Kawhi Leonard’s hopes of competing for gold at the Paris Olympics were dashed last week, leaving the Los Angeles Clippers frustrated with Team USA’s decision.
Despite Leonard’s desire to play and the Clippers’ assurances of his health, USA Basketball decided to remove him from the roster, citing concerns about his recent knee injury. Clippers general manager Lawrence Frank expressed disappointment with the decision, revealing that Kawhi looked “really good” during early practice sessions.
Leonard’s history of injuries, as he missed the final stretch of the Clippers’ season, likely played a role in USA Basketball’s decision. With the Olympics featuring a rigid 12-man roster with no mid-tournament substitutions, the risk of a re-injury may have been deemed too high.
Team USA’s cautious approach is understandable, given the importance of the event. However, the Clippers clearly believe Leonard was healthy enough to contribute. The lingering frustration highlights the delicate balance between managing players and maximizing medal chances in high-stakes international competition.
Despite the disappointment, both the Clippers and Leonard remain firmly behind Team USA’s quest for gold. The focus now turns to supporting Kevin Durant, another star player dealing with injury concerns, as the team looks to defend its Olympic title.