Kawhi Leonard dropped out of Team USA earlier today due to injury concerns after not performing up to his standard at the Las Vegas scrimmages this week. Grant Hill the managing director of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team, commented on Kawhi’s situation and tried to share what happened with media members.
“I don’t understand knees. We just felt we had to pivot. Not to get into the particulars, in terms of what went into the decision, but we felt it was in our best interests but also in the Clippers and Kawhi’s best interests to move into a different direction. We tried, we all tried and gave it a valiant effort. Unfortunately, we had to move forward.”
Hill made it clear that Leonard wanted to participate for Team USA and he applauded Leonard for his attempt at the same.
“I think he wanted to be here, all these guys want to be here and we don’t take that lightly at all… I applaud him for coming here, being willing to sacrifice, giving up his summer, representing our country, and playing for our program. Ultimately, it didn’t work out.”
USAB Managing Director Grant Hill on Kawhi Leonard’s situation and being replaced.
“We just felt we had to pivot.” pic.twitter.com/9AufvkicqC
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) July 11, 2024
Hill also shared a positive statement for Leonard, saying that all concerned parties agree Leonard would be better off healing up this offseason to prepare himself for the 2024-25 NBA season.
“I want to thank Kawhi for his commitment to the US Men’s National Team. He earned the opportunity to represent the United States, but USA Basketball and Clippers leadership felt it was important to allow Kawhi to prepare for the NBA season.”
Kawhi Leonard was having his first durable season in years until it all fell apart in March 2024. He missed the closing stretch of the season with a mysterious knee injury and then was unable to perform in the Playoffs once again as the Clippers were eliminated in the first round.
He averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season, being named to an All-NBA team and for Team USA.
Derrick White Will Replace Kawhi Leonard
Derrick White is considered the leader to replace Leonard on Team USA at the moment. White would be the third Celtic to join the team, as the 2024 Champion averaged 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in a standout season. He’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and a floor-spacer who could be a low-maintenance addition to the star-led Team USA.
A lot of bigger names have been overlooked for a spot on Team USA, even by missing out on the squad as Kawhi’s replacement. Kyrie Irving, Jalen Brunson, and Damian Lillard are three standout guards who had cases for selection but have been overlooked.
Jaylen Brown is particularly peeved about not getting the chance to represent his country as the reigning Finals MVP, calling out Team USA for overlooking him because he’s not a Nike athlete.
Brown is probably the best player available for selection who has been completely overlooked. While his teammate White would fit easier and arguably better, Brown proved he’s a star this season and is miffed about being ignored.
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