Leon Smith’s Tragic Stunted Growth Story! 1st Round To HOMELESS!

[@stuntedgrowth]

Leon Smith's story is rarely talked about, and is one of the saddest with all he went through so early in life. He still made the league, but wasn't fit for it when he got there.

[@thedoranwilliamsshow6863]

He was a taller Jimmy Butler

[@cedricnewmans7274]

Kevin Garrett from South Carolina just went Chicago for a year

[@buzzerbeater3350]

JT, you know what? Have you ever considered creating a charity that helps people like Leon Smith? A GoFundMe for former basketball players that are down bad?

[@NoBiasAllBoxing]

@@thedoranwilliamsshow6863bro .. stop 😒

[@yoyoyoyooooo5807]

Thank you for sharing his story king!!

[@floydturner2957]

Leon Smith had a very challenging childhood and was a ward of the state with severe mental health issues that bounced from group home to group home. Prayers out to the big fella

[@DMalltheway]

Prayers didn’t help his basketball career

[@Igoruhandchu]

@@DMallthewaywhat was the point of this comment? You sound like a lame 11 year old

[@jpmnky]

It’s gotta be even harder being on the streets reaching middle age. He’s my age and literally ANY of us could be out there. All it takes is a series of events, or even just a couple missed pay checks. Not only did he have absolutely no help whatsoever to fall back on, he’s had people take advantage of him and couldn’t recover. It’s a cold world, and it’s an outrage that the US homeless crisis just goes completely unchecked and gets worse every year.

[@ericwright2594]

best comment

[@jaybrown7811]

Speak on it

[@blover8548]

Yes true.

[@ralph7777]

Naw bro if he has mental issues, there’s free help however a lot of them don’t want the help. The only time they get help is when there acting dangerous out in public. And someone like him acting crazy out in Chicago would sadly be shot by police or another black person who doesn’t care

[@virginiawhidbee8393]

It's tragic to be homeless at any age! This guy's story is very sad. I hope that he got off the streets and has been able to get his life straight

[@diggydubai]

I can tell you fist hand about his downfall.. The brother slept on my couch but not one time did I snap a pic or report it to the news or internet. I helped him in so many ways I made sure he had something in his pockets. He is a gentle giant reaching out for help and just to think I knew him when he had $$$$$$ get well brother!!!

[@JodyWaters-z1o]

Thats real homie

[@hermangoodloe6868]

Lying azz

[@cuttycut2324]

You didn't tell us about his downfall tho.... what happened?

[@Hotchocolatewith2sugars]

So why isn’t he with u now if he’s so amazing

[@DIGGY_DUBAI]

@@Hotchocolatewith2sugarswhy would he be he has his own life and most people that are transients tend to keep it moving That was then I haven’t seen him in years and have no idea where he is now carry on!!!

[@Dardev123]

Life’s a trip man…hopefully he gets back on his feet.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

No lies told. These kids don't ask for these horrific lives they are dealt.

[@P2k23P]

This is gonna sound crazy but even though he was homeless in that Lil Reese vid, he looked great for his age. Hopin things turn around for him

[@SkainzWorld]

You went deep into ya bag for this one. Salute

[@stuntedgrowth]

🫡

[@johntheprofessional5039]

Former Utah Jazz, Seton Hall and 1990 McDonalds All-American center Luther Wright had a similar story of homelessness.

[@ZPMBTV]

Elizabeth Minutemen up in Here

[@KevinThomas-fl5xg]

Yeah. Both sad stories. He should do big luther next. Similar story except big Luther went to college. Had the size and heart to bang with the other 90's era Jersey born hof big.

[@BloggingFromParadise]

I played at Union Catholic when he was dominating at Elizabeth. He actually tweeted me a few years ago out of the blue. I didn't know him at all but he reached out when he saw that I was from New Jersey. I felt weird to have a 7 ft 2 400 pound man who was larger than life when I was in high school calling me sir. Nice, kind soul. I hope he's doing okay because he's kind of been going back and forth over the years between sober and having issues.

[@ZPMBTV]

@@BloggingFromParadise : Union Catholic; I’m From Vauxhall and originally a UHS Fighting Farmer who got kicked out Freshman Year in 91… I played for UHS, Irvington Blue Knights, Plainfield Cardinals, and Graduated from EHS…. Born and raised in NWK but used my Grandmother’s ADDY to attend school in Union from Kindergarten till I got caught in 91… I ran into Luther at the Sports Park on 22 around 90-91 and dude was a Monster… I’m 6’4, big brother 6’8-6’9 but at 7’2 and 350 plus I was like Goddammmmmmmnnnnn… Facts… Salute to you cause you from the County Homie. God Bless you… We still Here Homie

[@RonPhillips04]

Also an Elizabeth (E’Port) native and was at EHS during that time.

