Meyers Leonard Retires from NBA at 33: A Look at His Career and Stats

Meyers Leonard's College and NBA Career: A Statistical Breakdown

Meyers Leonard, the 11th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, has officially announced his retirement at age 33. Known for his size and ability to stretch the floor, Leonard played nine seasons in the league. Here’s a look at his basketball career, from college to the pros.

College Career at Illinois (2010-2012)

Leonard played two seasons for the Illinois Fighting Illini, showing rapid improvement in his sophomore year. His stats:

• Freshman Year (2010-11): 2.1 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 8.2 MPG

• Sophomore Year (2011-12): 13.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 58.4 FG%

Leonard’s sophomore breakout, including a strong defensive presence, made him a top prospect in the 2012 NBA Draft.

NBA Career Highlights and Stats

Portland Trail Blazers (2012-2019)

Drafted by Portland, Leonard primarily played as a backup center early in his career. His best statistical season with the Blazers came in 2015-16, when he averaged:

• 2015-16: 8.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.5 APG, 37.7 3P%

His biggest moment came in the 2019 Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors. In Game 4, he scored a career-high 30 points with 12 rebounds.

Miami Heat (2019-2021)

Traded to Miami in 2019, Leonard played a key role in their 2020 NBA Finals run, starting in 49 games during the regular season.

• 2019-20 Season: 6.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 41.4 3P%

However, injuries and off-court controversy limited his time in Miami, leading to his departure in 2021.

Milwaukee Bucks (2023)

After missing time due to injury and suspension, Leonard returned to the NBA with the Bucks on a 10-day contract in 2023. He played 9 games, averaging 4.8 PPG and 3.8 RPG.

Final Career NBA Stats

• Regular Season: 447 games, 5.6 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 39.0% 3P

• Playoffs: 28 games, 5.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 43.8% 3P

Legacy

Leonard carved out a niche as a stretch big, shooting nearly 40% from three over his career. Though injuries and controversy shortened his time in the league, he was a valuable role player, particularly in Portland and Miami. His impact in the 2019 WCF and 2020 Heat season will remain his standout moments.

Now retired, Leonard's future in basketball—whether in media, coaching, or business—remains to be seen.