Kawhi Leonard initially joined Team USA's training camp for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. However, right before the team's first exhibition game against Canada, The Claw decided to withdraw.
This decision was reportedly made to allow him to rest and recover for the 2024-25 NBA season to potentially avoid further injury issues, considering that he was already dealing with chronic knee problems. In the wake of this news, NBA analyst - Courtney Cronin called out the two-time finals MVP for even contemplating joining the star-studded roster.
"You were a liability from the very start," Cronin said. "You knew that you weren't healthy. From the very jump, he knew that he probably wasn't going to be able to last this stretch run."
Leonard wanted to win
Kawhi's health concerns were evident, given his limited playing time at the end of the 2023-24 season. He missed the last eight games of the regular season and played only 59 minutes in the first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. While media members will continuously bash the six-time All-Star for joining Team USA, his teammate Stephen Curry understood Leonard's motivation.
The two-time MVP well and truly recognized that the Clippers forward was desperately trying to get back to full health and contribute to his country on the international stage.
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Team USA gets a more compatible player than Leonard
Although the loss of the two-time DPOY is significant for Team USA, they have replaced him with the Boston Celtics' ace Derrick White, who may be a better fit for the star-studded roster.
The 6'4" guard not only excels at playing alongside star players but also averaged 15.2 points per game this season on 11.5 field goal attempts per game. Additionally, D-White's selection to the All-Defensive Team highlights his ability to contribute effectively on both ends of the floor, enhancing his team's winning potential despite only sometimes receiving the recognition he deserves.
A potential gold medal could have provided Leonard with the ultimate boost needed to enhance his next phase of leadership for the Clippers next season. However, this situation now allows him more time to become healthier and lead his team to the promised land.
Related: "You are repeatedly unavailable for the people who pay you" - Stephen A. Smith goes off on Kawhi Leonard for trying to play for Team USA
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