[@Dantana773]

Damn that was Leon Smith in the lil Reese video, I was not aware of the childhood he had, Salute to him for making the league he Actually lived the dream A large percentage of Us in Chicago had of the NBA. Haven't heard his name mentioned in years., Not happy to see him homeless but at least Leon still alive 🙏🏽🙏🏽 For him.

[@MilesLeonSax]

I thought I knew a lot about past nba players and then you drop this vid. Great vid man

[@vegasmitch1472]

Prime Example of how important the Black Father & Family is! Halfway Right Family & he probably plays 10yrs in the League.

[@cardo4909]

Went to school with Leon at King back in the 90’s seen him last tryna sell some Red Dickie shorts 😢I still remember the conversation I had with him after all this unfolded. Prayers to bro

[@Intellectually_Ignorant]

Chicago's Very own salute to Leon Smith and Prayers to bro Hopefully things turn around for him

[@buzzerbeater3350]

Is there a way we can help Leon Smith?

[@BlackCondor88]

I grew up in Chicago in this era. So many talented guys like Garnett, Q Richardson, Eddie Curry, Corey Magetti, Will Bynum, and more that had varied levels of success after H.S.

[@cuttycut2324]

KG is Born and raised in South Carolina...he played one year of high school in Chicago...he isn't and never will be from Chicago. Why do y'all love to say that? If a Chicago grew up there 17 years and left to go somewhere at 18 and they claim him as he grew up there what would ppl in Chicago say.....🤔

[@mannyfrencha5736]

WHOA! I peeped that clip of Reese handing him that $, and told myself, "dude looks familiar." Mannnn, its so very unfortunate of the unfulfilled talent walking the Chicago streets. Not just in basketball though. He was there when Coach Cox (RIP), was still coaching. Dunbar and King was conference foes in the main 3 sports during this time, and years before I'm trying to remember the last time I heard anything about him. This here shows how bad we've fallen as a collective in the "village" concept. Again it's unfortunate that some folks are NOT genuine with and when helping others out. He's the same age as my baby brother, and he has some disability issues, it really tests my patience at times, but, as best as I can, I'm certainly gonna look out for him. But, I also challenge him to think, as well as seek out things to help him learn more too Really hope Brother Smith can get the relevant and genuine assistance that helps him move forward and beyond✊️

[@JodyWaters-z1o]

God wanted lil Reese to run in to him that day for a reason

[@jaygram275]

Content just gets better & better my brotha,keep it up🔥🔥

[@elliemyers6435]

I remember reading a little bit about this guy soon after the Mavericks released him....He clearly was not ready at all for the NBA, but, it would've been nice if the Mavs tried to help him more than they did. At that time, mental health issues really weren't looked at the way they are now, so, it's a shame he didn't get the support he needed. But, he was really immature, and this was a kid that NEEDED college, and some sort of stability, given his upbringing. Just hope he's OK now.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Yeah...hope so too.

[@hallamdyal5730]

I hope so 2 n yes most definitely Leon Smith did need 2 go 2 college

[@FrankMaverick]

I ain't comment in a while but I been watching since way back when. Another 🔥🔥 video with great insight to a viral video.

[@mrpope03ify]

Prayers to Leon Smith. Hopefully he finds his footing. But bro. You know KG is not from Chicago. Not even from IL. Thats like saying KD is from TX

[@elliemyers6435]

Yep, KG is born and raised in South Carolina...Just went to high school in Chicago for two years. I remember when I was in middle school, I also thought he was from Chicago, but someone corrected me.

[@Supreme36074]

Been waiting on this one

[@elliemyers6435]

Would love to see you do Ndudi Ebi...Was the #3 (maybe #2) recruit in the 2003 class behind Lebron and Luol Deng, was supposed to go to Arizona, but opted to go to the draft right out of high school and completely flamed out in the league. Also would like to see one on Shelden Williams :)

[@GetReady013]

Man i just saw Reese talking about dude. He was an opp but you can tell Reese was shocked to see dude on the streets. It's sad what happened to Leon.

[@Judah_773]

Man he wasn't no damn opp. Smh...Leon was in my era around 2002.

[@GetReady013]

@@Judah_773 I'm just going off what Reese said lol

[@Judah_773]

@@GetReady013 don't believe everything online. I'm 40. Leon graduated a yr before me

[@GetReady013]

@@Judah_773 so Reese was lying then. Kinda figures...... He's always lying about something smh

[@stormb28]

Opp? Leon is 43, Reese is in his 20s. Yall just get on here saying anything

[@cortlandsimmons6241]

Woow!! I didn't even know that was him in the Reese clip. Amazing and sad story man!! I wish him all the best!!

