Kawhi Leonard won’t join the U.S. men’s basketball team for the Paris Games after all. It would have been Leonard’s first Olympic trip. He missed most of the Clippers’ last games this season because of knee problems. USA Basketball, along with the Clippers, decided on Leonard’s status.
“Kawhi has been preparing for the Olympics over the past few weeks and had strong practices in Las Vegas,” USA Basketball said in a statement Wednesday.
“He felt ready to compete. However, he understands that USA Basketball and the Clippers agreed it’s best for him to focus on preparing for the upcoming season instead of participating in the Olympic Games in Paris.”
USA Basketball can replace Leonard on the 12-man roster and is working toward bringing in Boston Celtics guard Derrick White to take his place, according to someone familiar with the discussions who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because USA Basketball did not make that public.
“This is just my journey,” Leonard said earlier this week, reflecting on his injuries. “I can’t predict how things will go for me. Last year, I pushed myself to play as much as I could, felt great for a while, and then faced setbacks.”
“I did my best, but this is my journey. I wish I wasn’t in this situation, but I have to accept it. Many people are watching, whether they support me or doubt me. I motivate a lot of people, so I have to keep pushing forward.”
Leonard, who was named part of a 592-person Olympic team by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee earlier in the week, had recently mentioned that his knee felt good and he had resumed practicing on court about three weeks ago to prepare for the Games.
“I’m prepared,” Leonard had said. “I’m playing again now, so I’m happy.”
However, just a couple of days later, shortly before the first U.S. exhibition game against Canada and a day before the team departed for Abu Dhabi — the first stop on their way to France for the Olympics — Leonard withdrew from the team.
This leaves the U.S. with only 10 players available, at least for the immediate future. Kevin Durant will miss the game against Canada due to a calf injury and was unable to participate in the team’s training camp in Las Vegas that ended on Tuesday.
Leonard had been invited to join USA Basketball teams in the past but had to decline due to various reasons, mainly related to injuries or extended playoff commitments.
“I’ve always wanted to compete against international talent and experience different basketball styles and players,” Leonard said. “It’s one of the reasons why I play the game.”
