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'{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}} {{Infobox basketball biography | name = T. J. Leaf | image = T.J. Leaf (40162969724).jpg | caption = Leaf (No. 22) with the [[Indiana Pacers]] in 2018 | number = | position = [[Power forward (basketball)|Power forward]] | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 10 | weight_lb = 222 | league = | team = Free agent | birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1997|4|30}} | birth_place = [[Tel Aviv]], Israel | nationality = Israeli / American | high_school = [[Foothills Christian High School|Foothills Christian]]<br/>([[El Cajon, California]]) | college = [[UCLA Bruins men's basketball|UCLA]] (2016–2017) | draft_year = 2017 | draft_round = 1 | draft_pick = 18 | draft_team = [[Indiana Pacers]] | career_start = 2017 | years1 = {{nbay|2017|start}}–{{nbay|2019|end}} | team1 = [[Indiana Pacers]] | years2= 2017 | team2= →[[Fort Wayne Mad Ants]] | highlights = * First-team [[List of All-Pac-12 Conference men's basketball teams|All-Pac-12]] ([[2016-17 Pac-12 Conference men's basketball season|2017]]) * Pac-12 All-Freshman team (2017) * [[McDonald's All-American]] ([[2016 McDonald's All-American Boys Game|2016]]) | nba = tj_leaf | bbr= leaftj01 | medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[basketball]]}} {{MedalCountry|{{bk|Israel}}}} {{MedalOlympic}} {{MedalCompetition|[[FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship Division B#Division B|FIBA Europe U18 Championship Division B]]}} {{MedalSilver|[[2015 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship Division B|2015 Austria]]|[[Israel national under-19 basketball team|National team]]}} }} '''Ty Jacob Leaf''' (born April 30, 1997)<ref name=usab_bio>{{cite web|title=T. J. Leaf|website=USAB.com|url=http://archive.usab.com/bios/leaf_tj.html|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hgqmlLCt?url=http://archive.usab.com/bios/leaf_tj.html|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> is an [[Israeli-American]] professional [[basketball]] player who last played for the [[Indiana Pacers ]] of the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA). After playing one season of [[college basketball]] for the [[UCLA Bruins]], he was selected by the [[Indiana Pacers]] in the first round of the [[2017 NBA draft]] with the 18th overall pick. Leaf was named an [[All-American]] as a high school senior in 2016. As a UCLA freshman in 2016–17, he earned first-team [[List of All-Pac-12 Conference men's basketball teams|all-conference]] honors in the [[Pac-12 Conference men's basketball|Pac-12]]. He began his NBA career with three seasons in Indiana before being traded to the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] in 2020. He also played for [[Israel national under-19 basketball team|Israel's Under-18 junior national team]] at the [[2015 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship Division B|2015 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship B Division]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/p/lid_38135_cp/1/pid/106942/q/leaf/rpp//_//players.html|title=archive.fiba.com: Players|website=archive.FIBA.com|access-date=October 21, 2017}}</ref> ==Early life== Leaf was born in [[Tel Aviv]], Israel, to Karen and [[Brad Leaf]].<ref name=usab_bio/> His father was playing professional basketball in Israel at the time,<ref>{{cite news|last=Zeigler|first=Mark|title=Decision day looms for Foothills' T.J. Leaf|date=November 10, 2015|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/10/sdsu-basketball-tj-leaf-announcement-ucla-oregon/all/?print|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hhtTWhhv?url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/10/sdsu-basketball-tj-leaf-announcement-ucla-oregon/all/?print|archive-date=May 23, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and he enjoyed a 17-year career in the country.<ref name=goodman_07082015>{{cite news|last=Goodman|first=Jeff|title=Arizona commit T.J. Leaf to play for Israeli national team|date=July 8, 2015|website=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/13217276/arizona-wildcats-commit-tj-leaf-play-israeli-national-team|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hgpB6ZC7?url=http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/13217276/arizona-wildcats-commit-tj-leaf-play-israeli-national-team|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Leaf lived his first {{frac|2|1|2}} years in Tel Aviv before growing up in [[Lakeside, California]], in [[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]].