[@NoBiasAllBoxing]

HOW were they really opps tho when Reese is 30 and he’s 43 lmao 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@ray7483]

I was thinking the same thing

[@Baltimoredummy]

Age don't matter

[@NoBiasAllBoxing]

@@Baltimoredummy just stop

[@TeddyP55]

@@NoBiasAllBoxingit don’t tho they tell stories how the young killing the OGs and OGs killing the young…. It’s fucked up in cities like Chicago.

[@shatonepowers6973]

It’s about where you’re born!!! You have to be from Chicago to understand @baltimoredummy…. I’m from the west side regardless of my age damn near 40 if I go out south and say I’m from the west … not good…:

[@RBoogie-32123]

Idk if you did Delonte West already man but, you should definitely do him. Sad what's happened to him now.

[@treyd6551]

His story different asf 💯he fukked up

[@TheRetroWoman80]

I thought within the last year he got back on his feet with some major people in his corner, and playing some kind of competitive ball again.

[@phoenixmg]

If Leon had some help, he would've been at least a solid role player and stable period.

[@cheddaman5169]

KG is not from Chicago that man lived in Chicago for his senior year of high school

[@InfraRedTV]

Say it!

[@lonnellgrigsby1367]

That is a Fact

[@alidave2279]

West side of Chicago

[@tyshawnberry3797]

Man kg is from Chicago he's from my block .... Out West Chicago... Waller and Washington Street.... Big VL

[@cuttycut2324]

​@@tyshawnberry3797 KG is from Mauldin, SC. Originally from Greenville right up the road born and raised for 17 years...he went to Chicago his last year of school because of a racial fight in school in SC. Y'all say anything to claim that man 😂

[@hallamdyal5730]

Prays up 4 leon smith God continue 2 watch over him n make a way 4 him in jessus name amen

[@nunyabusiness1755]

He balled out in Magic’s Roundball Classic also. I’m surprised you didn’t have any of those highlights

[@footwork216]

I had courtside seats to that game and I don't remember much about the game itself, other than it was entertaining with a crazy amount of dunks and no defense. I don't remember how he played but I do remember that in pre-game warm-ups, while guys (Carlos Boozer specifically, and I'm sure he had his reasons) refused any autograph requests. Leon Smith was polite and friendly and signed for anybody who asked and came across as a genuinely nice kid so I always rooted for him to be successful not just in basketball but in life itself. Hopefully he's doing well now.

[@nunyabusiness1755]

@@footwork216 I still have it on tape somewhere. He was just getting a lot of put back dunks and powerful big man slams. Nothing fancy, he used his size and athleticism, combined with some power. It put him on the NBA boards as a first round pick I feel. He really elevated his stock with a double double, if I remember correctly.

[@robpshow2234]

Prayers up for Leon 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@brotherman1363]

I'm from Chicago I would love to see Marcus Liberty, Teddy Grubs,Skip Dillard, and football players Marcus Dupree and Maurice Clarrett

[@NoBiasAllBoxing]

What does you being from Chicago have to do w/ anything? 😒

[@brotherman1363]

@@NoBiasAllBoxing nothing Goofy but I would love love to see the guys you must be from a punI grew up watching 🤷🏿‍♂️ you must be from a punk ass place where nobody came from Chicago is the point guard Capital of the world

[@stormb28]

Do Imari sawyer next

[@freshrich736]

Forgot all about him he went to DePaul right???

[@buzzerbeater3350]

I remember distinctly when Leon was drafted. The Black reverends and church folk criticized Mark Cuban for drafting him and not doing more for him. Where are those same people now?

[@Igoruhandchu]

Hahah BLM ✊🏿

[@buzzerbeater3350]

@@Igoruhandchu Tasteless joke👎🏾

[@julianfoster88]

I remember watching the news when it happened, I was just reading up about him not too long ago

[@monxthenaturallocsjourney4886]

A lot of King basketball players from 86 to 1999 needed guidance outside of basketball. Most of them probably would have made it to the pros and had some success. Mentally they was treated like stars just to win championships in high school, after high school they didn’t know how to function and didn’t have the knowledge about how to go to college.

[@bsharp1981]

Player against him in a AAU game. He was a man among kids. We had 2 6ft 10 guys played done defense clogger the middle he must had like 10 dunks against us

[@Adiggs22]

Wow!!! I totally forgot about him wow. Homie was nice back in the day.

