T. J. Leaf

Leaf was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, to Karen and Brad Leaf. His father was playing professional basketball in Israel at the time,{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160624020612/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/10/sdsu-basketball-tj-leaf-announcement-ucla-oregon/all/?print|archive-date=June 24, 2016|url-status=dead}} and he enjoyed a 17-year career in the country.{{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=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/13217276/arizona-wildcats-commit-tj-leaf-play-israeli-national-team|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502202326/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/13217276/arizona-wildcats-commit-tj-leaf-play-israeli-national-team|archive-date=May 2, 2016|url-status=live}} Leaf lived his first {{frac|2|1|2}} years in Tel Aviv before growing up in Lakeside, California, in San Diego County. His father coached him in summer leagues prior to high school. Despite possessing the height of a power forward—he stood {{height|ft=6|in=3}} in junior high—Leaf played on the perimeter to develop guard skills. His father wanted him to be versatile like the big men that he had competed against as a pro in Europe.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20220621212236/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/sports/ncaabasketball/ucla-tj-leaf-brad-leaf.html?_r=1|archive-date=June 21, 2022|url-status=live}}

Leaf attended Foothills Christian High School in El Cajon, California, where he also played under his father.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160623210515/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2014/feb/04/family-ties-leaf-foothills-basketball/|archive-date=June 23, 2016|url-status=live}} As a junior, Leaf averaged 27.4 points, 14.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 2.7 blocks per game, leading Foothills Christian to the San Diego Section Division II championship.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160317055023/http://www.oregonlive.com/recruiting/index.ssf/2015/11/tj_leaf_5-star_pf_set_to_annou.html|archive-date=March 17, 2016|url-status=live}} Cal-Hi Sports named him their Division II State Player of the Year.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160121233408/http://www.calhisports.com/2015/05/01/all-state-boys-bb-by-divisions-2/|archive-date=January 21, 2016|url-status=live}}

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, who were led by future teammate Lonzo Ball.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160820045014/http://www.calhisports.com/2016/03/30/state-player-of-year-finalists/|archive-date=August 20, 2016|url-status=live}} Leaf earned McDonald's and Ballislife All-American honors, and USA Today named him second-team All-USA.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160623215232/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/apr/01/tj-leaf-mcdonalds-all-american-basketball/|archive-date=June 23, 2016|url-status=live}}{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160505162747/http://usatodayhss.com/2016/lonzo-ball-among-stars-on-final-rosters-for-ballislife-all-american-game|archive-date=May 5, 2016|url-status=live}} He was a runner-up to Ball for California Mr. Basketball.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160601185253/http://www.calhisports.com/2016/04/15/mr-basketball-2016-lonzo-ball/|archive-date=June 1, 2016|url-status=live}} 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 from 2008 to 2011).{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160601082303/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/mar/14/prep-basketball-foothills-cathedral-augustine/|archive-date=June 1, 2016|url-status=live}}{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160809050344/http://hs.utpreps.com/news_article/show/625907?referrer_id=673597|archive-date=August 9, 2016|url-status=live}}

Leaf originally committed in 2014 to play for Arizona under coach Sean Miller.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160525163046/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 25, 2016|url-status=live}} He tried out for the United States under-19 national team, also coached by Miller, but was cut in training camp in June 2015.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160701124629/http://hs.utpreps.com/news_article/show/541495|archive-date=July 1, 2016|url-status=live}} In August, Leaf decommitted from Arizona, leading to speculation that the cut by Miller was a motivating factor.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160520053617/http://www.masslive.com/hoophallclassic/index.ssf/2016/01/ucla_commit_tj_leaf_showcases.html|archive-date=May 20, 2016|url-status=live}} He signed with UCLA three months later, choosing them over Oregon and San Diego State. A consensus five-star and overall top-20 recruit,{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160603224553/http://www.ocregister.com/ucla/star-691838-leaf-five.html|archive-date=June 3, 2016|url-status=live}}{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160522144834/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}} he joined his Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) teammates from the Compton Magic, Ike Anigbogu and Kobe Paras, who also committed to UCLA.{{cite magazine|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|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/11/12/tj-leaf-five-star-recruiting-commits-ucla-bruins|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120114047/http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/11/12/tj-leaf-five-star-recruiting-commits-ucla-bruins|archive-date=November 20, 2015|url-status=live}} The Bruins recruiting class also included Ball, who along with Leaf were both expected to lead a UCLA turnaround in 2016–17 after the Bruins finished just 15–17 the year before.

