Roster Change Announcement
On Wednesday, Derrick White was announced as a replacement for Kawhi Leonard on the U.S. men’s basketball team for the upcoming Paris Olympics. White, who averaged 15.2 points and 5.2 assists for the NBA champion Boston Celtics this past season, steps in following Leonard’s withdrawal due to injury concerns.
Leonard’s Injury and Decision
Kawhi Leonard missed 12 of the Los Angeles Clippers’ final 14 games last season due to right knee inflammation. Despite efforts to prepare for the Olympics, USA Basketball and the Clippers decided it was in Leonard’s best interest to focus on recovering for the upcoming NBA season.
“Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the past several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas,” USA Basketball said in a statement. “He felt ready to compete. However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers determined it’s 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.”
Leonard, a two-time NBA champion, six-time All-Star, and six-time All-NBA player, has faced recurring injury issues throughout his career. Over the past seven years, he has missed 256 regular-season games, including the entire 2021-22 season due to knee troubles. Last season, he played 68 games, the most since his 2016-17 season with the San Antonio Spurs.
Leonard’s Journey and Determination
Discussing his injuries earlier this week, Leonard acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic. “I can’t lay out the perfect script for me. Last year I tried to play as much as possible, felt great, and at a certain period of time I couldn’t go. I tried the best that I could, but it’s just my journey. I don’t want to be in this situation, but I’ve got to take it for what it is.”
Impact on Team USA
With Leonard’s withdrawal, Team USA is temporarily down to 10 available players. Kevin Durant will also not play against Canada due to a calf strain, missing the team’s four-day training camp in Las Vegas. Despite these setbacks, the team remains focused on their preparation for the Olympics.
Upcoming Exhibition Games
USA Basketball will play five exhibition games across Las Vegas, London, and Abu Dhabi before the Paris Olympics begin on July 26. These exhibitions will be crucial for the team to build chemistry and finalize strategies.
Exhibition Game Schedule
| Location | Date | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | TBA | TBA |
| London | TBA | TBA |
| Abu Dhabi | TBA | TBA |
| Paris | July 26 | N/A |
Conclusion
Derrick White’s addition to Team USA brings a new dynamic to the squad as they prepare for the Paris Olympics. While Kawhi Leonard’s absence is significant, the team’s depth and talent remain strong. The upcoming exhibition games will be vital for solidifying their lineup and strategy.(Casinoplus)