While accepting his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard revealed that he traded his ability to feel emotions in order to gain the impeccable footwork, long arms, immense hands and uncanny ability to read opposing players’ body language that earned the 24-year-old 547 points and 84 first-place votes for DPOY from the voting panel of 130 sportswriters and broadcasters.

Leonard is the anchor of San Antonio’s league-best defense, which allowed the fewest points per game of any team in the league. When Leonard is on the court, the Spurs have a defensive rating of 94.9, and the small forward reports that he had to sacrifice the ability feel emotions such as happiness or sadness in order to do so.

“I’m sure I would feel really grateful and honored to receive this award,” the famously stoic Leonard said as he accepted the trophy and Kia, “but, you know.”

Leonard also stated that teammate Tim Duncan’s post game and longevity had cost Duncan the ability to laugh.

“My shooting, though, that was from working with [Spurs Assistant Chip] Engelland,” the forward said. Leonard shot a career best 50.6 % from the field during the regular season, including 44.3% from 3-point range.

The forward also stated he would gladly trade the DPOY award for the ability to feel “something, anything.”

“Not that I feel anyway in particular about it,” Leonard added.