[@kennyk9579]

Damn I’m a Rutgers grad during Pondexter days, I had no idea about her and Leon. Sad story, pathetic parents.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Me neither!!! I was like wtf😲

[@josephhill7890]

Man stunted we should do one ok his teammate imari sawyer his point guard in high school

[@charlespittsjr604]

People vultured him and nobody set him down and talked to the guy unfortunately. Wish a star had took him in and helped him out mentally.

[@Kenneth-fu3js]

This was an Eye Opener!!! I actually thought he was over seas playing!!!!!

[@Baltimoredummy]

I aint even gonna lie this shi will make a grown man cry😢

[@dionniamccall3362]

I know where he is and he's doing fine 🙂 I cook for him sometimes he likes my cooking 😂😂 and he really is a gentle giant

[@TrickNPlay]

I think Stunt Number 0 is not getting drafted to the Lakers. Being around Shaq, Kobe, and Phil Jackson could have made the difference

[@uu99ful]

The right men, leaders, like kobe,Phil, and Shaq, would help him. Laker would have gotten him mental help, and the team would have developed his skills and watched his back. Dallas was worried, Lakers was god to develop him

[@ChicagoStud]

I was the first to cover this. Its funny how your video mysteriously showed up on this.

[@MiloTheRuler]

Kevin Garnett is from South Carolina, he only played basketball in Chicago his senior year... What's even crazier is that Eddy Curry was in the picture with Leon Smith, is actually from the Chicago area, and got drafted straight out of high school!

[@ebonyknight5]

Unfortunately, our Country's system fails people like Leon. While it wasn't the NBA's job to assist with his mental health, they clearly could have done more. But, Leon was just a commodity and when he no longer had any value, they moved on.

[@Kill_Bill_007]

How about videos on the Greek all time legends that had injuries (Giannakis and Galis with the Celtics), or disputes with coaches (Spanoulis with the Rockets), in the NBA, that kept them out of the NBA. Like Vassilis Spanoulis (EuroLeague GOAT and Giannis' and Luka's idol), and Panagiotis Giannakis and Nikos Galis (who is from USA), two of the all time greatest EuroLeague players as well.

[@icesantana2771]

That isn’t him in the lil Reese video surprised you used that to highlight the video makes me question other videos you’ve done 🙃

[@Sko448s]

That is him wth lol

[@dionniamccall3362]

That's him, we are friends and he's ok and not on the streets anymore. I see him often he's good.

[@BigGuu-l2x]

How is he Lil Reese opp and he is about 10 years older than Reese maybe 15 years old so high. How is he Lil Reese opposition?

[@TheMOOPS42688]

The crazy part is Reese was asked about this right after the video came out in an interview. And he never did say that’s who it was. Almost like he did it on purpose to not put his business out there

[@BPS270]

Do Roy Tarpley next he was supposed to take the Mavericks to the next level

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Oh yeah.....he messed up big time.

[@dewaynex5746]

You should do Field Williams of houston

[@delwondmazyck2365]

Kevin garnett from south carolina

[@abw1317]

Wait what, Dude went from being known as an NBA player to Lil Reese opp. That's insane

[@badnewzscubasteve]

Thats ALL you got from this video??🤦🏾‍♂️

[@abw1317]

@@badnewzscubasteve I see my words flew over your head. Im referencing that his downfall was so drastic that his new claim to relevancy is being Lil Reese's former opp rather than a former NBA player.

[@SirMarketMaker]

What about ty lawson considered better than steph at one point

[@Sko448s]

Yea where the hell is Ty Lawson

[@swanyay3304]

What’s sad about this whole situation is Cappie Pondexter is now going through severe mental health issues smh

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Hmm...damn.

[@correctionalofficer4lockdo763]

She is why he went nuts! He learned she was eating fur burgers and was already turned out when they were dating!

[@TheRetroWoman80]

@@correctionalofficer4lockdo763 There is a new name for vagina every minute, geez🤣

[@GHOST91141]

Damn I didn't know he was with Cappie Pondexter back in the day

[@StarLord-cm7dq]

Man I remember when he came to the Mavericks I was working at Adams Mark Hotel it was pouring raining and he started just walking in talking to his self I was like bro you good he was mumbling

[@time2work430]

Cappie was his girl ? You should’ve done this one as the most toxic sports couple ever

[@Dgrams1k1]

Bruh don't do this lol smh

[@pimpdotcom1161]

Him Q Richardson Imari sawyer and Sean dockery was my hero’s awe and both bobbies smith and Simmons they was the truth to me as a kid

[@ndangerspecies]

Did you ever do Suntino Korleone Young?

