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Leon Powe
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Leon Powe
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Leon Powe Jr. (/ˈpoʊ/; born January 22, 1984) is an American former professional basketball power forward. Drafted in 2006 by the Denver Nuggets, Powe grew up in Oakland, California, and played college basketball for the California Golden Bears. He played his first three years in the NBA with the Boston Celtics and won a championship with the team in 2008. From 2009 to 2011, Powe played for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also had a stint with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2011. After a stint in Puerto Rico, Powe announced his retirement in 2014 citing multiple injuries and his desire to become a businessman.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Powe grew up in Oakland, California. His father left him when he was two years old. When he was seven years old, the family's house burned down and they were homeless for years. They moved more than twenty times within six years. He and his siblings were taken away from their mother by the state of California and put into foster care. Powe's mother died four days before he played in the state championship.[1]

High school career

[edit]

Powe attended Oakland Technical High School along with former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, where he averaged 27.4 ppg, 14.2 rpg and 3.1 bpg as a senior. With Powe in the roster, Oakland Tech won the CIF Oakland Section Championship and also reached the CIF State Championships in 2002 and 2003. He was named a first-team Parade All-American and the Gatorade California Player of the Year during his senior year. A highly rated prep star, Powe was selected to play in the McDonald's All-American game and became the first Oakland Tech athlete to have his number retired by the school.[2]

College career

[edit]

Powe played college basketball at the University of California, Berkeley, for the Golden Bears from 2003 to 2006. Although he was present for three seasons, he did not play in his sophomore year (2004–05) due to a serious knee injury.[3] During his freshman season, he was named the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year, leading the conference in rebounding.

Questions abounded about whether Powe would return to form following his knee surgery, but he worked hard and rehabilitated to become a dominant force on the interior as he continued to improve his game. He produced 20.5 PPG and 10.1 RPG while leading Cal to a 20–11 record and a berth in the NCAA tournament.

Powe was named California's most valuable player during a banquet in April 2006. Powe, who also was selected Cal's MVP as a freshman in 2004, averaged 20.5 ppg and 10.1 rpg to become just the sixth player ever to pace the Pac-10 Conference in both categories. Named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press, the U.S. Basketball Writers and ESPN.com, he was chosen to the All-Pac-10 First Team for a second time in 2006.

Professional career

[edit]

After his junior year, Powe decided to enter his name in the 2006 NBA draft.[3] Powe was selected by the Denver Nuggets in the second round as the 49th overall pick. The Nuggets subsequently traded him to the Boston Celtics. After playing for the Celtics summer league team, Powe was signed by the team to a 3-year contract. Although Powe did not reach the sum of 14 in his per game points, rebounds, and assists necessary to guarantee the second year of his contract, that second year became guaranteed when Boston did not waive him by July 1, 2007. Powe had a similar hurdle of 16 for the sum of the three statistics to guarantee the third year of his contract (2008–09).[4][5]

2006–07 NBA season

[edit]

Powe played as a fourth string center behind Kendrick Perkins, Brian Scalabrine and Michael Olowokandi in his rookie season. After a rash of injuries submarined Boston's playoff chances, Powe received a limited opportunity to showcase his skills. He proved himself a capable defender who could alter shots and provide interior rebounding. On January 12, 2007, Powe made the most out of his 25 minutes and registered a career-high 12 rebounds against the Toronto Raptors. On April 10, 2007, he scored 19 points against the Atlanta Hawks. Powe finished the 2006–07 campaign averaging 4.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in just over 11 minutes per game.

2007–08 NBA season

[edit]
Powe shoots a free throw in Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks.
Powe at an event during the 2007–08 season

On January 29, 2008, Powe had a breakout performance that took place in Miami against the Heat, as he effectively filled in the blank of the absent main contributors Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, scoring 25 points and grabbing 11 rebounds en route to a 117–87 blowout victory.[6] He also scored his career-high 27 points in the last game of the season against the New Jersey Nets on April 16, 2008.[7]

One of his most notable performances of the season came in Game 2 of the 2008 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers on June 8, 2008, as he scored 21 points, which included several dunks and 13 free throw attempts in only 15 minutes of play in front of a crowd chanting his name[8] en route to a 108–102 Celtics victory.[9][10][11]

Powe during the 2008 Boston Celtics championship parade.