<ref name=usab_bio/> His father coached him in summer leagues prior to high school. Despite possessing the height of a [[power forward (basketball)|power forward]]—he stood {{height|ft=6|in=3}} in junior high—Leaf played on the perimeter to develop [[guard (basketball)|guard]] skills. His father wanted him to be versatile like the big men that he had competed against as a pro in Europe.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tracy|first=Marc|title=In T. J. Leaf, U.C.L.A. Finds a Supersize Swiss Army Knife|date=February 17, 2017|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/sports/ncaabasketball/ucla-tj-leaf-brad-leaf.html|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6oi4tSgiN?url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/sports/ncaabasketball/ucla-tj-leaf-brad-leaf.html?_r=1|archive-date=March 4, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Leaf attended [[Foothills Christian High School]] in [[El Cajon, California]], where he also played under his father.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brand|first=Steve|title=Family ties extend to basketball court|date=February 4, 2014|newspaper=The San Diego Union Tribune|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2014/feb/04/family-ties-leaf-foothills-basketball/|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hglPNufZ?url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2014/feb/04/family-ties-leaf-foothills-basketball/|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> As a junior, Leaf averaged 27.4 [[point (basketball)|points]], 14.2 [[rebound (basketball)|rebounds]], 4.8 [[assist (basketball)|assists]], 1.8 [[steal (basketball)|steals]] and 2.7 [[block (basketball)|blocks]] per game, leading Foothills Christian to the San Diego Section Division II championship.<ref name=nemec_11092015>{{cite news|last=Nemec|first=Andrew|title=T.J. Leaf, 5-star PF, set to announce decision Thursday on ESPNU; Oregon Ducks in final 3|date=November 9, 2015|newspaper=The Oregonian|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/recruiting/index.ssf/2015/11/tj_leaf_5-star_pf_set_to_annou.html|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hglmPHht?url=http://www.oregonlive.com/recruiting/index.ssf/2015/11/tj_leaf_5-star_pf_set_to_annou.html|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Cal-Hi Sports'' named him their Division II State Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tennis|first=Mark|title=All-State Boys BB: By Divisions|date=May 1, 2015|website=CalHiSports.com|url=http://www.calhisports.com/2015/05/01/all-state-boys-bb-by-divisions-2/|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hm2MhPvw?url=http://www.calhisports.com/2015/05/01/all-state-boys-bb-by-divisions-2/|archive-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In his senior year, Leaf led the team to a No. 3 state ranking after averaging 28.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. He scored a season-high 44 points in a loss to [[Chino Hills High School|Chino Hills]], who were led by future teammate [[Lonzo Ball]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Tennis|first=Mark|title=State Player of Year Finalists|date=March 30, 2016|website=CalHiSports.com|url=http://www.calhisports.com/2016/03/30/state-player-of-year-finalists/|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hgtBJDAR?url=http://www.calhisports.com/2016/03/30/state-player-of-year-finalists/|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Leaf earned [[McDonald's All-American|McDonald's]] and [[Ballislife All-American]] honors, and ''[[USA Today]]'' named him second-team [[USA Today All-USA high school basketball team|All-USA]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Maffei|first=John|title=Leaf sparks West in McDonald's game|date=April 1, 2016|newspaper=San Diego Union Tribune|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/apr/01/tj-leaf-mcdonalds-all-american-basketball/|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hgsjC31g?url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/apr/01/tj-leaf-mcdonalds-all-american-basketball/|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=usatoday_04122016>{{cite news|title=Lonzo Ball among stars on final rosters for Ballislife All American Game|date=April 12, 2016|newspaper=USA Today|url=http://usatodayhss.com/2016/lonzo-ball-among-stars-on-final-rosters-for-ballislife-all-american-game|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hdH2PIpS?url=http://usatodayhss.com/2016/lonzo-ball-among-stars-on-final-rosters-for-ballislife-all-american-game|archive-date=May 19, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> He was a runner-up to Ball for [[California Mr. Basketball]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Flores|first=Ronnie|title=Mr. Basketball 