(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
In an interesting development, six-time All-Star and two-time champion Kawhi Leonard will not be playing for Team USA at the Paris Olympics.
New details have emerged regarding the reasoning for Leonard not playing.
According to Brad Turner of the L.A. Times, Team USA had concerns about his knee.
“People not authorized to speak on the matter told The Times last week that there was concern about Leonard’s knee,” Turner recently noted.
Team USA had concerns about Kawhi Leonard’s knee, per @BA_Turner
“People not authorized to speak publicly on the matter told The Times last week that there was concern about Leonard’s knee after Grant Hill, the managing director of Team USA; Steve Kerr, the coach of Team USA;… pic.twitter.com/7KUKVMZOzr
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 10, 2024
Turner also reported that the decision came after managing director of Team USA Grant Hill, Team USA head coach Steve Kerr, and Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank saw him work out in Los Angeles recently at the Clippers’ facility.
There is plenty of American talent out there for Team USA to find a suitable replacement for Leonard.
The concern now is for Leonard.
The 33-year-old has dealt with knee injuries over the last couple of seasons.
In fact, he has not played more than 70 games in an NBA season since the 2016-2017 season.
The Clippers also just inked Leonard to a three-year extension worth $152 million earlier this year.
Team USA is loaded with talent thanks to the likes of LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and so many other big names being there.
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