The Los Angeles Clippers forward had knee issues since joining the United States national team camp.
Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers star, will not be part of the United States team aiming for the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, despite forming one of the most competitive teams ever.
The forward seemed to have a secured spot among the 12 players competing for the title. However, the national team organization released a statement explaining that the Clippers and USA Basketball mutually decided to leave Leonard out of the team.
Derrick White, a guard who recently won a championship with the Boston Celtics, will replace Leonard on the roster. Although they have different playing styles, with White capable of playing the one and two positions, and Leonard typically playing the three and four positions.
This decision is based on the physical issues that have limited Leonard for the past two seasons. Some reports indicated that he arrived in Las Vegas, where the national team holds its summer camp, with knee discomfort.
Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season, participating in 68 games. In the upcoming season, he will have to play without Paul George, his teammate who now belongs to the 76ers.
White recently won his first NBA title, averaging 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in the playoffs.