2016: Lonzo Ball|date=April 25, 2016|website=CalHiSports.com|url=http://www.calhisports.com/2016/04/15/mr-basketball-2016-lonzo-ball/|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6h2uFulwu?url=http://www.calhisports.com/2016/04/15/mr-basketball-2016-lonzo-ball/|archive-date=April 26, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Leaf finished his high school career second all-time in the San Diego Section in both points (3,022) and rebounds (1,476). He trailed only his brother, Troy, in points (3,318 for Foothills Christian from 2007 to 2010) and Angelo Chol in rebounds (1,732 with [[Hoover High School (San Diego, California)|Hoover]] from 2008 to 2011).<ref>{{cite news|last=Maffei|first=John|title=Foothills to face No. 1 Chino Hills|date=March 14, 2016|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/mar/14/prep-basketball-foothills-cathedral-augustine/|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hmoyGcPv?url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/mar/14/prep-basketball-foothills-cathedral-augustine/|archive-date=May 26, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Maffei|first=John|title=Unbeaten Chino Hills halts Leaf’s Knights|date=March 15, 2016|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://hs.utpreps.com/news_article/show/625907?referrer_id=673597|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hmp3Zngz?url=http://hs.utpreps.com/news_article/show/625907?referrer_id=673597|archive-date=May 26, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> ==College career== Leaf originally committed in 2014 to play for [[Arizona Wildcats men's basketball|Arizona]] under coach [[Sean Miller]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Norlander|first=Matt|title=Five-star forward T.J. Leaf de-commits from Arizona; UCLA now favorite?|date=August 7, 2015|website=CBSSports.com|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25262780/tj-leaf-a-five-star-player-in-2016-de-commits-from-arizona-wildcats|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hgpsz6Md?url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25262780/tj-leaf-a-five-star-player-in-2016-de-commits-from-arizona-wildcats|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> He tried out for the [[United States national under-19 basketball team|United States under-19 national team]], also coached by Miller, but was cut in training camp in June 2015.<ref name=zeigler_08062015>{{cite news|last=Zeigler|first=Mark|title=Foothills' T.J. Leaf decommits from Arizona|date=August 6, 2015|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://hs.utpreps.com/news_article/show/541495|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hgnbUAep?url=http://hs.utpreps.com/news_article/show/541495|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In August, Leaf decommitted from Arizona, leading to speculation that the cut by Miller was a motivating factor.<ref name=ryan_01172016>{{cite news|last=Ryan|first=Conor|title=UCLA commit T.J. Leaf showcases versatility in Hoophall Classic win|date=January 17, 2016|website=MassLive.com|url=http://www.masslive.com/hoophallclassic/index.ssf/2016/01/ucla_commit_tj_leaf_showcases.html|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hgkc5itr?url=http://www.masslive.com/hoophallclassic/index.ssf/2016/01/ucla_commit_tj_leaf_showcases.html|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> He signed with [[UCLA Bruins men's basketball|UCLA]] three months later, choosing them over [[Oregon Ducks men's basketball|Oregon]] and [[San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball|San Diego State]].<ref name=nemec_11092015/><ref name=ryan_01172016/> A consensus five-star and overall top-20 recruit,<ref>{{cite news|last=Kaufman|first=Joey|title=Five-star power forward T.J. Leaf commits to UCLA|date=November 12, 2015|newspaper=Orange County Register|url=http://www.ocregister.com/ucla/star-691838-leaf-five.html|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hjhe2HXA?url=http://www.ocregister.com/ucla/star-691838-leaf-five.html|archive-date=May 24, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hines|first=Travis|title=Looking Forward: UCLA, Steve Alford and college basketball’s most intriguing season|date=May 19, 2016|website=NBCSports.com|url=http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2016/05/19/looking-forward-ucla-steve-alford-and-college-basketballs-most-intriguing-season/|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hjhs6eRN?url=http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2016/05/19/looking-forward-ucla-steve-alford-and-college-basketballs-most-intriguing-season/|archive-date=May 24, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> he joined his [[Amateur Athletic Union]] (AAU) teammates from the Compton Magic, [[Ike Anigbogu]] and [[Kobe Paras]], who also committed to UCLA.