Team USA Enlists Kawhi Leonard, Derrick White, and Grant Hill for Future Success

Sports | July 11, 2024, 5:34 a.m.

During a news conference, Team USA executive director Grant Hill announced the decision to send Kawhi Leonard home from the Olympics training camp was a mutual one between Team USA and the LA Clippers. Leonard's knee issues led to his withdrawal, with Derrick White taking his spot. Despite initial hopes to join the team, Leonard's continued struggles forced him out of the Olympics, marking his third consecutive postseason cut short due to injury. White's selection meant Jaylen Brown, coming off a successful season with the Boston Celtics, was not picked, sparking speculation online. Hill clarified the decision-making process for the roster, emphasizing the difficulty of selecting only 12 players. Although White won't be in Las Vegas, he's expected to join the team in Abu Dhabi. The status of another key player, Kevin Durant, remains uncertain due to a calf strain but is expected to travel with the team.