2008–09 NBA season

[edit]

On March 13, 2009, Powe started in place of the injured Kevin Garnett, scoring a career-high 30 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and blocking a career-high 5 shots, in a 102–92 Celtics victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.[12]

Powe spent the end of the season attempting to recover from a right knee strain. He returned in time for the playoffs, only to tear the ACL and meniscus in his left knee in Game 2 of the first round against the Chicago Bulls.[13] Powe continued to play on the torn ACL for three minutes before being taken out. His season ended with the knee injury, and had successful surgery to repair the injury on May 5, 2009.[14] On August 2, the Cleveland Cavaliers offered Powe an offer sheet worth two years and $1.8 million.[15] On August 11, 2009, Powe and the Cavaliers agreed in principle to the deal with an option on the second year.[16] On August 12, 2009, he officially signed the deal.[17]

2010–11 NBA season

[edit]

On February 24, 2011, Powe was waived when the Cleveland Cavaliers needed to clear their roster capacity after making two trades.[18][19] He had just recovered from surgery to repair the torn meniscus in his right knee which had kept him sidelined for six weeks.[20] Over a week later, Powe signed for the rest of the season with the Memphis Grizzlies.[19]

Basketball post-career

[edit]

In 2014, Powe was hired by the Celtics as community ambassador.[21]

NBA career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2006–07 Boston 63 2 11.4 .446 .000 .736 3.4 .2 .2 .3 4.2
2007–08† Boston 56 5 14.4 .572 .000 .710 4.1 .3 .3 .3 7.9
2008–09 Boston 70 7 17.5 .524 .000 .689 4.9 .7 .3 .5 7.7
2009–10 Cleveland 20 2 11.8 .429 .000 .587 3.0 .0 .3 .1 4.0
2010–11 Cleveland 14 3 13.4 .492 .000 .462 2.7 .1 .5 .2 5.0
2010–11 Memphis 16 0 8.8 .500 .000 .609 1.6 .3 .2 .1 5.5
Career 239 19 13.9 .515 .000 .682 3.8 .3 .3 .3 6.2

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2008† Boston 23 1 11.7 .493 .000 .667 2.7 .2 .0 .1 5.0
2009 Boston 2 0 12.0 .429 .000 .667 4.5 .0 .0 .0 5.0
2010 Cleveland 3 0 3.0 .250 .000 .750 .7 .0 .0 .0 1.7
2011 Memphis 4 0 3.5 .250 .000 .750 1.0 .0 .0 .0 1.8
Career 32 1 9.9 .457 .000 .675 2.4 .1 .0 .1 4.3

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Leon Powe

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Leon Powe Jr. (born January 22, 1984) is an American former professional basketball player who primarily played as a in the (NBA). Standing at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) tall, he is best known for his tenure with the , where he contributed to their 2008 NBA championship as a key bench player, notably scoring 21 points in just 15 minutes during Game 2 of the . Drafted 49th overall in the second round of the by the before being traded to Boston, Powe's career spanned five NBA seasons, during which he averaged 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game across 239 regular-season appearances. His journey from a troubled upbringing in , to collegiate stardom at the , and NBA success highlights his resilience amid personal hardships, including and the loss of his mother. Powe grew up in extreme poverty in inner-city Oakland, where his father abandoned the family when he was two years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his six siblings by selling toys on the street. At age seven, a house fire rendered his family homeless for six years, forcing them to live in abandoned cars, motels, and on street corners while relocating over 20 times; his mother's struggles with drug addiction and a 90-day jail stint for stealing groceries further led to the children entering . Tragedy struck in high school when his mother died of a heart attack at age 41, just four days before Powe led to the California state championship game, where he starred despite the grief. At Oakland Tech, he emerged as a All-American, California Player of the Year, and first-team Parade All-American, though he suffered a torn ACL after the championship and improved his GPA from 1.8 to 3.2 while retaking four times to gain admission to UC Berkeley. During his two seasons at California (2003–2006), Powe quickly became a dominant force, earning Pac-10 Freshman of the Year honors in 2003–04 with averages of 15.1 points and a school-record 9.5 rebounds per game as a freshman, along with first-team All-Pac-10 and team MVP accolades. In his sophomore year of 2005–06, following knee surgery and 16 months of rehabilitation that sidelined him for the prior season, he led the Pac-10 in scoring (20.5 points per game) and rebounding (10.1 per game)—a feat unmatched by any Cal player in over 40 years—while earning second-team All-America honors and Pac-10 Tournament MVP after averaging 26.7 points and 11.3 rebounds, highlighted by a 41-point game against Oregon and a 20-rebound performance versus USC. His efforts helped guide the Golden Bears to the NCAA Tournament, and over his Cal career, he averaged 17.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, both ranking in the program's top 10. Powe was inducted into the California Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018 for his contributions. In the NBA, Powe's role with the Celtics peaked during the 2007–08 season, where he provided crucial energy off the bench in 56 games, averaging 7.9 points and 4.1 rebounds, culminating in his . Injuries, including a severe issue in the 2009 , limited his play in subsequent years; he appeared in 70 games for in 2008–09 (7.7 ) before signing with the in 2009, where he played in 34 games over parts of two injury-plagued seasons (averaging 3.0 ). Traded to the in 2011, Powe appeared in just one game before retiring from the NBA later that year at age 27, though he briefly played overseas. Since retiring, Powe has served as a community ambassador for the . His career underscores a of perseverance, transforming early adversities into for athletic excellence.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Leon Powe was born on January 22, 1984, in , and raised in the East Oakland neighborhood amid challenging socioeconomic conditions. As the oldest child in a single-parent household, Powe grew up with his mother, Connie Landry, and his six younger siblings after his father abandoned the family when Powe was two years old. Landry supported the family through low-wage odd jobs, including temporary employment and selling goods at flea markets, while struggling with and personal hardships such as drug addiction. The family's living situation was marked by instability, with frequent relocations driven by financial strain. When Powe was seven, their home burned down after one of his younger brothers accidentally started a with matches, leaving them homeless and forcing them to move more than 20 times over the next six years. They often stayed in rundown motels, abandoned cars, or on street corners, and spent time in upwards of 30 homeless shelters across Oakland. As the eldest, Powe frequently took on responsibilities to help care for his siblings during these difficult periods, fostering a strong family support system despite the adversity.

