The Los Angeles Clippers were supportive of Kawhi Leonard playing for the U.S. in the Paris Olympics this summer, according to general manager Lawrence Frank. However, USA Basketball decided to remove Leonard from the roster due to a knee problem that disrupted his NBA season.
Leonard, a two-time NBA champion and six-time All-Star, missed several games at the end of the season due to knee inflammation. Despite feeling fine and his knee doing well, USA Basketball felt it was best for Leonard not to participate in the Olympics.
The decision was disappointing for both Leonard and the Clippers, as they were eager to see him play. The team’s assistant coach, Tyronn Lue, is part of the USA Basketball coaching staff led by Steve Kerr.
Grant Hill, the managing director of USA Basketball, closely monitored Leonard’s health leading up to the decision. Although Leonard looked good and participated fully in the initial practices, the team ultimately decided to go in a different direction.
The U.S. team has also been without Kevin Durant, a three-time gold medalist, who has been with the team but did not play in the first two exhibition games. Injuries are a major concern for teams as they finalize their rosters for the Olympics.
Despite the disappointment, Frank expressed understanding of USA Basketball’s perspective and their need to prioritize the team’s best interest. He emphasized the team’s support for the decision and their desire to see the U.S. team win the gold medal in the Olympics.
As teams prepare for the Olympics in France later this month, the absence of replacement options for injured players adds pressure to finalize rosters. The focus is on building a strong team that can compete at the highest level and overcome any challenges that may arise during the tournament.
In conclusion, while Kawhi Leonard will not be representing the U.S. in the Paris Olympics, the support and understanding from the Clippers and USA Basketball highlight the unity and determination to achieve success in the upcoming games. The focus now shifts to the remaining players on the roster and their preparation to compete on the global stage.