LeBron James shared his thoughts on Kawhi Leonard leaving Team USA after the Las Vegas training camp to Fadeaway World ahead of the USA’s exhibition matches against Serbia and Australia in Abu Dhabi. James wished for Leonard’s good health, hoping he would take care of himself ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
“He’s a brother of ours. He’s part of the fraternity, no matter if he’s here or not. He has to take care of himself and that’s all that matters.”
LeBron James on Kawhi Leonard leaving Team USA: "He's a brother of ours. He's part of the fraternity, no matter if he's here or not. He has to take care of himself and that's all that matters." pic.twitter.com/5ej6eaOasV
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) July 13, 2024
Kawhi was the most accomplished star on Team USA behind the big three of James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. The two-time Finals MVP did participate in internal scrimmages last weekend before dropping out of the camp and being replaced by Derrick White.
White’s inclusion has been controversial, as he was picked ahead of teammate and reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. LeBron reacted to White’s inclusion on the team.
“What can Derrick White add? Just poise, his ability to guard, his ability to shoot the ball. Bringing in another championship DNA guy, it’s great”
LeBron James: "What can Derrick White add? Just poise, his ability to guard, his ability to shoot the ball. Bringing in another championship DNA guy, it's great" 😤 pic.twitter.com/K3neSgp9ls
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) July 11, 2024
James seems to be on board with White being the replacement, as the low-maintenance and versatile guard would allow Team USA to not upset the team’s internal chemistry by adding another star player. But given how all NBA stars are buying into specific roles for the Olympics, it’s unfair to suggest that Brown couldn’t have provided a spark while fitting into the team’s overall plans.
All the options would be worse than a healthy and engaged Leonard, who averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season as he was named to the All-NBA Second Team. It’s unclear what his health status going into the season will be, as Leonard couldn’t compete in the 2024 Playoffs due to injury before also dropping out of Team USA.
Without Paul George by his side next season, Leonard’s regular season load will be heavier as well. He must take this summer and focus on himself, as Leonard inches closer to most believing he’ll never rediscover the health he enjoyed earlier in his career.
Stephen Curry Was Sad To See Leonard Being Unable To Play For Team USA
The news of Leonard dropping out of Team USA was upsetting to many veteran stars on the roster. LeBron focused on hoping Leonard would take care of himself before the season started, and Stephen Curry also weighed in on the news.
Curry praised Kawhi for trying his best before understanding why the USAB, Kawhi, and the Clippers took the decision to sit him out for the Olympics.
“Kawhi gave it everything he had when we were preparing the last few days of camp. There were conversations between USAB leadership, Kawhi, and his team to make sure he was set up for success.”
The 33-year-old Leonard might not get another shot at representing Team USA at the Olympics. While Kevin Durant could lift his fourth Gold medal this Olympics, Leonard has never been part of a medal-winning Olympic roster. Kawhi was part of the USA Select Team in 2012 and competed against LeBron and Durant on the main team, but didn’t play in the 2016 or 2020 Olympics.
Whether Leonard can represent Team USA at the age of 37 in 2028 is unknown, though the chances of the same look slim already with pundits wondering if Leonard is headed towards retirement.
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