(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers must be quite happy about Kawhi Leonard’s tough decision.
The best two-way player in the league — when healthy — decided to withdraw from Team USA, meaning he won’t be out there in the Olympics.
That’s obviously a tough call for any player, but it was also one that needed to be made for his team’s and his own sake.
When asked about that, LeBron James sent him his well wishes and hoped that he could finally get to full strength, adding that it was a consensual decision between Leonard and USA Basketball (via Justin Russo).
LeBron James on Kawhi Leonard’s exit from Team USA: “Obviously it was a decision that was mutual between Kawhi and USA Basketball. He was definitely looking forward to it. … More important, we just wish him the best and that’s all that matters.” pic.twitter.com/h8Lh4KHm7S
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) July 11, 2024
All players have the utmost respect for Leonard, who’s clearly one of the most impactful players in the game when available.
Obviously, it’s not like he wants to get hurt and be injured all the time, especially in the playoffs, but perhaps that’s just who he is right now.
It’s never easy to accept that you’re done, but Leonard’s situation isn’t unprecedented.
We’ve seen multiple superstars fail to be at their best because of injuries such as Bill Walton, Brandon Roy, Grant Hill, or even Derrick Rose.
At least Leonard got to lead two different franchises to NBA Championships and has put together a Hall of Famer-caliber résumé.
But there’s not much point in being a part-time player, and the Clippers might not be so thrilled about the huge financial commitment they’ve made in him, not to mention all the assets they gave up to trade for Paul George as he requested.
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