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Kawhi Leonard opts out of Team USA roster for Paris Olympics
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    Kawhi Leonard opts out of Team USA roster for Paris Olympics

    The United States has lost one of its top options for the coming Olympics.

    Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics, USA Basketball announced Wednesday morning.

    “Kawhi has been ramping for the Olympics over the past several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas,” USA Basketball said in the statement. “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.”

    Leonard has been slowed by a number of injuries in recent years, playing in just 229 games over four seasons with the Clippers.

    He did play in 68 games with the team in 2023-24, his most since signing in Los Angeles. In those games, he averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals on 52.5 per cent shooting from the field.

    However, a right-knee injury forced him to miss the end of the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks. He suited up for just two games in the series and was clearing limited, averaging 12.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.

    Leonard had said earlier in the week that his knee was not a concern for the Olympics and that he was able to return to on-court training about three weeks before Team USA opened its camp.

    According to a report by The Athletic‘s Shams Charania, Boston Celtics guard Derrick White is a contender to replace Leonard on the Olympic roster.

    White is coming off an NBA title with the Celtics, and has played for the U.S. in the past.

    Team USA begins its pre-Olympic exhibition schedule on Wednesday night against Canada. You can watch the game on Sportsnet One and Sportsnet+, with tip-off scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT.

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    Kawhi Leonard, the star player for the Los Angeles Clippers, has made the decision to opt out of the Team USA roster for the upcoming Paris Olympics. This news comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts, as Leonard has been a key player for Team USA in the past.

    Leonard’s decision to sit out of the Olympics is likely due to his focus on recovering from a recent injury. The two-time NBA Finals MVP suffered a knee injury during the playoffs, which required surgery and forced him to miss the remainder of the postseason. With his health being a top priority, Leonard is choosing to prioritize his recovery and rehabilitation over competing in the Olympics.

    While Leonard’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by Team USA, there is no shortage of talent on the roster. Players like Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum will lead the team as they look to defend their gold medal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

    Despite Leonard’s decision, Team USA remains a formidable force and will be a strong contender in Paris. Fans will have to wait and see how the team performs without one of their star players, but there is no doubt that they will give it their all and compete at the highest level.

    As for Leonard, his focus will be on getting healthy and ready for the upcoming NBA season with the Clippers. While it is disappointing to see him opt out of the Olympics, his health and well-being should always come first. Fans can look forward to seeing Leonard back on the court next season, where he will undoubtedly continue to showcase his incredible talent and skill.