Personal challenges and mother's death

Leon Powe endured profound personal hardships during his adolescence, most notably the worsening health of his mother, Connie Landry, who suffered from heart disease aggravated by the stresses of single parenthood and low-wage jobs, including selling goods at flea markets and temporary employment, to support her seven children. Landry, aged 41, died of a heart attack on March 19, 2002, while residing at the Night's Inn motel in Oakland, just four days before Powe's Oakland Technical High School team was set to compete in the California state basketball championship finals. Already placed in foster care four years earlier due to family instability, Powe remained with his foster family led by Imergene Wash after his mother's death, but the tragedy intensified his emotional struggles, including deep grief, frustration over lost opportunities to care for her, and the pain of temporary separation from his siblings, most of whom also entered the county foster system. Powe later reflected on the overwhelming sadness, noting that he even considered abandoning basketball in the wake of her passing, as it shattered his vision of buying her a home as a gesture of gratitude for her sacrifices. These experiences forged Powe's remarkable resilience and unyielding , as he internalized his mother's amid adversity, crediting her influence for his own perseverance. In reflecting on her impact, Powe stated, "But my mother had that will to survive. I think that’s what I have in me," a sentiment that underscored how her struggles motivated him to push forward despite profound loss. This inner drive, born from and familial separation, channeled his energy into personal growth and athletic dedication during high school.

High school career

Transfer to Oakland Technical High School

Leon Powe enrolled at in , where he began his high school basketball career amid significant personal and academic challenges stemming from his unstable family situation. Growing up in and , Powe frequently missed school to care for his younger siblings, which contributed to inconsistent attendance and early academic difficulties. As a freshman in the 2000–01 school year, Powe struggled with his grades, posting a GPA below 2.0 that rendered him academically ineligible for four games during the season. These setbacks were compounded by the lack of structure in his home life, but under the guidance of Oakland Tech basketball coach Hodari McGavock, Powe began to adjust to the demands of a more disciplined program. McGavock, who had recently reached his 400th career victory, played a pivotal role in mentoring Powe, emphasizing both on-court development and off-court responsibilities to help him stay eligible and focused. By his junior year in 2001–02, Powe had earned a starting role on the and shown marked improvement, raising his GPA to 3.5 while emerging as a key contributor for the Bulldogs. He averaged 29 points and 15 rebounds per game, helping lead Oakland Tech to a 28–4 record and a berth in the Division I state title game. This period also marked Powe's introduction to competitive AAU with the Oakland Soldiers, where he honed his skills against elite national talent under coach Mark Olivier, gaining broader exposure beyond local high school play. Following the season, Powe suffered a torn ACL in an AAU tournament, which he played through in a brace during his senior year.

