Team United States of America (USA) is currently preparing for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games, with players hard at work in training as they look to assert their dominance in basketball at the showpiece event.
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard’s name was recently removed from the roster due to his injury issues, understood to be the main reason for him getting cut. USA Basketball had released a statement indicating they made this decision in consultation with the Clippers’ management, which has not been well-received by the franchise.
Lawrence Frank, the Clippers president of basketball operations, expressed his “disappointment” at USA Basketball’s decision to cut Leonard from Team USA’s roster, while refuting suggestions that they had agreed to shorten Kawhi’s stay with the team.
“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. Was a full participant in everything that they did. I wasn’t there for the third practice where ultimately that was the point where they decided to go in a different direction. I expressed to them I really wish that they would have given Kawhi more time,” Frank stated.
Lawrence Frank said it was Team USA’s decision for Kawhi Leonard to not compete in the Olympics.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) July 15, 2024
Frank was very disappointed in the decision, and thought Kawhi looked great. pic.twitter.com/8FT9feL73i
It’s worth noting that Leonard is just coming off an injury, having missed 12 of the Clippers’ final 14 games in the 2023/24 National Basketball Association (NBA) season with right knee inflammation. The 33-year-old has reiterated that his knee is “fine” and was at a “neutral state” when he was cut from the squad.
“All I will tell you is that he spent a great deal of time getting ready for this. He had a really solid progression. He looked good in the practices. He wouldn’t be out there and we wouldn’t put him out there if we weren’t confident that he would be able to go through the entire Olympic experience. Now I get it from USAB’s perspective, no one has a crystal ball,” he added.
Leonard has been dogged with injuries his entire career, missing 256 regular-season games over the past seven years, including the entire 2021/22 NBA season due to a knee injury. Despite his injury issues, the small forward made 68 appearances for the Clippers last season, the most he has played since making 74 appearances for the San Antonio Spurs in the 2016/17 season.
There is no doubt that Team USA will miss Leonard’s ability and presence on the court, considering that he is a two-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the 2020 NBA All-Star Game MVP, and a six-time NBA All-Star.
Team USA enters the 2024 Olympic Games as clear favorites to win the gold medal and are currently playing practice games as part of their preparations. They recently faced Australia in Abu Dhabi, defeating them 98-92. Their performance against Australia highlighted their depth and talent, but the absence of a seasoned player like Leonard could pose challenges as the competition intensifies.
They will next be seen in action against Serbia in their third friendly game on Wednesday, July 17, in Abu Dhabi. These practice games are crucial for building team chemistry and finalizing strategies before the Olympics begin.
From the Clippers' perspective, Leonard's exclusion from Team USA’s roster is seen as a lost opportunity for him to showcase his skills on an international stage and gain valuable experience that could benefit the team in the upcoming NBA season. The Clippers were hopeful that Leonard’s participation in the Olympics would serve as a testament to his recovery and readiness for the challenges ahead.
For Leonard, missing out on the Olympics is undoubtedly a disappointment. Known for his quiet demeanor and fierce competitiveness, Leonard was looking forward to representing his country and adding an Olympic medal to his already impressive list of achievements. His exclusion has fueled speculations about his long-term health and the potential impact on his career.
The decision to cut Leonard has sparked a flurry of reactions from fans and media alike. Many fans took to social media to express their dismay, arguing that Leonard’s experience and skill set would have been invaluable to Team USA. Sports analysts have debated the wisdom of the decision, considering Leonard’s potential to turn games around with his defensive prowess and clutch performances.
As Team USA moves forward without Leonard, the focus will be on how they adapt and perform in his absence. The team boasts a roster filled with young talent and seasoned veterans, each eager to prove their worth on the Olympic stage. While Leonard’s presence will be missed, the team’s collective strength and determination remain their greatest assets.
The Clippers’ disappointment at Team USA’s decision to drop Kawhi Leonard from the Olympic roster underscores the complexities and challenges associated with managing player health and expectations. As Leonard continues his journey towards full recovery, both he and the Clippers will be looking ahead to the upcoming NBA season with renewed focus and determination.
For fans and enthusiasts, the unfolding events serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the relentless pursuit of excellence that drives athletes like Kawhi Leonard. As the 2024 Olympic Games approach, the basketball world will be watching closely to see how Team USA navigates this setback and strives for gold.
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