On December 5, 2016, Leaf was named Pac-12 Player of the Week following his performance at Kentucky, where he registered 17 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists.{{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}} 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.{{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=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/18454657/four-new-players-added-midseason-top-25-john-r-wooden-award|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116143952/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/18454657/four-new-players-added-midseason-top-25-john-r-wooden-award|archive-date=January 16, 2017|url-status=live}} The two were also among 30 on the midseason watch list for the Naismith College Player of the Year.{{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}} 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, which ended a two-game losing streak for No. 11 UCLA.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20170204025350/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-washington-state-20170201-story.html|archive-date=February 4, 2017|url-status=live}} He missed the regular season finale with a sprained left ankle, which he suffered five minutes into the prior game against Washington.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20170305200209/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-washington-state-20170304-story.html|archive-date=March 5, 2017|url-status=live}}

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.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20170327080314/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20170325/thrilling-ride-made-ucla-basketballs-season-ending-loss-sting|archive-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live}}{{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}} He received honorable mention from the Associated Press (AP) for their All-American team, and was named first-team All-Pac-12 along with teammates Lonzo Ball and Bryce Alford. Leaf and Ball were also placed on the Pac-12 All-Freshman team.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20170308091900/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-lonzo-ball-20170306-story.html|archive-date=March 8, 2017|url-status=live}} On March 30, Leaf announced that he was leaving UCLA and declaring for the 2017 NBA draft.{{cite web|title=UCLA freshman TJ Leaf to enter NBA draft|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/19040580/tj-leaf-ucla-bruins-return-sophomore-year|website=ESPN.com|date=March 30, 2017}}

Leaf was selected by the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft with the 18th overall pick, and he signed a three-year contract worth $7,249,200.{{Cite web|url=https://8points9seconds.com/2019/10/10/indiana-pacers-pick-fourth-year-option-forward-t-j-leaf/|title = Indiana Pacers pick up fourth-year option on forward TJ Leaf|date = October 10, 2019}} He was joined in Indiana by Anigbogu, who was selected by the Pacers in the second round.{{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}} Leaf began 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 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.{{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}} He finished with 52 games played during the regular season, but saw limited playing time towards the end as the Pacers qualified for the playoffs.{{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}}

In 2018–19, Leaf's minutes were limited playing behind big men 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 All-Star center.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}

Leaf worked on his jump shot during the offseason leading up to the 2019–20 season.{{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}} Indiana exercised their contract option on his fourth year, guaranteeing him $4.3 million for 2020–21.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} However, he fell out of the rotation by the end of the month.{{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}}{{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://www.nytimes.com/athletic/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}} He played in just 28 games during the season after appearing in over 50 in each of his first two seasons.{{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}} 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.{{cite news|first=Nat|last=Newell|title=Indiana 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}}

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.{{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}} On December 18, Leaf was waived by the Thunder after their final preseason game.{{cite news|first=Joe|last=Mussatto|title=OKC Thunder waives Admiral Schofield and TJ Leaf|date=December 18, 2020|newspaper=The Oklahoman|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5678635/okc-thunder-waives-admiral-schofield-and-tj-leaf|access-date=December 19, 2020}}{{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|access-date=December 18, 2020}}

On April 13, 2021, Leaf signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.{{cite web|title=TRAIL BLAZERS SIGN TJ LEAF TO TWO-WAY CONTRACT|url=https://www.nba.com/blazers/news/2021/4/13/blazers-sign-tj-leaf-to-two-way-contract|website=NBA.com|date=April 13, 2021|access-date=April 13, 2021}}

On January 12, 2022, Leaf joined the Guangzhou Loong Lions of the CBA,{{cite news |title=广州官方：外援TJ-利夫完成注册 将披22号球衣出战 |url=https://sports.cctv.com/2022/01/13/ARTILOfLiqmSva1gYwxfCNs9220113.shtml |access-date=2024-06-09 |publisher=央视网 |date=2022-01-13}} and averaged 25 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.{{cite news|last=Sun|first=Xiaochen|title=Ducks determined to give youth a chance|date=October 6, 2022|work=China Daily|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202210/06/WS633e1231a310fd2b29e7b121.html|access-date=October 18, 2022}}

On October 2, 2022, Leaf signed with the Beijing Ducks.{{cite news |last1=Skerletic |first1=Dario |title=Beijing Ducks signs T.J. Leaf |url=https://sportando.basketball/en/beijing-ducks-signs-t-j-leaf/ |access-date=2024-06-09 |work=Sportando |date=2022-10-02}}

On September 20, 2024, Leaf signed with the Nanjing Monkey Kings.{{cite web |title=Monkey Kings sign TJ Leaf |url=https://www.asia-basket.com/China/news/892054/Monkey-Kings-sign-TJ-Leaf |website=www.asia-basket.com |access-date=20 September 2024}}