Senior year achievements and state championship

In his senior year at during the 2002–03 season, Leon Powe emerged as a dominant force, averaging 27.4 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game while showcasing his athleticism and scoring ability inside. He scored 40 or more points in three consecutive games, including a 42-point performance in an 87–80 overtime victory over to secure the Oakland Section championship. These efforts helped propel the Bulldogs deep into the playoffs, reaching the state championship game and highlighted Powe's growth. Powe led Oakland Tech to the CIF Northern California Division I title with a 60–48 win over Sacramento's Capital Christian in the regional final, where he recorded 17 points and 12 rebounds. The team advanced to the CIF State Championship game in March 2003 at in Sacramento, facing Westchester High School in a rematch of the previous year's final; despite Powe's contributions, Oakland Tech fell 73–63, with Westchester's earning tournament MVP honors after scoring 30 points. Powe's performance throughout the postseason underscored his resilience amid personal hardships, including the loss of his mother, Connie Landry, to heart failure just a year earlier in March 2002, four days before the 2002 state final—an event that had profoundly impacted him and his siblings, who entered foster care. Motivated by his mother's memory, Powe dedicated his senior season to her, channeling the grief into his play and providing stability for his family as the eldest sibling. His outstanding campaign earned him first-team All-American honors, the California Boys Basketball Player of the Year award, and selection as a All-American, recognizing his impact on and off the court. As a top national recruit ranked among the elite prospects in the class of 2003, Powe drew interest from powerhouse programs including , , and before committing to the , to stay close to home and support his family.

College career

Freshman and sophomore seasons at California

Leon Powe committed to the , on July 8, 2003, following his standout senior year at where he led the team to a state championship. As a highly touted recruit ranked ninth nationally, Powe chose Cal over other major programs like , drawn by the opportunity to play close to home in the Bay Area. In his freshman season of 2003–04 under head coach Ben Braun, Powe quickly adjusted to Pac-10 competition, averaging 15.1 points and a league-leading 9.5 rebounds per game across 27 appearances. He recorded 14 double-doubles, tying for the most by a Golden Bear since 1981–82, and became the first freshman in Pac-10 history to lead the conference in rebounding. His performance earned him Pac-10 Freshman of the Year honors, as well as first-team All-Pac-10 and team MVP selections, helping Cal finish fourth in the conference with a 9–9 record despite an overall 13–15 mark. Powe's vocal leadership and relentless energy on the court provided a spark for the Bears, who relied on his interior presence amid a rebuilding effort. However, lingering knee issues emerged late in the season, including being held out of the January 2004 game at Arizona due to swelling, leading to offseason surgery and a redshirt for 2004–05. Powe redshirted the 2004–05 season to focus on recovery (detailed below) and returned for his sophomore eligibility year in 2005–06. He led the Pac-10 in scoring (20.5 points per game) and rebounding (10.1 per game)—a feat unmatched by any Cal player in over 40 years—while earning second-team honors and Pac-10 Tournament MVP after averaging 26.7 points and 11.3 rebounds in the tournament. Highlights included a 41-point game against and a 20-rebound performance versus USC. His efforts helped guide the Golden Bears to the NCAA Tournament, and over his Cal career, he averaged 17.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, both ranking in the program's top 10. Powe was inducted into the California Athletics Hall of Fame in for his contributions.

2004–05 injury and redshirt year

During what would have been his sophomore year at the , Leon Powe was sidelined for the entire 2004–05 season due to complications from ongoing left knee issues stemming from prior surgeries. After a bone graft procedure on April 21, 2004, to address damage from an earlier ACL reconstruction, the graft failed to heal properly, necessitating a postponement of the subsequent from July to September 8, 2004, when it was performed by Dr. at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in . This timeline forced Powe to redshirt the season to prioritize full recovery, marking the second major knee procedure on that leg during his college tenure. Rehabilitation proved arduous, involving months of intensive where Powe dedicated three hours daily to treatment in the training room, limited to activities like shooting around and while barred from full contact drills. He grappled with significant mental challenges, including frustration and disappointment over the surgical delays and missed playing time, which he described as a series of setbacks testing his patience. Despite this, Powe drew support from and his teammates, contributing from the bench by offering insights and encouragement during games, which helped maintain his connection to the team. Under Braun, who was in his ninth season guiding a transitioning Cal program, the Bears struggled to a 13–16 record without Powe's contributions, highlighting his importance to the team's frontcourt. The redshirt preserved Powe's eligibility, allowing him to play two full seasons for the Golden Bears overall. By May 26, 2005, he received full medical clearance on his , enabling focused preparation for his return in the 2005–06 season.

