According to reports from Shams
Charania and Joe Vardon, Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard will no
longer continue the journey to the Paris Olympics for Team
USA.
In a statement released by Team
USA, it is in the federation’s and Leonard’s team in the NBA Los
Angeles Clippers’ best interest to spend the rest of the summer
preparing for the upcoming season rather than join the team in
Paris. Leonard has been practicing with Team USA in Las Vegas for
four days now, participating in every scrimmage. Leonard reportedly
felt ready to compete, with strong showings all around on both ends
of the floor, but it is said he respects this upcoming
decision.
In a separate report from Marc
Spears, Boston Celtics guard Derrick White is set to replace Kawhi
Leonard on the roster. A 6’4 guard with defensive instincts and
shooting to space the floor for Team USA’s stars, White’s skillset
seamlessly fits with Team USA. White recently won the NBA
championship with the Celtics and will join teammates Jrue Holiday
and Jayson Tatum on the team if called up.
ANALYSIS: Without Leonard, Team
USA loses one of its premier two-way wings with the ability to
score at will. It would be more likely that Team USA would lean
more on other guards and wings to replace Leonard’s possible
production with the likes of Anthony Edwards and Holiday looking to
step up to the plate, including White.
