Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank expressed his disappointment over Kawhi Leonard’s removal from Team USA’s Olympics roster. Frank disputed USA Basketball’s statement that the Clippers played a role in the decision, stating that it was entirely USA Basketball’s call.
Kawhi Leonard was initially selected to play in the Olympics but was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White due to concerns over his knee injury. Frank then revealed that Leonard who had participated in the early practices of Team USA’s training camp looked “very good” before the decision was made to release him.
No, it was USAB’s call and I was quite frankly very disappointed with the decision. Kawhi wanted to play. We wanted him to play. I was there the first two practices, he looked very good… He looked good to me. I know all the sacrifices he made in order to make this commitment to the Olympics. So it was very disappointing. Lawrence Frank said in an interview
Lawrence Frank said it was Team USA’s decision for Kawhi Leonard to not compete in the Olympics.
Frank was very disappointed in the decision, and thought Kawhi looked great. pic.twitter.com/8FT9feL73i
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) July 15, 2024
Furthermore, he questioned the timing of the decision, wishing that Team USA had given The Klaw more time to prove his fitness. He however acknowledged that Team USA had to make decisions in the best interests of the team but felt that Leonard’s commitment to the Olympics and his sacrifices should have been considered.
Frank’s comments suggest a discrepancy between the Clippers’ assessment of Leonard’s fitness and USA Basketball’s decision to remove him from the roster. Despite his disappointment, the Clippers’ president of basketball expressed his support for USA Basketball during the Olympics.
Team USA went on to win an exhibition game against Australia without Leonard and the injured Kevin Durant. Thus, demonstrating their strength and depth as they prepare for the Paris Olympic
s showdown.