Professional career

2006–07 NBA season with Boston Celtics

Leon Powe was selected by the with the 49th overall pick in the second round of the before his draft rights were traded to the in exchange for a 2007 second-round draft pick. On July 18, 2006, Powe signed a multi-year with the Celtics, marking the beginning of his professional career after his sophomore year at the , following recovery from a injury that caused him to redshirt the 2004–05 season. In his rookie season under head coach , Powe served primarily as a bench player, appearing in 63 games with just 2 starts while averaging 11.4 minutes per game. He contributed 4.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, showcasing his rebounding tenacity and energy in limited opportunities, particularly on the offensive glass where he averaged 1.5 offensive rebounds. Powe's role expanded somewhat due to injuries among the frontcourt rotation, including to centers like and , allowing him to provide solid depth as a / hybrid. A highlight of Powe's rookie year came on April 6, 2007, when he recorded his first NBA double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds in a narrow 88-85 loss to the , demonstrating his ability to impact games despite modest overall production. Transitioning from college, Powe had to adapt to the NBA's increased physicality, as evidenced by his experiences guarding dominant big men like , who tested his endurance and post recovery from knee surgery. This adjustment period highlighted his resilience, setting the foundation for greater contributions in subsequent seasons.

2007–08 NBA season and championship run

In the , Leon Powe established himself as a reliable bench contributor for the , appearing in 56 games and averaging 7.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 57.2% from the field. Coming off limited rookie minutes the previous year, Powe provided high-energy support as a and , complementing the frontline anchored by All-Stars and . His efficient scoring and rebounding helped bolster the Celtics' depth during a dominant regular season that saw the team finish with a league-best 66–16 record and home-court advantage throughout the . Powe's playoff role emphasized his value as a off the bench during Boston's run, where he appeared in all 23 games, averaging 4.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per contest. Although his minutes were limited in the Eastern Conference against the —averaging 2.0 points across four games as the Celtics advanced in six—he stepped up significantly in the versus the , where he averaged 6.2 points and 3.2 rebounds over six games. His standout moment came in Game 2 on June 8, 2008, when Powe erupted for 21 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 14 minutes and 39 seconds, including several highlight-reel dunks, to help Boston secure a 108–102 win and tie the series at 1–1. The Celtics clinched the NBA championship on June 17, 2008, defeating the Lakers 131–92 in to win the series 4–2 and secure Boston's 17th title. For Powe, the victory carried deep personal resonance as his first NBA championship following the sudden death of his mother, Celeste, from a heart attack in 2002 when he was a high school senior. The triumph validated his perseverance through early career injuries and solidified his place on one of the league's most storied teams, amid ongoing discussions about his future contract with the organization.

2008–09 NBA season with Boston Celtics

Coming off the 2008 NBA championship, Leon Powe sought to expand his role as a key reserve for the during the 2008–09 regular season, but recurring knee problems hampered his contributions. Powe appeared in 70 of the team's 82 games, averaging 7.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 17.5 minutes per game while shooting 50.4 percent from the field. His performance provided solid energy off the bench, though the Celtics' frontcourt depth was tested by injuries to other players like . In late March 2009, Powe suffered a strained right during a game against the on March 17, sidelining him for 12 games and limiting his mobility upon return in early April. He wore a heavy brace on the knee for the remainder of the regular season, which affected his explosiveness and overall effectiveness. Powe's postseason was even more curtailed, as he played only the first two games of the Eastern Conference First Round against the , averaging 5.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game. The brace continued to hinder his quickness, leading to struggles in matching the pace against Chicago's frontcourt. During Game 2 on April 20, Powe tore the (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee while driving to the basket, ending his playoffs and requiring season-ending . On May 5, , Powe underwent successful on his left to address the ACL tear and associated damage, marking his third major knee procedure and raising concerns about his long-term mobility. As an unrestricted following the season, Powe did not receive a qualifying offer from the Celtics by the deadline, primarily due to the uncertainty surrounding his recovery; he later expressed that his time with appeared to be over.

