Kawhi Leonard has withdrawn from the team’s roster for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, which is a big blow to Team USA. The news comes just weeks before the start of the Summer Olympics. The Los Angeles Clippers star, who has been dealing with knee soreness for the past few months, will return and make himself ready for the new NBA season.
USA Basketball made the official announcement on Wednesday. It revealed that the national team and Clippers decided it would be in Leonard’s best interest to return home.
“Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the past several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas. He felt ready to compete However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers determined it’s in his best interest to spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the
upcoming season rather than participating in the Olympic Games in Paris”, Team USA said in the statement.
Team USA Calls up Boston Celtics’ Derrick White as Kawhi Leonard’s Replacement
Leonard’s absence leaves a significant hole in Team USA’s lineup. The two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP is known for his lockdown defense and clutch shooting. Team USA has called up Boston Celtics’ guard Derrick White to fill the vacant roster spot. White, who played a key role in the Celtics’ championship run this season, could contribute to the team’s success in the Olympics.
The news of Kawhi Leonard’s withdrawal throws a curveball at Team USA’s preparations, but the quick addition of Derrick White will give them a much-needed boost as they aim for another gold medal.
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Team USA will begin its Olympic campaign against Serbia on July 28. Lebron James and Co. will then face South Sudan on July 31. The team will play its last group-stage game against Puerto Rico on August 3.
