Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has decided to withdraw from Team USA ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, although the exact cause of the move has yet to be made public.
In a statement released to announce the withdrawal, it was determined between Team USA and the LA Clippers that it would be best for the 32-year-old Point Guard to spend the summer preparing for the coming NBA season rather than at the Olympics.
“Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the past several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas. He felt ready to compete,” Team USA said in a brief statement.
It added, “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.”
Kawhi, also known as The Claw, will now miss what should have been his first appearance at the Olympics for Team USA, having missed 12 of the Clippers last 14 games in the NBA last season due to an inflammation in the right knee.
Although he was an active participant in preparations, it is now looking likely he would be replaced in the team by Boston Celtics player, Derrick White. White, when confirmed, will be joining teammates Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday in the team.