2009–10 NBA season with

Following his departure from the as a on July 1, 2009, after an injury-shortened 2008–09 season that included a torn ACL and meniscus in his left requiring in May 2009, Leon Powe signed a two-year contract with the on August 12, 2009, with the team holding an option for the second year. Powe's recovery from the limited him to missing the first 57 games of the regular season, as he focused on rehabilitation to regain full strength and mobility. He made his debut for the Cavaliers on February 25, , against the , entering late in the first half of a 108–88 victory and receiving an ovation from the crowd in recognition of his past contributions. Over the remainder of the regular season, Powe appeared in 20 games off the bench, averaging 4.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 11.8 minutes per game while shooting 42.9% from the field. In the playoffs, the Cavaliers advanced past the in five games during the first round, though Powe did not play in the series due to ongoing recovery management. He then saw limited action in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Celtics, appearing in three of the six games for a total of nine minutes and averaging 1.7 . The Cavaliers were eliminated by in six games, ending Powe's season.

2010–11 NBA season with Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies

Following the departure of LeBron James to the Miami Heat in the 2010 offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers entered a rebuilding phase and finished the 2010–11 season with a league-worst 19–63 record. Leon Powe, who had signed with the Cavaliers as a free agent in 2009, began the season on the second year of his two-year contract after the Cavaliers exercised their team option on him in May 2010. Powe appeared in 14 games for Cleveland, starting three, while averaging 13.4 minutes, 5.0 points, and 2.7 rebounds per game, often providing bench energy amid the team's struggles but limited by ongoing recovery from prior knee injuries. On February 24, 2011, the Cavaliers waived Powe to clear roster space following two midseason trades that brought in new players, ending his tenure with the team after a total of 50 games across parts of two seasons in . Less than two weeks later, on March 5, 2011, Powe signed as a with the , a playoff-contending team in need of frontcourt reinforcements due to injuries, particularly to forward . With the Grizzlies, Powe played in 16 regular-season games off the bench, averaging 8.8 minutes, 5.5 points, and 1.6 rebounds per game, contributing sparingly to a squad that finished 46–36 and secured the eighth seed in the Western Conference. The advanced to the playoffs, defeating the in the first round before upsetting the in the semifinals, ultimately reaching the Western Conference Finals where they lost to the eventual champion . Powe appeared in four playoff games for Memphis, averaging 3.5 minutes, 1.8 points, and 1.0 rebound per game, but saw limited action as the team relied on its core rotation. His stint with the marked the end of his full NBA season before entering free agency in the summer of 2011.

2011–12 NBA season with Boston Celtics

Following his brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2010–11 season, Leon Powe entered the as an unrestricted , hampered by ongoing recovery from multiple knee surgeries that had plagued his career. Despite these challenges, Powe expressed a keen interest in returning to the , the team where he had established himself as a key contributor during their 2008 championship run. In December 2011, the Celtics were among several teams, including the , , and , engaging in discussions with Powe about a potential , viewing him as a low-risk, high-reward addition given his familiarity with Boston's system and his veteran minimum salary expectations. However, Powe's injury history, including a torn ACL in and subsequent meniscus repair in 2011, raised significant concerns about his readiness to contribute effectively. The Celtics ultimately did not extend an offer, as reports indicated the team was wary of his health status amid a competitive frontcourt rotation. Powe did not appear in any NBA games during the 2011–12 season, marking the beginning of his transition away from league play. Amid this career limbo, Powe reflected fondly on his time with the Celtics, crediting the organization for his development and the 2008 title as a cornerstone of his legacy. The failed return attempt underscored the loyalty between Powe and , even as his physical limitations led to no further NBA opportunities that year, prompting him to focus on rehabilitation while contemplating his professional future.

Post-playing career

International play in Puerto Rico

Following his release from the Boston Celtics amid ongoing knee issues from the 2011–12 season that curtailed his NBA prospects, Leon Powe signed with the of Puerto Rico's (BSN) on March 7, 2012, aiming to maintain his conditioning and demonstrate his recovery for a possible NBA return. Powe debuted for the Atléticos on March 8, 2012, scoring 11 points in a 94–89 victory over the Mets de Guaynabo, and appeared in a total of 4 games during his short tenure. In those outings, he averaged 7.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 36% from the field. The BSN's international style presented challenges distinct from the NBA, featuring a faster pace and reliance on smaller, more agile lineups that emphasized quick transitions and perimeter play over traditional post dominance. Powe's role as a required adjusting to this up-tempo environment, though his limited games limited deeper integration. The Atléticos mounted a competitive campaign, securing a playoff berth in the 2012 postseason, but Powe departed the team on March 14 after just one week to pursue an NBA opportunity that ultimately did not materialize. His contract concluded at the end of the BSN regular season in June 2012 without renewal, marking the close of his professional playing career abroad.

