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Surprise Kawhi Leonard News Prompts Questions for Clippers

The All-Star forward shockingly withdrew from Team USA on Wednesday after going through training camp.

By Jovan Alford

Apr 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the LA Clippers during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at the American Airlines Center.
Apr 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the LA Clippers during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at the American Airlines Center. / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Team USA and the entire basketball world received some surprising news on Wednesday as the US men’s national team will open up their USA Basketball Showcase against Canada.

Shams Charania and Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported that Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is withdrawing from Team USA for the Summer Olympics in Paris, France. Boston Celtics guard Derrick White will reportedly take Leonard’s spot on the roster.

Leonard’s decision to withdraw caught many off guard as the reports from training camp have been nothing but positive. On Tuesday, Clippers head coach Ty Lue told reporters that Leonard wouldn’t have any minutes restrictions and that he “feels good,” per Mark Medina.

Lue also thought it was good for the veteran to get in some 5-on-5 action before the regular season begins.

However, it appears the Clippers’ brass thought differently based on the update from USA Basketball.

In the statement from USA Basketball, they said that Leonard has been “ramping up” for several weeks and had “a few strong practices.” They also said the veteran felt ready to compete. 

But the tone of the statement changes as it says “the Clippers determined its 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.”

And then to make matters more interesting, ESPN’s Marc J. Spears reported that Leonard’s camp reached out to the program expressing concern two days ago.

What was that particular concern from his camp? No one specifically knows. However, Leonard did miss part of the Clippers’ first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks due to a knee injury. 

The 33-year-old forward dealt with knee issues for multiple weeks towards the end of the regular season. Therefore, could the Clippers and Leonard’s camp be taking precautions based on the host of injuries and ailments that have bothered him over the last few years?

That’s a huge possibility as the last time we saw Leonard play in a competitive game was on April 26. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how everything unfolds for Leonard and the Clippers this offseason, and for Team USA this summer.

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