Leo Rautins Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Height, NBA, Basketball, Coaching Career

Leo Rytis Rautins is a Canadian former professional basketball player, coach, and current broadcaster, widely regarded as a pioneer in Canadian basketball.

He was the first Canadian ever drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft, selected 17th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983.

Despite a career hampered by injuries, Rautins had a significant playing tenure in Europe and later became head coach of the Canadian men’s national basketball team. Since 1995, he has been a prominent basketball analyst and commentator for the Toronto Raptors.

Profile

• Full Name: Leo Rytis Rautins
• Stage Name: Leo Rautins
• Born: March 20, 1960
• Age: 65 years old
• Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Occupation: Former Professional Basketball Player, Coach, Broadcaster
• Height: 203 cm
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Rautins
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Jamie Lawson (m. 2005)
• Children: Michael Rautins, Andrew Rautins, Jay Rautins, Sammy Rautins
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Leo Rautins was born on March 20, 1960, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Mr. and Mrs. Rautins. He was a standout basketball player at St. Michael’s College School in Toronto.

At age 16, he became the youngest player ever named to the Canadian senior national team. Rautins began his collegiate career at the University of Minnesota, where he earned first-team All-Big Ten rookie honors, before transferring to Syracuse University.

At Syracuse, he was the first player in Big East history to record two triple-doubles in a single season and earned All-Big East third team and Honorable Mention All-American honors.

Career

Leo Rautins began playing for Canada’s senior national team at just 16—the youngest ever at the time—competing until 1992. After a standout collegiate career at Syracuse, where he was Big East Tournament MVP and Honorable Mention All-American in 1983, he was drafted 17th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers—the first Canadian ever taken in the NBA first round.

Injuries limited his NBA career to 32 games combined with the 76ers and Hawks.

After leaving the NBA, Rautins continued his career in Europe, playing in Italy, France, and Spain until 1992, earning all-star honours in several leagues. In 1995, he transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a lead colour commentator and analyst for the Toronto Raptors, while also covering Olympic basketball for CBC starting in 1984.

In 2005, he was appointed head coach of Canada’s men’s national team, a role he held until 2011, guiding them through international competitions like the FIBA World Championship. A member of Canada’s Basketball Hall of Fame since 1997 and Ontario Basketball Hall of Fame since 2000, he remains a respected influencer in the sport, running camps, speaking engagements, and charitable events.

His legacy includes pioneering Canadian presence in the NBA and fostering growth in the sport nationally.

Social Media

Leo Rautins does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Leo Rautins has been married to Jamie Lawson since 2005, following a previous marriage to Maria. He has four sons—Michael, Andrew, Jay, and Sammy—and during the NBA offseason, he resides in Jupiter, Florida.

Andrew followed in his footsteps to Syracuse and into professional basketball.

Net Worth

Leo Rautins’ estimated net worth is approximately $1 million USD, accumulated through his professional basketball career, coaching roles, and long-standing work as a basketball broadcaster and analyst.