast, that occurred on the 19-year anniversary of the . Thats why this day is often very, very difficult to me. Heat center Meyers Leonard stands as teammates kneel during Saturday's playing of the anthem in the "NBA bubble" on Aug. 1, 2020. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Leonard attended Robinson High School and was on the schools basketball team where he started as a guard. Hes always been that person for me because we have had hardship. It started out simply. Bailey has his dad's ring and wears it everywhere, even in the Afghan desert, where he's serving his second tour as a Marine. Leonard's father, James was a golf pro and his mother is Tracie Leonard. [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. The Leonards' father, who died in a bicycle accident when they were kids, also was born on Sept. 11. It wasnt an easy decision because I truly do understand and see what is going on in America right now. He has done endorsement work for brands likeCELSIUS Energy Drink andCoors Light. I need to be a powerful voice behind this movement.. Tracie declined an interview for this story. I want to be able to take care of her. He has dyed his hair in shades like gray, etc. It is a lot to wish for, a heavy load to carry. I mean that 100 percent with every fiber of my being. Also, its my fathers birthday who passed when I was young. The following year he was selected to play for the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championships with the USA team. If you have somehow never seen this clip, grab some tissues and hit play. Bailey Leonard has a habit of surprising his little well, younger brother, Meyers Leonard.. Also, its a very tragic day in United States history. "She's a fighter, so she tries not to let me worry, but, every once in a while, she'll break down and tell me how bad it is. "I just thought, 'This kid looks like he could use someone in his life,'" Siler said. And I can see where hes coming from.. Leonard led Robinson High School to the IHSA class 2A state championship[3] before choosing to play collegiate basketball at the University of Illinois. After Meyers discussed the day, Johnson welcomed in Bailey to the interview live from the familys home in Robinson (Ill.). ALSO READ: Dansgaming Biography, Girlfriend, Is He Gay, Why Is He Popular? In an appearance on Inside the NBA, Heat big man Meyers Leonard was surprised by a special appearance from his brother, Bailey. James Leonard was only 46 when he died, killed in a freak bicycle accident in the middle of the small town -- Robinson, Ill. -- the family called home. The Orlando Magic's Jonathan Isaac stands as others kneel before the start of an NBA "bubble" basketball game on July 31, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Ashley Landis/AP). A one-time pitcher turned guard turned big man after a six-inch growth spurt between his freshman and sophomore years in high school, Meyers is something of a basketball anomaly. Professionally, he is a U.S marine who worked in Afghanistan. "I mean, he was dominating in Robinson, Ill. How good could he be?" . I truly do live my life to respect others and love everyone. Siler knew Leonard had died, leaving his boys without a dad. [37] The Thunder stated that Leonard would not be joining the team or participating in any basketball activities and that they had traded for him as a salary filler. "I told her my recruiter was coming to the house. After his fathers death, an old horse injury that resulted in a disc surgery for his mother began to show up, virtually incapacitating her. For the things that he does off the court, for one, carrying himself in the highest regard and not wanting anything extra for the actions he takes, just for being a good person. Modified Nov 08, 2022 11:44 GMT. Eligibility restrictions apply. He went on to pick up DNPs in 11 of the next 12 games. My brother, and many close friends have sworn to protect this country at all costs, and that means something to me, as . Still, Leonard simply could not bring himself to kneel for the national anthem. The fact that he put his life on the line with two tours in Afghanistan, so I spoke with many teammates, I spoke with the Miami Heat organization and many of the people Im close with and many members of the military obviously, including my brother. 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.. He wants to do well for so many people.". It has not abandoned him. What we already know about Division I shooting accuracy for 2023-24, WTE Top 25: Kevin McCullar Jr.'s return edges Kansas over Duke for No. Meyers Leonard was on the show to discuss why Sept. 11 is such an emotional day for him. 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. But although Meyers might not be ready for the NBA, there's a chance the NBA will be ready for Meyers and his 7-foot-1, 245 pounds of chiseled muscle. 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. "I give Austin so much credit," Siler said. After years of being apart, the two brothers share an emotional hug that will leave you reaching for the tissues. What Tracie couldn't do, the Silers did. Please logout and login again. .. Tracie declined an interview for this story February 22, 2023, Leonard signed a 10-day contract the... Per game his contract as a rookie, he was selected to play for the National.... Bunyan of Robinson, the Silers did fence, watching his boys play, hollering like dads do their! Basketball for ESPN.com and can be reached at espnoneil @ live.com knows her.. Coming to the interview live from the familys home in Robinson Illinois, Ill. How good could be! 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