Role as Boston Celtics community ambassador

Following his stint in Puerto Rico as the final chapter of his playing career, Leon Powe officially retired from professional basketball in 2014, citing persistent injuries and a desire to transition into business endeavors. In September 2014, the hired him as a community ambassador, reuniting him with the franchise where he had contributed to the 2008 NBA championship. Powe's duties center on fostering youth development and community ties, including spearheading educational initiatives like the Pursuing Pathways program, which he helped launch in 2022 to guide high school students toward informed post-secondary decisions. He also supports fan engagement through appearances at Celtics events and charity efforts via the Celtics Shamrock Foundation, such as organizing basketball clinics, summer camps, and recognition programs for student achievements like perfect attendance. These activities emphasize building lasting connections with Boston's youth and promoting healthy lifestyles. Throughout his tenure, Powe has delivered motivational talks on resilience and overcoming personal hardships, often sharing insights from his own life to inspire attendees at camps and community gatherings. His involvement extends to collaborative volunteer efforts, including 2025 CommUNITY Crew events honoring civil rights legacies and hospital visits that enhance fan and community outreach. As of 2025, Powe remains in the role with no reported changes, expressing deep satisfaction in contributing to the Celtics' legacy and the personal growth he experienced during the championship years.

NBA career statistics

Regular season

Leon Powe played 239 regular-season games over five NBA seasons from 2006–07 to 2010–11, averaging 6.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game while shooting 51.5% from the field. His career advanced metrics included a (PER) of 16.8 and a (TS%) of .579. The following table provides a season-by-season breakdown of Powe's regular-season per-game statistics.
SeasonTmGGSMPFGFGAFG%3P3PA3P%FTFTAFT%ORBDRBTRBASTSTLBLKTOVPFPTS
2006-07BOS63211.41.32.8.4460.00.0.0001.72.3.7361.51.93.40.20.20.30.71.74.2
2007-08BOS56514.42.84.8.5720.00.0.0002.43.4.7101.72.44.10.30.30.30.82.37.9
2008-09BOS70717.52.54.8.5240.00.0.0002.63.8.6892.12.94.90.70.30.51.12.77.7
2009-10CLE20211.81.12.5.4290.00.0.0001.93.2.5871.02.13.10.00.30.10.61.84.0
2010-112TM30310.92.04.0.4960.00.1.0001.32.4.5560.81.32.10.20.30.10.41.55.3
Career2391913.92.14.0.5150.00.0.0002.13.0.6861.62.33.80.30.30.30.82.26.2

Playoffs

Leon Powe appeared in 32 NBA playoff games over four seasons, averaging 4.3 points and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. His most significant postseason contributions came during the ' 2008 championship run, where he provided key bench scoring and rebounding, including a career-high 21 points in Game 2 of the against the on June 8, 2008, helping secure a 108–102 victory. In the Eastern Conference Finals that year against the , Powe played in four of six games, averaging 4.5 points and 2.0 rebounds. Powe did not appear in the playoffs after the 2010–11 season.
SeasonTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGPTSPER
2007–0823111.7.493.000.6672.70.25.014.6
2008–092012.0.429.000.6674.50.05.011.9
2009–10CLE303.0.250.000.7500.70.01.73.5
2010–11MEM403.5.250.000.7501.00.01.812.8
His regular-season role as a reliable reserve forward allowed Powe to earn meaningful playoff minutes during Boston's deep 2008 run.

