Kawhi Leonard explains origins of ‘Board man gets paid’ quote

A quote Kawhi Leonard used to say in high school and college has gone viral, and the Toronto Raptors star shared the origins on it.

On Monday, The Athletic’s Jayson Jenks published an “oral history of Kawhi Leonard’s college days.” The story highlighted a quote Leonard used to repeat as a motto, which is simple: “board man gets paid.”

People loved the quote because it was so simple and so reflective of Leonard’s personality — a reference to how hustling for rebounds gets rewarded with an NBA contract.

After the Toronto Raptors’ 123-109 win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, Leonard was asked about the quote and shared the origins of it.

"I used to say that back when I was in high school and college, just wanting to get to this league, it's about working hard."

—Kawhi on his saying, "Board man gets paid" pic.twitter.com/Bi94K2t9z3

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 6, 2019

“I used to say that back when I was in high school and college,” Leonard said. “Just wanting to get to this league, just — it’s about working hard, basically, outworking the opponent. Rebounds help you win games, big rebounds, offensive rebounds, limiting the team to one shot. And that used to be our motto, just some of us that were in college that was trying to get to this point.”

It’s a perfect answer and shows exactly who Leonard is. Even at the NBA Finals, he’s still working hard and focusing on the prize, not celebrating just because they won a game and lead 2-1 in the series.

Leonard had 30 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in the game. The Athletic’s story on him is well worth your time.