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Chris|last2=Woo|first2=Jeremy|title=Five-star forward T.J. Leaf commits to UCLA Bruins, Steve Alford|date=November 12, 2015|work=Sports Illustrated|url=https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/11/12/tj-leaf-five-star-recruiting-commits-ucla-bruins|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hgqVMvnp?url=http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/11/12/tj-leaf-five-star-recruiting-commits-ucla-bruins|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bruins recruiting class also included Ball, who along with Leaf were both expected to lead a UCLA turnaround in [[2016–17 UCLA Bruins men's basketball team|2016–17]] after the Bruins finished just 15–17 the year before.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hines|first=Travis|title=Looking Forward: UCLA, Steve Alford and college basketball’s most intriguing season|date=May 19, 2016|website=NBCSports.com|url=http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2016/05/19/looking-forward-ucla-steve-alford-and-college-basketballs-most-intriguing-season/|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hgreExlR?url=http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2016/05/19/looking-forward-ucla-steve-alford-and-college-basketballs-most-intriguing-season/|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 5, 2016, Leaf was named Pac-12 Player of the Week following his performance at [[Kentucky Wildcats|Kentucky]], where he registered 17 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-basketball-20161204-story.html|title=T.J. Leaf's abundant skills were on full display in UCLA's upset of Kentucky|first=Ben|last=Bolch|date=December 4, 2016|access-date=October 21, 2017|via=LA Times}}</ref> He and Ball were named to the mid-season watch list for the [[John R. Wooden Award]], given annually to the top college player in the nation; UCLA was one of just five schools with two candidates on the list.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brown|first=C. L.|title=Maryland's Melo Trimble is only holdover from '16 Wooden Award Midseason Top 25|date=January 11, 2017|website=ESPN.com|url=http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/18454657/four-new-players-added-midseason-top-25-john-r-wooden-award|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6nXpVDczE?url=http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/18454657/four-new-players-added-midseason-top-25-john-r-wooden-award|archive-date=January 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The two were also among 30 on the midseason watch list for the [[Naismith College Player of the Year]].<ref name=fowler_03022017>{{cite news|last=Fowler|first=Clay|title=UCLA's TJ Leaf sprains ankle against Washington|date=March 2, 2017|newspaper=The Orange County Register|url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/ucla-745454-game-alford.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305110552/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/ucla-745454-game-alford.html|archive-date=March 5, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 1, 2017, Leaf scored a career-high 32 points on 14-for-18 shooting and added 14 rebounds in a 95–79 win over [[Washington State Cougars men's basketball|Washington State]], which ended a two-game losing streak for No. 11 UCLA.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bolch|first=Ben|title=Leaf scores 32 as No. 11 UCLA beats Washington State, 95-79|date=February 3, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-washington-state-20170201-story.html|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6o0GPKWch?url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-washington-state-20170201-story.html|archive-date=February 3, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He missed the regular season finale with a sprained left ankle, which he suffered five minutes into the prior game against [[Washington Huskies men's basketball|Washington]].<ref name=fowler_03022017/><ref>{{cite news|last=Bolch|first=Ben|title=Bryce Alford gets emotional in sendoff before UCLA's win over Washington State, 77-68|date=March 4, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-washington-state-20170304-story.html|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6ojY9dIYF?url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-washington-state-20170304-story.html|archive-date=March 5, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Leaf finished the season as UCLA's leading scorer with 16.3 points per game. He also averaged 8.2 rebounds and ranked third in [[field goal percentage]] (61.7) among [[Power Five conference]] players.