FS1 commentator Skip Bayless shared a short story of meeting Kawhi Leonard's infamous Uncle Dennis at the WBA welterweight title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman.
While Pacquiao won a split decision against Thurman, Bayless, sitting ringside, was approached by Leonard's relative.
“His name is Kawhi Leonard,” Dennis told Bayless at the fight, referring to Bayless' propensity for calling the two-time Finals MVP “No. 2.”
No. 2 is sitting not far from me. His Uncle Dennis just came over and introduced himself. Laughing, he said, “His name is Kawhi Leonard.” Nice about it. But he’ll always be No. 2 to me.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 21, 2019
Dennis Robertson has turned into Leonard's spokesman of sorts, intervening on behalf of the Los Angeles Clippers superstar and acting as a surrogate father following Kawhi's father's murder in 2008. Leonard's mother's brother has publicly advocated for his nephew and is a close advisor, with many seeking him out for potential insights on the two-time champion forward.
The San Antonio Spurs traded Leonard and shooting guard Danny Green in July 2018 to the Toronto Raptors. Thereafter, the Raptors, led by Leonard and Most Improved Player Pascal Siakam, won the first title in the Canadian franchise's history.
While many believed Leonard would at least return to Toronto for another year and a shot at repeating, Leonard opted to confide in All-Star Paul George and the two finagled their way to the Clippers, with Kawhi signing as an unrestricted free agent and the Oklahoma City Thunder sending George to LA in exchange for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and multiple first-rounders.
Leonard and George now find themselves embroiled in a Los Angeles bout with the Lakers, headlined by LeBron James and the recently acquired Anthony Davis. It's unlikely Uncle Dennis can have an on-court impact in this arena, however.
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