Can Kawhi Leonard Play Piano? Inside the Clippers Star's Secret Skill

Kawhi Leonard performs piano in a New Balance industrial, however is he in fact taking part in, or simply pretending that he has the musical chops essential?

In a league filled with stars, Kawhi Leonard is one among the brightest. The Los Angeles Clippers star is known for his skill on the court, and for his large palms. Those massive arms also are one of the reasons we see him playing piano in a contemporary advert from New Balance. In the video, Kawhi takes the court as he concurrently takes the stage, showing off his piano chops and his basketball skills. 

Article continues underneath advertisement

Can Kawhi Leonard really play the piano?

Although it will be possible for New Balance to faux Kawhi's piano taking part in abilities, it turns out that they're very real. Kawhi's piano playing is sensible, especially whilst you believe the size of his arms. He can succeed in more keys than your moderate piano player, and it seems that he took lessons when he used to be a kid. In an article from 2011, Kawhi defined how his fingers helped him both on and off the courtroom. 

Article continues under advertisement

"I've always had big hands, even as a baby," Kawhi mentioned in the interview. "My mom says it was one of the first things she noticed when I was born. Fans like to compare my hands to theirs and then take pictures of them. Having big hands definitely helps in basketball. It's easier to palm the ball and to get rebounds and steals, and it makes shooting easier because I can control the ball while I adjust to what the defender is doing." 

"It also helps me play the piano," Kawhi endured. "Without even moving my hands, I'm able to hit keys that other people can't reach." Kawhi additionally stated that his fingers now and again make lifestyles harder. His hands totally cover his telephone, and if he drops it in the sofa, his arms are too large to reach in and clutch it. 

Article continues beneath advertisement

Kawhi Leonard just lately blocked a shot with only one finger.

In a contemporary playoff recreation towards the Denver Nuggets, Kawhi made use of his huge palms, blockading a shot from Jamal Murray with the center finger on his left hand. In the aftermath of the block, which contributed to a victory for the Clippers, Kawhi's fellow gamers and his trainer had been marveling at his talent to dam the shot without even using his complete hand. 

Article continues below commercial

"That's an extra long middle finger," Paul George said in a postgame interview. "Like, it kept growing or something. That's Kawhi, man." 

Doc Rivers, the Clippers' trainer, used to be similarly effusive in his praise for the play. "That play by Kawhi was amazing," Doc stated. "I didn't know it was with one finger. I thought he just blocked it, but it was impressive. I didn't even know where he came from." 

"I just saw him penetrating," Kawhi mentioned in an attempt to describe the play. "... So I stepped up and tried to contest his shot." In the aftermath of the recreation, Kawhi was keen to give credit to his combatants, who he stated had been a good crew who had numerous revel in enjoying in combination. 

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pbXSramam6Ses7p6wqikaKhfmK6vecqarqGhXaGysLrAq5tmqJyWxm68yJqlqA%3D%3D