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fowler|first=Clay|title=Thrilling ride made UCLA basketball’s season-ending loss sting|date=March 25, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News|url=http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20170325/thrilling-ride-made-ucla-basketballs-season-ending-loss-sting|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6pFzcSg13?url=http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20170325/thrilling-ride-made-ucla-basketballs-season-ending-loss-sting|archive-date=March 26, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=ucla_03282017>{{cite web|title=Ball Earns First-Team AP All-America Acclaim|date=March 28, 2017|website=UCLABruins.com|url=http://www.uclabruins.com/news/2017/3/28/mens-basketball-ball-earns-first-team-ap-all-america-acclaim.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423180804/http://www.uclabruins.com/news/2017/3/28/mens-basketball-ball-earns-first-team-ap-all-america-acclaim.aspx|archive-date=April 23, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He received honorable mention from the [[Associated Press]] (AP) for their [[2017 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American team]],<ref name=ucla_03282017/> and was named first-team [[List of All-Pac-12 Conference men's basketball teams|All-Pac-12]] along with teammates Lonzo Ball and [[Bryce Alford]].<ref name=bolch_03062017/> Leaf and Ball were also placed on the Pac-12 All-Freshman team.<ref name=bolch_03062017>{{cite news|last=Bolch|first=Ben|title=UCLA's Lonzo Ball is Pac-12 freshman of the year and one of three Bruins on first team|date=March 6, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-lonzo-ball-20170306-story.html|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6on7J0fGS?url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-lonzo-ball-20170306-story.html|archive-date=March 7, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 30, Leaf announced that he would be leaving UCLA to declare for the [[2017 NBA draft]].<ref>{{cite web|title=UCLA freshman TJ Leaf to enter NBA draft|url=http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/19040580/tj-leaf-ucla-bruins-return-sophomore-year|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> ==Professional career== ===Indiana Pacers (2017–2020)=== Leaf was selected by the [[Indiana Pacers]] in the first round of the [[2017 NBA draft]] with the 18th overall pick. Soon after, Leaf signed an initial three-year contract worth $7,249,200 with the [[Indiana Pacers|Pacers]].<ref>https://8points9seconds.com/2019/10/10/indiana-pacers-pick-fourth-year-option-forward-t-j-leaf/</ref> He was joined in Indiana by Anigbogu, who was selected by the Pacers in the second round.<ref>{{cite news|last=Botemps|first=Tim|title=The biggest winners and losers from the 2017 NBA draft|date=June 23, 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/06/23/the-biggest-winners-and-losers-from-the-2017-nba-draft/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711232035/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/06/23/the-biggest-winners-and-losers-from-the-2017-nba-draft/|archive-date=July 11, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Leaf began [[2017–18 Indiana Pacers season|2017–18]] as a fixture in the Pacers' rotation, averaging 16.2 minutes and five shots per contest through the first eight games. However, he struggled on defense, and his playing time fell as Indiana coach [[Nate McMillan]] tightened his rotation. In December 2017, Leaf was [[assignment (NBA G League)|assigned]] to the [[Fort Wayne Mad Ants]] of the [[NBA G League]] and averaged 23.3 points and 8.3 rebounds in a three-game stint before returning to the Pacers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Crawford|first=Dakota|title='Some guys feel they're above' G-League time, but T.J. Leaf embraces it|date=December 22, 2017|newspaper=Indianapolis Star|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2017/12/22/pacers-t-j-leaf-appreciates-g-league-opportunity-mad-ants/971361001/|access-date=December 22, 2017}}</ref> He finished with 52 games played during the regular season, but saw limited playing time towards the end as the Pacers qualified for [[2018 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Crawford|first=Dakota|title=How Kevin Pritchard stacks up for NBA Executive of the Year|date=April 9, 2018|newspaper=Indianapolis