Clippers star Kawhi Leonard won't play for Team USA in the Paris Olympics, leaving an open roster spot that reportedly will be filled by Derrick White.
"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 Philadelphia newsletters.
The 33-year-old Leonard 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 and White's addition, 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.Despite playing different positions, the newly-crowned NBA champion is a similarly versatile defender.
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.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kerr confirms Kawhi Leonard, rest of Team USA will report to campSteve Kerr confirmed that Kawhi Leonard will report to Team USA training camp in Las Vegas next week.
Read more »
Kawhi Leonard withdraws from Team USA, out for Paris OlympicsKawhi Leonard has withdrawn from Team USA less than three weeks before the start of the Paris Olympics.
Read more »
NBA Champion to Replace Kawhi Leonard on Team USA in Paris Olympics: ReportLeonard, a six-time All-NBA small forward and two-time NBA Finals MVP, has withdrawn ahead of the competition this summer.
Read more »
Kawhi Leonard withdraws from Team USA amid health concernsLos Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard is withdrawing from the Paris Olympics amid health concerns. He will be replaced by Derrick White.
Read more »
Derrick White to Replace Kawhi Leonard on Team USA for Paris Olympics, per ReportWhite previously played for Team USA on the 2019 FIBA World Cup team.
Read more »
Kawhi Leonard withdraws from Team USA, won't play in Paris OlympicsClippers 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.
Read more »