Kawhi Leonard's deep connection with San Diego is as strong as ever

OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- There are many beautiful places in the world that are considered travel sites, hot spots, and great for tourists. On the other side, though a lot of spots that resemble those types of things some people enjoy the simpler things in a city. That seems to refer to the analogy of Kawhi Leonard and the ties he has to the beautiful city of San Diego.

Leonard, a native of Southern California more specifically from the Inland Empire area of Moreno Valley he has made it known while he may not be from San Diego it sure is where his heart is. The Clippers had their first preseason game on Thursday in Oceanside, California a North County suburb in San Diego at Frontwave Arena.

In the aftermath of the Clippers 95-142 victory over the Lions, Leonard took some time to speak on what the community of San Diego means to him and what the city makes him feel comfortable.

"It's chill everyone out here is chill lets you live a little bit and that's great I'm just a normal person out here" Leonard stated. 

Leonard in college

Leonard has made San Diego his off-season home since coming into the NBA playing with the San Antonio Spurs. Back from 2009-2011, Leonard attended San Diego State University where he was able to help lead them to a 32-3 record and a trip to the Elite Eight.

The Aztecs who are not known as an historic school for basketball certainly got some highlights with Leonard. In his time in college, Leonard was primarily known as a rebounder and defender. However, in that time a lot of development and hard work was put in by him to become the caliber of player he is today. 

Leonard in the community

Many NBA players can afford to live in more than one place at a time. Leonard has shared that he has a house in the North County part of San Diego, California. In his time here, he has become a frequent supporter of not the Los Angeles Dodgers where he is employed but the San Diego Padres. 

The Clippers and Padres share some similar traits as far as not being the most prestigious teams in Southern California. This is similar to how Leonard describes the city of San Diego himself and why it fits his personality which is laid back, quiet, and simple.