On June 29, 2025, Leaf signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv of the Ligat HaAl and the EuroLeague.{{Cite web |date=2025-06-29 |title=Maccabi Tel Aviv announced a three-year deal with T.J. Leaf |url=https://www.eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/1842637/maccabi-tel-aviv-announced-a-three-year-deal-with-t-j-leaf/ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Eurohoops |language=en}}

After being cut by coach Miller from the U.S. Under-19 junior national team in 2015, Leaf joined 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. 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.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160609192347/http://u18men.fibaeurope.com/enDivB/compID_8aYeHlfuGF-mF5IqO8aFH1.season_2015.roundID_11502.coid_bmNz5OQDGvAMMPW6oDp9,2.articleMode_on.html|archive-date=June 9, 2016|url-status=live}} In 2018 he said "Playing for the senior [Israel] national team and helping the guys is one goal of my career."{{Cite web|url=http://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019/european-qualifiers/news/leaf-ready-to-answer-the-call-of-duty-for-israels-senior-team|title = Leaf ready to answer the call of duty for Israel's senior team| date=March 21, 2018 }}

{{NBA player statistics legend}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2017}}

| style="text-align:left;"| 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;"| 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;"| Indiana

| 28 || 1 || 7.9 || .419 || .278 || .438 || 2.5 || .3 || .4 || .1 || 3.0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2020}}

| style="text-align:left;"| Portland

| 7 || 0 || 5.0 || .500 || – || 1.000 || .7 || .1 || .3 || .1 || 1.7

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 146 || 2 || 8.5 || .492 || .341 || .585 || 1.9 || .3 || .2 || .2 || 3.3

{{S-end}}

Source:{{cite basketball-reference|name=T.J. Leaf|id=l/leaftj01|accessdate=June 4, 2021}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2018

| style="text-align:left;"| Indiana

| 1 || 0 || 4.0 || – || – || – || .0 || .0 || .0 || .0 || .0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2019

| style="text-align:left;"| Indiana

| 1 || 0 || 10.0 || .000 || .000 || 1.000 || 3.0 || .0 || .0 || .0 || 2.0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2021

| style="text-align:left;"| Portland

| 3 || 0 || 2.3 || .750 || – || – || 1.0 || .0 || .0 || .0 || 2.0

|-

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 5 || 0 || 4.2 || .429 || .000 || 1.000 || 1.2 || .0 || .0 || .0 || 1.6

{{S-end}}

Source:

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2016–17

| style="text-align:left;"| UCLA

| 35 || 35 || 29.9 || .617 || .466 || .679 || 8.2 || 2.4 || .6 || 1.1 || 16.3

{{S-end}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2021–22

| style="text-align:left;"| Guangzhou

| 15 || 11 || 32.1 || .569 || .300 || .804 || 11.7 || 2.9 || 2.1 || 1.9 || 25.0

{{S-end}}

Source:{{cite web | url=https://www.basketball-stats.de/spieler/?player-id=132 | title=T.J. Leaf | publisher=basketball-stats.de | language=german | accessdate=2022-04-01}}

File:20160330 MCDAAG T. J. Leaf at the rim.jpg]]

;College

• AP honorable mention All-American (2017)
• First-team All-Pac-12 (2017)
• Pac-12 All-Freshman team (2017)

;High school

• McDonald's All-American (2016)
• Ballislife All-American (2016)
• Second-team USA Today All-USA (2016)
• Second-team Naismith All-American (2016){{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://web.archive.org/web/20160514000533/http://naismithtrophy.com/press-release/naismith-trophy-bhs-all-america-team/|archive-date=May 14, 2016|url-status=live}}
• Cal-Hi Sports Division II State Player of the Year (2015)
• 2× All-CIF San Diego Section Player of the Year (2015, 2016){{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://web.archive.org/web/20160630062315/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/mar/25/all-cif-san-diego-section-boys-basketball/|archive-date=June 30, 2016|url-status=live}}{{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://web.archive.org/web/20160617074759/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/mar/12/all-cif-prep-boys-basketball-team/|archive-date=June 17, 2016|url-status=live}}

• List of Israeli Americans

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{commons category}}

{{basketballstats|nba=tj_leaf|bbr=l/leaftj01}}

• [http://www.uclabruins.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4741 UCLA Bruins bio]

{{Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C. current roster}}

{{2017 NBA draft}}

{{Portal bar|Basketball}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Leaf, TJ}}

Category:1997 births

Category:Living people

Category:American men's basketball players

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:NBA players from Israel

Category:People from Lakeside, California

Category:Portland Trail Blazers players

Category:Power forwards

Category:Basketball players from San Diego County, California

Category:UCLA Bruins men's basketball players

Category:21st-century American sportsmen

Category:Guangzhou Loong Lions players

Category:Beijing Ducks players

Category:Nanjing Monkey Kings players

Category:American expatriate basketball people in China

Category:21st-century Israeli sportsmen