'USA Basketball's Decision to Replace Kawhi Leonard on Olympic Team: What Led to the Change?'

Sports | July 11, 2024, 7:54 a.m.

USA Basketball, in partnership with the Los Angeles Clippers, replaced Kawhi Leonard on the 2024 Paris Olympics roster with Derrick White. Men's managing director Grant Hill cited the decision as being in the best interest of all parties involved. Leonard's absence is due to concerns surrounding his knee injury history, despite his insistence that he was physically ready. White, known for his strong defensive play and scoring ability, was chosen as the replacement. The decision was made after closely monitoring Leonard's performance during practice sessions. Hill praised Leonard for his willingness to represent the country and sacrifice his summer, despite ultimately not making the final roster. With White joining the team, USA Basketball aims to build a balanced and competitive squad for the upcoming Olympics.