Star|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2018/04/09/nba-executive-year-candidates-kevin-pritchard-ranked/498712002/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423133440/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2018/04/09/nba-executive-year-candidates-kevin-pritchard-ranked/498712002/?from=new-cookie|archive-date=April 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[2018–19 Indiana Pacers season|2018–19]], Leaf's minutes were limited playing behind big men [[Myles Turner (basketball)|Myles Turner]], [[Domantas Sabonis]], [[Thaddeus Young]] and [[Kyle O'Quinn]]. On February 28, 2019, he had a career-high 18 points in a season-high 22 minutes in a 122–115 win over the [[Minnesota Timberwolves]]. Leaf was forced into the game early after Turner and O'Quinn got into foul trouble guarding the Wolves' [[Karl-Anthony Towns]], and held his own defensively against the [[NBA All-Star|All-Star]] center.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ayello|first=Jim|title=T.J. Leaf adds the element that pushes the Pacers to victory|date=June 28, 2019|newspaper=Indianapolis Star|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2019/02/28/bojan-bogdanovic-35-points-t-j-leaf-career-night-lead-indiana-pacers-past-minnesota-timberwolves/3014150002/|access-date=March 3, 2019}}</ref> In the regular-season finale, Leaf had career highs of 28 points and 10 rebounds for his first career [[double-double]] in a 135–134 win over the [[Atlanta Hawks]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Suggs|first=Donnell|title=Indiana Pacers bench mob produces in regular-season finale|date=April 11, 2019|newspaper=Indianapolis Star|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2019/04/11/indiana-pacers-bench-mob-produces-regular-season-finale/3432497002/|access-date=October 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sumner's last-second FTs lift Pacers over Hawks|date=April 11, 2019|website=Reuters.com|agency=Field Level Media|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/basketball-nba-atl-ind-idUSMTZXEF4BS0GZUZ|access-date=November 26, 2020}}</ref> Leaf worked on his jump shot during the offseason leading up to the [[2019–20 Indiana Pacers season|2019–20 season]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Nathan|title=Pacers forward T.J. Leaf eyeing consistent role starting with Friday's preseason debut|date=October 10, 2019|newspaper=Indianapolis Star|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2019/10/10/pacers-t-j-leaf-returns-fridays-preseason-debut-bulls/3895729002/|access-date=November 4, 2019}}</ref> Indiana exercised their contract option on his fourth year, guaranteeing him $4.3 million for 2020–21.<ref>{{cite news|first=J.|last=Michael|title=Pacers exercise contract options for 2020-21 on Aaron Holiday, T.J. Leaf|date=October 10, 2019|newspaper=Indianapolis Star|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2019/10/10/pacers-exercise-2020-21-contract-options-aaron-holiday-t-j-leaf/3875116002/|access-date=November 26, 2020}}</ref> On November 3, 2019, Leaf had 13 points and a career-high 15 rebounds while getting extra time as a backup center in a 108–95 win over the [[Chicago Bulls]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Michael|first=J.|title=Insider: Grit index rises sharply during Pacers' hot streak to get out of 0-3 hole|date=November 4, 2019|newspaper=Indianapolis Star|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2019/11/04/grit-index-rises-sharply-during-pacers-hot-streak-get-out-hole/4088656002/|access-date=November 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Short-handed Pacers cruise past Bulls for third straight win|date=November 3, 2019|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401160727|access-date=November 4, 2019}}</ref> However, he fell out of the rotation by the end of the month.<ref>{{cite news|last=Michael|first=J|title=Insider: Unlike last season's team, Pacers venture out West from a position of strength|date=January 18, 2020|newspaper=Indianapolis Star|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2020/01/18/insider-indiana-pacers-venture-out-west-position-strength/4499328002/|access-date=February 2, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Agness|first=Scott|title=Doug McDermott is more comfortable and productive this season, creating intriguing options for the Pacers|date=December 5, 2019|work=The Athletic|url=https://theathletic.com/1434676/2019/12/05/doug-mcdermott-is-more-comfortable-and-productive-this-season-creating-intriguing-options-for-the-pacers/|quote=TJ Leaf has fallen out of the rotation and more minutes for Sabonis and Holiday has resulted in rookie center Goga Bitadze also not leaving the bench.