Bennedict Mathurin wants to be like Kawhi Leonard.
Some people get to meet their heroes. Other people get to play with them.
That's been the case for Bennedict Mathurin since he joined the Los Angeles Clippers this season in a trade that sent Ivica Zubac, a 2026 first round pick and a 2029 first round pick to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson.
Mathurin has made an immediate impact in Los Angeles. He brings a new level of energy to the Clippers and his impact both as a defender and as a scorer with 19.9 points per game has been just one example of the way that the Clippers have leveled themselves up with their moves at the trade deadline.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) reacts after scoring a basket and drawing the foul against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Intuit Dome. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesThe Young Clippers
The Clippers have become an increasingly young team and with that youth has come an energy and a new kind of excitement that bodes well for the future in Los Angeles.
With how aggressive the Clippers were at the deadline, the roster looks almost completely brand new. Both Zubac and James Harden have found new teams and that has left Kawhi Leonard as the lone veteran superstar on the team.
Of course, Leonard has enough talent to stand on his own. He's been having a career redefining year this season after finally enjoying a long stint of health and his impact has been undeniable, showing the entire NBA flashes of the Leonard that terrorized opposing teams while he was a member of the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors.
For a young player like Mathurin, who grew up watching that version of Leonard, the experience of sharing the court with him has been surreal.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots the ball against LA Clippers center Brook Lopez (11), forward John Collins (20), guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2)in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesLearning From Kawhi
"I'm trying not to cuss, because it's hard to describe what he is," Mathurin said of Leonard (via Clippers). "He's different. It's hard to be his teammate and not be his fan at the same time. He's amazing and you want to live and learn and pretty much follow in his footsteps."
Leonard is the perfect blueprint for Mathurin to follow. Both are dynamic, physically imposing wings that can affect both ends of the court and make a huge impact offensively.
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesHaving both of them on the court is already an impressive rotation for the Clippers to have at their disposal and it radically changes the makeup of their team.
The other huge benefit of having both Mathurin and Leonard is that the latter can influence and mentor the former.
LA Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) shoots the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in the first half at Intuit Dome.Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesIf the future for Mathurin looks anything like Leonard's career, the Clippers certainly do have a bright future ahead.
For now, though, Mathurin is looking to enjoy the ride playing alongside a future Hall of Famer.