Kawhi Leonard withdraws from US national team for Paris 2024

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has withdrawn from the Team USA men’s basketball Olympic roster for the upcoming Paris Games. USA Basketball, in conjunction with the Clippers, made the decision to have Leonard focus on preparing for the 2024-25 NBA season instead of competing in the Olympics.

An update on Kawhi Leonard from the USA Basketball Men’s National Team. pic.twitter.com/84TjYpc90i

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 10, 2024

“Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the past several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas,” USA Basketball stated. “He felt ready to compete. However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers determined it is in his best interest to spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the upcoming season rather than participating in the Olympic Games in Paris.”

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Derrick White will be replacing Kawhi Leonard with USA Basketball, per @MarcJSpears pic.twitter.com/fjg8hzAskh

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 10, 2024

The Athletic first reported Leonard’s withdrawal and mentioned that Boston Celtics guard Derrick White is a “strong” candidate to replace him on the roster. This decision underscores the importance both Leonard and the Clippers place on his health and readiness for the next NBA season, particularly given his history of injuries.