|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 2, 2020}}</ref> He played in just 28 games during the season after appearing in over 50 in each of his first two seasons.<ref>{{cite news|first=Logan|last=Newman|title=Report: Thunder acquire T.J. Leaf, second-round pick for Jalen Lecque|date=November 23, 2020|newspaper=USA Today|url=https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/2020/11/22/report-thunder-acquire-t-j-leaf-second-round-pick-for-jalen-lecque/|access-date=November 23, 2020}}</ref> Leaf did not develop into his projected role as a [[stretch four]], making just 26.5% of his [[three-point field goals]] in his last two years with Indiana. In three seasons with the Pacers, he averaged 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.<ref>{{cite news|first=Nat|last=Newell|title=ndiana Pacers trade first-round disappointment T.J. Leaf|date=November 22, 2020|newspaper=Indianapolis Star|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2020/11/22/pacers-news-pacers-trade-t-j-leaf-second-rounder-thunder-jalen-lecque/6386060002/|access-date=November 26, 2020}}</ref> ===Oklahoma City Thunder (2020)=== On November 25, 2020, Leaf was traded along with a 2027 second-round draft pick to the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] in exchange for guard [[Jalen Lecque]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Thunder Acquires TJ Leaf and 2027 Second-Round Draft Pick|date=November 25, 2020|work=NBA.com|url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release-leaf-201125|access-date=November 25, 2020}}</ref> On December 18, Leaf was waived by the Thunder.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Thunder Waives TJ Leaf and Admiral Schofield|date=December 18, 2020|publisher=Oklahoma City Thunder|url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/leaf-schofield-201218|accessdate=December 18, 2020}}</ref> ==National team career== After being cut by coach [[Sean Miller|Miller]] from the [[United States men's national under-19 basketball team|U.S. Under-19 junior national team]] in 2015, Leaf joined [[Israel national under-19 basketball team|Israel's under-18 junior national team]] the following month in July, to play in the [[2015 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship Division B]] in Austria.<ref name=goodman_07082015/><ref name=zeigler_08062015/> Although Israel lost 73–72 in the Division B final, Leaf was named tournament's MVP, after averaging 16.1 points per game, on 55 percent shooting, to go along with 8.4 rebounds per game in nine games played.<ref name=zeigler_08062015/><ref>{{cite news|title=SWEDEN SNATCH GOLD, SLOVENIA PROMOTED|date=August 3, 2015|website=FIBAEurope.com|url=http://u18men.fibaeurope.com/enDivB/compID_8aYeHlfuGF-mF5IqO8aFH1.season_2015.roundID_11502.coid_bmNz5OQDGvAMMPW6oDp9,2.articleMode_on.html|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hjkc8EKN?url=http://u18men.fibaeurope.com/enDivB/compID_8aYeHlfuGF-mF5IqO8aFH1.season_2015.roundID_11502.coid_bmNz5OQDGvAMMPW6oDp9,2.articleMode_on.html|archive-date=May 24, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018 he said "Playing for the senior [Israel] national team and helping the guys is one goal of my career."<ref>[http://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019/european-qualifiers/news/leaf-ready-to-answer-the-call-of-duty-for-israels-senior-team]</ref> ==Career statistics== {{NBA player statistics legend}} ===NBA=== ====Regular season==== {{NBA player statistics start}} |- | style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2017}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[2017–18 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]] | 53 || 0 || 8.7 || .471 || '''.429''' || '''.625''' || 1.5 || .2 || .1 || .1 || 2.9 |- | style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2018}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[2018–19 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]] | '''58''' || '''1''' || '''9.0''' || '''.541''' || .258 || .613 || 2.2 || '''.4''' || .2 || '''.3''' || '''3.9''' |- | style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2019}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[2019–20 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]] | 28 || '''1''' || 7.9 || .419 || .278 || .438 || '''2.5''' || .3 || '''.4''' || .1 || 3.0 |- class="sortbottom" | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career | 139 || 2 || 8.7 || .491 || .341 || .571 || 2.0 || .3 || .2 || .2 || 3.3 {{S-end}} ====Playoffs==== {{NBA player statistics start}} |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[2018 NBA playoffs|2018]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[2017–18 