Kawhi Leonard made headlines when it was announced that he'd leave the United States Olympic roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics to focus on his recovery and the upcoming NBA season. While it was a shocking move, considering the Los Angeles Clippers star's injury history, everyone wasn't entirely surprised with how things unfolded.
It might've been a challenging decision, but Team USA managing director Grant Hill made the call out of consideration for the Klaw. And as it is, no one truly understands the frustration that Kawhi is enduring more than the Hall of Famer.
Grant empathizes with Kawhi
Hill was a generational talent. Upon entering the NBA in 1994 with a combined special skill set of length, versatility, explosiveness, and all-around wonders, the Duke product was highly perceived to conquer the NBA as the next coming of Michael Jordan .
Grant was so phenomenal that he instantly became an All-Star in his rookie season. But in an unfortunate turn of events, the former Blue Devil failed to live up to his limitless potential. A string of injuries robbed Hill from maximizing his prime and taking a huge leap in becoming a bonafide all-time great. He fell from grace and became one of basketball's biggest 'What-Ifs' with how his promising career ended, turning into a depressing story.
Regarding this, G-Hill can only empathize with how Kawhi feels about his current situation with tons of injury issues. Although complex and unwanted, Grant decided it would be best to send Leonard home and prioritize his health next season for the Clippers.
"I know he's had some struggles with injuries and that has played out for us to see over the last few years. Maybe I felt a kinship of sorts because I had struggled with injuries. So there's some empathy for a guy who was a great player who's gone through some challenges. … Even prior to arrival, we started communication with him and his camp in May, very transparent about our concerns. And to their credit, they were very transparent as well, along with the Los Angeles Clippers. And felt that he deserved an opportunity to come in and see if we can make it work. And ultimately, a decision was made that we have to pivot, and that's not always easy," Hill said on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
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Lost chance to win an Olympic gold
An Olympic gold medal would have perfectly sealed Kawhi's basketball legacy. Leonard already had it all by winning two NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, and other individual accolades. However, a significant portion that remains yet to be filled in his legendary resumé is his Team USA career.
As such, it is considerably devastating that he's no longer part of the United States Summer Games campaign in Paris. That was supposed to offer Kawhi a golden opportunity to win a gold medal on the international stage, and it's just disappointing how things reached this point.
With this, we can only hope that Leonard's sudden pullout from USA Basketball's Olympic program will help him be well-rested and prepared to lead the Clippers to an elusive title next NBA season.
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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