[@Zo_1987]

Yoooo thats crazy🫣 Dude ass played for King H.S. straight to the NBA and played for the Hawks

[@manatarmsslaps]

Bwoi, I ain't gone lie... i skimmed by this real fast and thought I saw Leon Spinks stunted growth lol.. now that would be a stunted growth for yo @$$!

[@MrOctober44]

Such a sad story. 😞

[@oliverlacey3765]

I was at Dunbar when him & Amari Sawyer were at King. Straight powerhouse.

[@DarienSwish]

does he have a social media ? Please let me know if you do

[@carnivalgods4573]

I remember Donnie talking about how good of a passer he was for a big man. Things unraveled quickly though. Mavs weren't very forthcoming with what happened and I dont think they invested enough with the kid before drafting him. I remember reading an article that Leon's h.s. coach wasn't happy with how they handled things. Im not blaming them but his mental well being obviously needed to come before basketball.

[@HustleFirstReacts]

He look like he wasn’t ready for money! He needed love 😢

[@dariusjackson8336]

Do a show on Lance Stephenson

[@Radjunglemc]

I was wondering the same thing. Hell I was born in 81 and he’s a year older than me.

[@michael2cold]

Hope he shake bak and him and Reese link and do something positive for Chicago in the future. 🙏🏾 for big fella he deserves a big 💰 just off all he went thru alone.

[@Kentelligent24]

+stunnedgrowth Luther Head, Sean Dockery, Jason Straight

[@dariushodges5893]

Kevin Garnett is not from Chicago he's from the south

[@Chicagoathletics]

True, but he moved to Chicago and played at Farragut H.S.

[@hallamdyal5730]

Leon Smith needed a great support system behind him also extra mental help n also he most defineitly needed 2 go 2 college 2 also get right pyhsically but mentally even more mental health issuse are real.

[@correctionalofficer4lockdo763]

He barely scored a 2 on the ACT. College? Are you kidding?

[@kennyblackbird5674]

It was easy for him in HS because he was a big man playing amongst boys!

[@yasmeenhamza9573]

James Felton from Jersey City St John’s, Fla state

[@skfotedar]

I remember him being punished during practice by doing push ups. Then he painted his face green

[@juanspears5567]

Man...Leon was a beast...sad...😢

[@juanspears5567]

Do one on Korleon Young

[@stuntedgrowth]

I did

[@skfotedar]

Rashard Griffith

[@facpresents2008]

And my oldest brother, Thomas Hamilton...

[@poopombeymo7056]

John Wallace from Syracuse Raef Lafrenz Next white Hope Drew Gooden and Danny Manning ?

[@jiliel7887]

Was that rly him in the reese vid? He looked way too young

[@reece7437]

I think Sean Banks (Memphis University) would be interesting to cover.

[@knowledggeborn5697]

Garnett is not from Chicago he just transferred schools, he's from South Carolina played for Mauldin High School, I watched him play my high school 💯

[@2kscientist620]

I used to see him all the time on the red line train

[@dorianrivrers5788]

So sad I just saw this brother a couple of days ago he got on my bus on Kedzie…. Mental illness is real

[@RebelRebel-rz6cd]

KG from SC..

[@Carolina_Fresh]

I’d like to see a SG episode on Antawn Jamison. He was a star at UNC

[@DjSonnyKorleon]

Damnnn I didn’t realize that was Leon

[@JabreeJaDore]

Bruh y’all crazy that’s not Leon smith in Reese video 😂😂 Reese and Leon smith would have to be the same age 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@skfotedar]

Priest Lauderdale

[@robpshow2234]

I use to see Priest alot here in Houston

[@JR33-fo2ko]

KG isn’t from Chicago just spent one year here.

[@laideevalynteena8172]

Oh wow! Didn't know Cappie-P dated this dude.

[@Dgrams1k1]

Iykyk if u a Chicagoan born b4 90 lol

[@dbrown4572]

Not trying to be funny but why was Leon Smith beefing with Lil Reece? I mean it’s a 10yr age gap atleast. Someone explain

[@ray7483]

Same thing I was thinking.. I think they got the wrong person

[@cashinn7490]

Cause in the ghetto the guys who TRIED to make it out with sports ended up back in their old neighborhoods and hanging with the guys in the streets. Believe it or not, alot of times when the younger generation jumps in the streets their opps are usually much older then them. Until there generation becomes the big homies...not saying I know that specific situation. I'm just saying that's usually how it happens

[@keyanaray2853]

They need to do a 30 for 30 episode on him

[@brandonmuse5532]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@blover8548]

Black should be safe around each other I don’t understand why not son.