The Los Angeles Clippers need Kawhi Leonard to be at full strength.
They need him to play almost every game, but more than that, they definitely need him to be there for the playoffs.
That might sound obvious, but it hasn’t been the case for years now.
That’s why they will be thrilled to know that Leonard has officially decided to withdraw from Team USA ahead of the upcoming summer Olympics.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Leonard’s decision, adding that Boston Celtics guard Derrick White is a strong candidate to replace him.
Kawhi Leonard is withdrawing from Team USA for the Paris Olympics and will be replaced, sources tell me and @joevardon. Boston’s Derrick White is a strong candidate to replace Leonard on Team USA, sources said. pic.twitter.com/OlgwcDb012
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 10, 2024
Truth be told, this just seemed like the right decision for Leonard.
As big a superstar as he is, Team USA has more than enough talent in it’s pool of players to get by without him.
The Clippers made another strong financial commitment to him last season, but he couldn’t even finish the year on the floor again.
He must do everything in his power to stay healthy for when it counts, and adding another month or so of strong-caliber competition won’t help him with that.
Some believe the Philadelphia 76ers should urge Joel Embiid to make the same decision, as he’s been constantly hurt and exhausted by the second round of the playoffs.
As for White, he’s not the most prominent name out there by any means, and USA Basketball could’ve gone after another star just for the sake of entertainment.
Then again, from a basketball and a fit standpoint, he’s just tailor-made for FIBA Basketball, and he’s earned his stripes after helping the Boston Celtics win a championship.
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