References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/powele01.html
  2. https://www.coastreportonline.com/sports/article_35da16bc-5f00-11e4-8b9e-ab9f7734b215.html
  3. https://www.si.com/college/cal/basketball/leon-powe-no-79
  4. https://calbears.com/honors/california-athletics-hall-of-fame/leon-powe/1320
  5. https://www.blueskyse.com/talent/leon-powe
  6. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/bio/_/id/3023/leon-powe
  7. https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Oakland-Tech-star-s-mother-dies-2861443.php
  8. https://www.nydailynews.com/2005/12/11/against-all-odds-leon-powe-has-been-through-it-all-and-come-out-golden-at-cal/
  9. https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/PROFILE-LEON-POWE-ALMOST-OUT-FROM-UNDER-Out-2865736.php
  10. https://eastbayexpress.com/the-making-of-leon-powe-1/
  11. https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/worcester/2008/06/11/no-big-deal-for-powe/52382166007/
  12. https://calbears.com/news/2018/10/4/inside-the-lair-leon-powes-success-story-continues-in-boston
  13. https://www.bostonherald.com/2007/12/27/powes-a-family-man/
  14. https://slamonline.com/college-hs/the-feel-good-story-of-the-year-2003/
  15. https://www.hoopville.com/2003/01/10/leon-powe-profile/
  16. https://www.espn.com/ncb/mcdonaldsaa03/bio/Powe.html
  17. https://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/article/Leon-Powe-tries-to-prove-knee-is-healthy-3724393.php
  18. https://calbears.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/leon-powe/4712
  19. http://www.socalhoops.com/prep02/0302/division1preview0323.htm
  20. https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/BOYS-Oakland-Tech-takes-title-as-team-2628506.php
  21. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-mar-23-sp-hswestchester23-story.html
  22. https://playeroftheyear.gatorade.com/winner/Leon-Powe/20991
  23. https://247sports.com/player/leon-powe-68094/
  24. https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Oakland-Tech-forward-Powe-tops-Cal-s-marquee-2754904.php
  25. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/leon-powe-1.html
  26. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/awards/men/pac-12-all-frosh.html
  27. https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Cal-s-Powe-faces-long-tough-rehab-2759792.php
  28. https://calbears.com/sports/2004/4/21/207739948
  29. https://calbears.com/sports/2005/5/26/207753853
  30. https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/At-long-last-Powe-will-rejoin-Bears-2592167.php
  31. https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/powe-tries-to-rehab-and-coach-2725648.php
  32. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/california/men/2005.html
  33. https://www.nba.com/celtics/news/draft-central/press062806-draft-rights-powe.html
  34. https://www.nba.com/celtics/news/press071806-powe.html
  35. https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/sports/pro/2007/04/23/celtics-report-card-final-marks/52916512007/
  36. https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2007/04/06/heat_8885_final/
  37. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2008.html
  38. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/powele01/gamelog-playoffs/
  39. https://www.si.com/college/cal/basketball/powe-big-in-2008-finals-game-2
  40. https://www.wbur.org/onlyagame/2016/12/09/leon-powe-nba-celtics
  41. https://www.celticsblog.com/2008/7/9/644870/salary-cap-faqs-2008-editi
  42. https://www.nba.com/celtics/news/102808-15-forecast.html
  43. https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2009/03/17/powe_ok/
  44. https://www.bostonherald.com/2009/04/22/leon-powes-knee-injury-ends-season/
  45. https://www.enterprisenews.com/story/sports/pro/2009/04/21/celtics-frontcourt-takes-another-hit/40228781007/
  46. https://www.bostonherald.com/2009/07/01/powe-feels-celtics-career-over/
  47. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2010_transactions.html
  48. https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3891275
  49. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/powele01/gamelog/2010
  50. https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2010-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-celtics-vs-cavaliers.html
  51. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2011.html
  52. https://nesn.com/2011/12/leon-powe-would-provide-low-cost-high-reward-option-to-celtics-if-healthy/
  53. https://www.nbamaniacs.com/en/news/Leon-Powe-leaves-for-Puerto-Rico-to-play-with-Atl%C3%A9tico-de-San-German/
  54. https://www.mercurynews.com/2012/04/07/poole-basketball-documentary-town-game-scores-big-points-with-gritty-look-at-leon-powe-demetrius-hook-mitchell/
  55. https://www.atleticos.org/histo2012.html
  56. http://www.worldhoopstats.com/stats/bsn-pr/leon-powe.html
  57. https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/37047/leon-powe
  58. https://www.proballers.com/basketball/league/271/puerto-rico-bsn-play-offs/schedule/2011
  59. https://www.thetouchdownclub.com/leon-powe
  60. https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2014/09/leon_powe_hired_by_boston_celt.html
  61. https://nesn.com/2014/09/celtics-hire-leon-powe-for-whatever-danny-ainge-wants-me-to-do/
  62. https://www.nba.com/celtics/community/pursuing-pathways
  63. https://twitter.com/JackSimoneNBA/status/1810393888936640636
  64. https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/watertown-tab/2016/08/05/leon-powe-shares-life-lessons/27216935007/
  65. https://www.instagram.com/p/DE0D9ojPUbI/
  66. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxJgFYiWiro
  67. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQfRHFdDoKS/
  68. https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200806080BOS.html
  69. https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2008-nba-eastern-conference-finals-pistons-vs-celtics.html
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