Last Updated on April 19, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

  • Full Name: Meyers Leonard
  • Nickname: Meyers
  • Nationality: American
  • Date of Birth: February 27, 1992
  • Hometown: Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
  • Height: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
  • Weight: 260 lbs (118 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m)
  • Shoe Size: 18 (US)
  • Jersey Number:
    • #11 — Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball
    • #11 — Portland Trail Blazers
    • #0 — Miami Heat
    • #11 — Milwaukee Bucks
  • Position: Center
  • High School: Robinson Secondary School (Virginia); transferred to Hargrave Military Academy (Virginia)
  • College: University of Illinois (2010–2012)
  • NBA Draft: 2012 — 1st Round, 11th Pick — Portland Trail Blazers
  • Player Archetype: Stretch five (floor-spacing center)
  • Primary Offensive Role: Pick-and-pop big, floor spacer, secondary screener
  • Defensive Role: Drop coverage rim protector with limited lateral versatility
  • Play Style: Perimeter-oriented big who spaces the floor, sets high screens, and finishes efficiently when given space; not a primary post scorer
  • Handedness / Shooting Hand: Right-handed
  • Athletic Profile: Above-average size with good straight-line mobility and vertical pop; average lateral quickness for NBA center
  • Recruiting Status: 3-star recruit (ESPN/Scout consensus)
  • Draft Status Detail: Early-entry sophomore; drafted as a high-upside size-and-shooting prospect with developmental expectations
  • Injury Status Category: Moderate Risk — multiple shoulder and ankle issues plus a significant shoulder surgery (2017–18) that impacted continuity but not career-ending
  • Career Stage: Veteran role player (late-career rotational / depth big)
  • Comparison Style: Shooting-oriented center with size-first profile
  • Comparable Players:
    • Channing Frye — stretch big with perimeter shooting focus
    • Kelly Olynyk — skilled floor-spacing center with offensive versatility
    • Brook Lopez — modern stretch-five evolution with rim protection element
  • Teams Played For:
    • Portland Trail Blazers (2012–2019)
    • Miami Heat (2019–2021)
    • Milwaukee Bucks (2023)
  • Championship Rings: 0
  • Parents: James and Tracie Leonard
  • Children: None publicly confirmed
  • Siblings: Bailey Leonard (brother)

Meyers Leonard’s player archetype is that of a stretch five, a floor-spacing center who operates primarily as a pick-and-pop threat while anchoring lineups with size. Defensively, he functions in drop coverage as a rim protector, relying more on positioning than switchability due to average lateral mobility. Offensively, his role centers on spacing the floor, setting solid screens, and punishing defenses with catch-and-shoot range rather than post creation. At 7 feet with a strong frame and above-average vertical athleticism, Leonard combines physical presence with perimeter skill, shaping a play style that prioritizes spacing, efficiency, and structured half-court execution over self-generated offense.

Sources:
Basketball Reference — Meyers Leonard Stats
NBA.com — Meyers Leonard Player Profile
ESPN — Meyers Leonard Bio