By Dimitris Minaretzis/ info@eurohoops.net
Olympiacos point guard Cory Joseph and Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard reconnected over dinner in Athens, where the NBA star is currently spending his offseason vacation.
The veteran players share a deep friendship that spans more than a decade, having both entered the league together as first-round picks in the 2011 NBA Draft, presented by Kia Motors. The Klaw was initially drafted 15th overall before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs, while Joseph joined him in Texas after being selected by the franchise at the 29th spot.
They spent four seasons developing under head coach Gregg Popovich, a tenure highlighted by their championship victory in 2014, where Leonard earned Finals Most Valuable Player honors. Though their careers eventually took them to different teams across the league, they have maintained a close personal bond.
Joseph moved overseas midway through the 2025–26 season to join the Greek powerhouse. This summer reunion marks a meaningful crossing of paths, with the 34-year-old small forward enjoying his offseason break and the 34-year-old point guard continuing his European campaign. He is currently playing in the best-of-five championship series of Greece’s Stoiximan GBL Playoffs 2026, with Game 3 against Panathinaikos Aktor scheduled for Monday evening at the Peace and Friendship Stadium.
GBL Playoffs
Quarterfinals (best-of-three)
Olympiacos – Kolossos H Hotels Collection 2-0 (117-76, 97-58)
AEK – Aris Betsson 2-1 (87-81, 81-90, 102-99)
Panathinaikos Aktor – Mykonos Betsson 2-0 (99-75, 90-76)
PAOK – Peristeri Betsson 2-0 (91-79, 77-72)
Semifinals (best-of-three)
Olympiacos – AEK 2-0 (94-77, 95-68)
Panathinaikos Aktor – PAOK 2-0 (114-102, 102-94)
Finals (best-of-five)
Olympiacos – Panathinaikos Aktor 1-1 (82-76, 58-68)
Make