Just a few days before Team USA’s first game in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has opted out of the team. He will be replaced by Boston Celtics star, Derrick White. USA Basketball announced on Wednesday that Leonard won’t be a part of the stacked Team USA. Kawhi was practicing hard during the Team USA practice session alongside other NBA superstars.
Kawhi Leonard had been putting a lot of effort into preparing for the upcoming Olympics. However, he backed out by stating that he would spend the remainder of his summer preparing for the upcoming season. Leonard respects both Team USA and the Los Angeles Clippers and did what he believes was right for him. Derrick White is a great replacement for Leonard as he brings the same defensive output.
During the 2023-24 season Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. These numbers are great as he had missed an entire season in 2021-22 due to a torn ACL. Whiteis addition is a great choice but many fans still question taking White over Jalen Brunson and Jaylen Brown.
Breaking: Derrick White will replace Kawhi Leonard on the USA men's basketball team for the Paris Olympics, sources told @MarcJSpears of @andscape. pic.twitter.com/QJp3EE1A2X
— ESPN (@espn) July 10, 2024
White averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game last season. He was a great asset for the Boston Celtics championship run. Team USA is scheduled for their exhibition match against Team Canada on July 10. They will also have their first world-stage match against Team Serbia on July 17.
Kawhi Leonard shares his feelings on Paul George leaving the Clippers
This NBA offseason has been one of the wildest. One of the main reasons for this is 9-time All-Star Paul George leaving the Los Angeles Clippers for the Philadelphia 76ers. Clippers star, Kawhi Leonard will be suiting without George for the first time in 5 years. Some reports stated Leonard’s feelings about the departure.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were expected to win the championship for the Clippers. Unfortunately, they struggled with injuries and failed to win a ring together. During the Team USA media conference, Leonard was asked about George to which Leonard replied in typical Kawhi fashion.
Clippers will still have Russell Westbrook and James Harden in their roster. However, the Clippers’ roster lost one of their main key pieces. As such, the Clippers might struggle in the upcoming season as they don’t have anyone to fill George’s shoes.
