Team USA Replaces Kawhi Leonard, Disappoints Clippers President

Photo: Instagram/Kawhi Leonard

USA Basketball's decision to replace Kawhi Leonard before the Paris Olympics has left Clippers President Lawrence Frank unhappy. Although this allows Leonard to rest for the 2024-25 season, Frank wanted him to play.

"It was USAB's call, and I was, quite frankly, very disappointed with the decision," Frank told reporters. "Kawhi wanted to play, we wanted him to play."

Leonard missed 12 of the last 14 games for the Clippers due to right knee inflammation. Despite this, he practiced with Team USA in Las Vegas for three days before being replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White.

Photo: Instagram/Kawhi Leonard

"Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics and had strong practices in Las Vegas. He felt ready to compete," USA Basketball said. "However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers decided it's best for him to prepare for the upcoming season."

Frank, who attended two of the practices, felt Leonard deserved more time to prove his readiness for what would have been his first Olympics.


"I expressed that I wish they would've given Kawhi more time. He looked good to me. I know the sacrifices he made to commit to the Olympics, so it was very disappointing," Frank said.

With Kevin Durant also out due to a calf strain, Team USA faces challenges. Despite his disappointment, Frank supports Team USA and hopes they win the gold medal.

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Source: Breacher Report 

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