Clippers star Kawhi Leonard won't play for Team USA in the Paris Olympics, leaving an open roster spot that reportedly could be filled by an NBA champion.
"Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the past several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas," the statement said."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."Sign up for NBC San Diego newsletters.
The 33-year-old forward has battled through various injuries over the past several years. He had played 60 games or fewer in four straight seasons before suiting up for 68 contests in 2023-24, but he missed the Clippers' final three playoff games due to right knee inflammation.training camp, said that his injury had improved and he felt ready to represent the country in his first Olympics.
After Leonard's withdrawal, Team USA has one spot to fill and not a lot of time to do it. The Americans will face Canada in an exhibition on Wednesday night in Las Vegas, with Kevin Durant alreadyfor July 15 , July 17 , July 20 and July 22 . The Olympics slate begins on July 28 against three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and Serbia.guard Derrick White is considered a"strong replacement candidate" for Leonard.
White, who played for Team USA at the 2019 World Cup, averaged a career-best 15.2 points per game for the Celtics last season. He increased his scoring average to 16.7 over 19 postseason games while shooting 40.4% from deep and making key defensive plays in several moments.
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