The Clippers have categorically denied a task of their star ahead, Kawhi Leonard, being removed from the Team USA roster for the Paris Olympics.
On July 10, USA Basketball (USAB) said via a statement that Leonard “felt able to compete” in Paris however “USA Basketball and the Clippers decided it is in his finest curiosity to spend the rest of the summer season making ready for the upcoming season reasonably than collaborating within the Olympic Video games in Paris.”
The assertion’s wording prompt USAB and the Clippers made the joint name on pulling the previous two-time NBA Finals MVP from the 12-man roster certain for Paris. Nevertheless, Clippers front-office head Lawrence Frank mentioned through the Summer season League on Monday that it was USAB’s determination and theirs alone.
“It was USAB’s name, and I used to be, fairly frankly, very disillusioned with the choice,” Frank instructed reporters, via Sports Illustrated’s Joey Lynn. “Kawhi wished to play. We wished him to play. I used to be there for the primary two practices. He appeared superb. He was a full partcipant in every part they did. I wasn’t there for the third apply, the place in the end they determined to go in a special route.”
Frank revealed that he pleaded with USAB to “give Kawhi extra time” in apply periods earlier than it axed him from the roster. Leonard missed the ultimate eight regular-season video games final season with knee irritation and didn’t look proper within the few video games he performed towards the Mavericks within the playoffs. As such, his well being might have influenced USAB’s determination to omit him from the roster.
Leonard was changed by Celtics guard Derrick White in a Group USA roster attempting to win its fifth consecutive gold medal. The Paris Olympics marketing campaign kicks off towards Nikola Jokic’s Serbia on July 28.