The Los Angeles Clippers supported Kawhi Leonard’s decision to play in the Paris Olympics this summer and wanted him to remain on the team, according to general manager Lawrence Frank on Monday.
USA Basketball removed Leonard from its roster last week after a four-day training camp, citing his recent knee issues. Derrick White of the Boston Celtics was selected as his replacement.
Frank expressed disappointment with USA Basketball’s decision, stating, “Kawhi wanted to play. We wanted him to play.”
Leonard had missed 12 of the Clippers’ last 14 games due to right knee inflammation, although he reported feeling well and recovered. Despite this, USA Basketball, where Clippers coach Tyronn Lue serves as assistant to head coach Steve Kerr, made the call.
Leonard, a two-time NBA champion and multiple-time All-Star and All-NBA player, has faced injury challenges over the past several seasons. USA Basketball closely monitored his health leading up to the camp, with managing director Grant Hill even observing one of Leonard’s workouts earlier in the summer.
“I saw him at the first two practices, and he looked in great shape, fully participating in everything,” Frank noted. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t present for the third practice where the decision was made to change course. I had hoped they would have given Kawhi more time.”
