Drew Timme, currently a power forward for the Brooklyn Nets, is leveraging his experiences to boost his career in the NBA and refine his abilities, particularly focusing on Kawhi Leonard NBA defensive skills. After securing a two-year agreement with the Nets at the close of March 2025, Timme’s solid play for the Long Island Nets—Brooklyn’s G League squad—underlined his determination and upside. Over his final nine G League contests, Timme registered an average of 12 points and seven rebounds, clocking over 28 minutes each game, which drew attention as he moves toward the NBA2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas.

Sharpening Shooting and Adapting to Modern Basketball

Heading into summer league preparations, Timme has prioritized expanding his shooting range, with a particular emphasis on consistent three-point accuracy.

“I’m a pretty good shooter now, so just continuing to work on that and continue building on it,”

he revealed during an interview. Timme’s focus on perimeter shooting highlights both the shifting priorities in the NBA and his commitment to adjusting his skill set for success. He understands that being able to stretch the floor as a shooter is vital in the current professional landscape, positioning himself for a larger role with the team.

Learning from an NBA All-Star’s Top-Tier Defense

Timme’s transition into the NBA included a pivotal lesson in his first matchup against the LA Clippers, where he faced Kawhi Leonard’s renowned defensive talents. In the midst of a challenging 32-point defeat, Timme was confronted with the exceptional quickness and anticipation that Leonard brings to his defensive assignments.

“My first game we played the Clippers, and Kawhi Leonard just, I was dribbling the ball, and he just stole the ball from behind me,”

Timme remembered. The experience illustrated how elite NBA defensive skills can dictate the flow of play and presented a clear benchmark for the rookie.

“It was like a vacuum. He just engulfed it and I was like, ‘Yo!’ Because I thought I could maybe get the ball back. And then I saw it was him and I was like, ‘Oh, no. It’s a wrap,’”

he added, capturing the humbling and motivating nature of facing one of the league’s best defenders.

Competing for a Role with Renewed Motivation

Looking ahead to his maiden NBA season, Timme will be vying for minutes not only with established names but also emerging colleagues like Noah Clowney, the Nets’ promising first-round pick. The internal competition is intense, increasing the urgency for Timme to apply the lessons from both his G League success and early NBA learning moments. With an intensive offseason centered on improving his shot and a personal understanding of the demands posed by stars like Kawhi Leonard, Timme re-enters the professional campaign determined and passionate. The next few months will determine if his commitment to evolving as a player will pay off in meaningful playing time and impact for Brooklyn.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What is Kawhi Leonard diagnosed with?

A. Leonard attended Team USA’s training camp in Las Vegas in July before the Olympics. However, USA Basketball chose to swap him out for Derrick White. Leonard had torn the ACL in his right knee during the 2021 playoffs and sat out the whole 2021-22 season because of this injury.

Q. What is Kawhi Leonard’s syndrome?

A. Loeys-Dietz syndrome is an uncommon genetic condition that impacts the body’s connective tissue. People with this syndrome often have tall, slim bodies and long fingers and toes. Similar to Marfan syndrome, individuals with Loeys-Dietz syndrome are at risk for developing aneurysms in the aorta and other blood vessels.