Kawhi Leonard has decided to step back from Team USA’s line-up for the Paris Olympics following concerns arising during his training sessions with the team, as per the report by Broderick Turner from the LA Times.
Having missed 12 out of the final 14 matches of the Los Angeles Clippers’ season due to inflammation in his right knee, Leonard is now facing the same problem again. Derrick White, a guard for the Boston Celtics and an NBA titleholder, will step in to fill Leonard’s spot on the US team, as reported.
The fact that Tyronn Lue, the Clippers’ coach, is serving as an assistant for Team USA, is noteworthy.
USA Basketball officials shared that Leonard had been gearing up for the Olympics and was feeling prepared after productive training sessions in Las Vegas. However, it was collectively decided by USA Basketball and the Clippers organization that Leonard should focus on getting back in shape for the upcoming NBA season instead of participating in the Olympics.
Highlighting that the priority was Leonard’s long-term health and readiness for the 2024-25 season, Grant Hill, the managing director of USA Basketball, underlined their decision-making process.
Appreciating Leonard’s dedication, Hill extended a warm welcome to White, who is all set to make his Olympic debut post a remarkable season with the Celtics.
Despite signs of improvement in Leonard’s knee over the past weeks, the best course of action was for him to refrain from Olympic competition.
Team USA is gearing up to play its first exhibition match against Team Canada on Wednesday evening.