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]] | 1 || 0 || 4.0 || – || – || – || .0 || .0 || .0 || .0 || .0 |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[2019 NBA playoffs|2019]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[2018–19 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]] | 1 || 0 || '''10.0''' || .0 || .0 || '''1.000''' || '''3.0''' || .0 || .0 || .0 || '''2.0''' |- | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career | 2 || 0 || 7.0 || .0 || .0 || 1.000 || 1.5 || .0 || .0 || .0 || 1.0 {{S-end}} ===NBA G League=== ====Regular season==== {{NBA player statistics start}} |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[2017–18 NBA G League season|2017–18]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[Fort Wayne Mad Ants|Fort Wayne]] | 3 || 3 || 32.7 || .574 || .538 || .333 || 8.3 || .3 || .3 || .3 || 23.3 |- class="sortbottom" | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career | 3 || 3 || 32.7 || .574 || .538 || .333 || 8.3 || .3 || .3 || .3 || 23.3 {{S-end}} ===College=== {{NBA player statistics start}} |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[2016–17 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|2016–17]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[2016–17 UCLA Bruins men's basketball team|UCLA]] | 35 || 35 || 29.9 || .617 || .466 || .679 || 8.2 || 2.4 || .6 || 1.1 || 16.3 {{S-end}} ==Accomplishments and awards== [[File:20160330 MCDAAG T. J. Leaf at the rim.jpg|thumb|upright|Leaf in [[2016 McDonald's All-American Boys Game|2016 McDonald's All-American Game]]]] ;College * [[Associated Press|AP]] honorable mention [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[2017 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|2017]]) * First-team [[List of All-Pac-12 Conference men's basketball teams|All-Pac-12]] ([[2016-17 Pac-12 Conference men's basketball season|2017]]) * Pac-12 All-Freshman team (2017)<ref name=bolch_03062017/> ;High school * [[McDonald's All-American]] ([[2016 McDonald's All-American Boys Game|2016]]) * [[Ballislife All-American]] (2016) * Second-team [[USA Today All-USA high school basketball team|''USA Today'' All-USA]] (2016) * Second-team Naismith All-American (2016)<ref>{{cite press release|last=Chavers|first=Kyle|title=Naismith Trophy Boy’s High School All-America Team presented by Hilton Worldwide|date=March 8, 2016|publisher=Naismith Trophy|url=http://naismithtrophy.com/press-release/naismith-trophy-bhs-all-america-team/|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hlxRCMwe?url=http://naismithtrophy.com/press-release/naismith-trophy-bhs-all-america-team/|archive-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> *''Cal-Hi Sports'' Division II State Player of the Year (2015) * 2× All-[[California Interscholastic Federation|CIF]] San Diego Section Player of the Year (2015, 2016)<ref>{{cite news|title=2014–15 All-San Diego Section boys basketball team|date=March 25, 2015|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/mar/25/all-cif-san-diego-section-boys-basketball/|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hlzgRQJG?url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/mar/25/all-cif-san-diego-section-boys-basketball/|archive-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=2015–16 All-CIF San Diego Section boys basketball team|date=March 12, 2016|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/mar/12/all-cif-prep-boys-basketball-team/|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hlzmAriC?url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/mar/12/all-cif-prep-boys-basketball-team/|archive-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> ==See also== *[[List of Israeli Americans]] ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} ==External links== {{Portal bar|Sports}} {{commons category}} {{basketballstats|nba=tj_leaf|bbr=l/leaftj01}} *[http://www.uclabruins.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4741 UCLA Bruins bio] {{2017 NBA Draft}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Leaf, TJ}} [[Category:1997 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:American men's basketball players]] [[Category:Basketball players from California]] [[Category:Fort Wayne Mad Ants players]] [[Category:Indiana Pacers draft picks]] [[Category:Indiana Pacers players]] [[Category:Israeli men's basketball players]] [[Category:McDonald's High School All-Americans]] [[Category:National Basketball Association players from Israel]] [[Category:People from Lakeside, California]] [[Category:Power forwards (basketball)]] [[Category:Sportspeople from San Diego County, California]] [[Category:UCLA Bruins men's basketball players]]'