Kawhi out of Olympic squad, replaced by Derrick White
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard won't be part of Team USA's Olympic squad after all.
The 33-year-old appeared set to participate in his first Olympics this summer after being named in USA Basketball's 12-man roster for the Las Vegas camp. However, the organization released a statement Wednesday saying that the Clippers and the national program mutually decided to keep Leonard out.
An update on Kawhi Leonard from the USA Basketball Men's National Team. pic.twitter.com/84TjYpc90i
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 10, 2024
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White is replacing Leonard on Team USA's roster.
Welcome to the 🇺🇸 #USABMNT, @Dwhite921! pic.twitter.com/99n1S33ITO
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 10, 2024
Leonard has been bothered by a sore and inflamed knee for months, sources told The Athletic's Joe Vardon and Charania. Leonard's camp notified USA Basketball of concern surrounding his status earlier this week, a source told Spears.
The two-time Defensive Player of the Year averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and shot 41.7% from deep for L.A. last season. He played in 68 games, his most in a single season since a 74-game campaign with the San Antonio Spurs in 2016-17; however, swelling in his right knee caused him to miss the Clippers' final eight regular-season contests and four of their six first-round games against the Dallas Mavericks.
White is coming off his first NBA title with the Celtics. The 30-year-old guard played a pivotal role in helping the franchise claim its 18th championship, posting 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 blocks while shooting 40.4% in 19 playoff games.
Team USA, which plays an exhibition game Wednesday against Canada, is also temporarily without Kevin Durant, who's battling a calf strain. The Americans are hoping to claim a fifth straight gold medal at the men's Summer Olympics tournament. They've failed to finish in first just once since 1992 - settling for bronze at the 2004 Summer Games in Athens.