There is a spot open for Team USA only a day before they begin playing their exhibition games? The statement sounds obnoxious, but it’s true. According to Shams Charania, Kawhi Leonard is withdrawing from the Paris Olympics 2024 after discussions with the Los Angeles Clippers. Derrick White is seen as the strongest candidate to replace The Klaw. In an updated statement from Team USA, they revealed that it was a mutual decision for Leonard to “spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the upcoming season rather than participating in the Olympic Games in Paris”.

The development came virtually out of nothing. Only a few days ago when Leonard spoke to the reporters, he claimed the organization wasn’t worried about his participation and was “positive” about it. However, it seems the mounting injuries in recent years have forced Steve Ballmer and the Clippers to re-evaluate the situation.

Leonard, after playing the most games in the regular season than he had in the past five seasons suffered a knee injury right before the playoffs. He missed the last eight games of the regular season with a lingering injury. He also missed four of the six games in the playoff series against the Mavericks, which ended up being the last of his postseason trips with his co-star Paul George.

With his history in mind, Team USA and the Clippers took this decision. There has been no statement thus far from the Clippers or Kawhi Leonard himself. However, the fans have spoken.

NBA fans refuse to have Derrick White, and would rather have Kyrie Irving

As Charania revealed, Boston Celtics’ shooting guard Derrick White is seen to be the most suitable option to replace Kawhi Leonard on the Team USA roster. In terms of his play style, it does match that of Leonard. White plays the game with utmost effort and hustle. His mastery of shooting and active defensive involvement could be targeted. However, the NBA fans seem totally against White’s inclusion. A fan wrote, “WE NOT WINNING GOLD NO MO”.

When with the Celtics, the dashing two-way guard enjoyed a career-season. Along with winning the NBA championship, White and Jrue Holiday formed a colossal defensive duo in the backcourt. The 30-year averaged 15.2 points while significantly improving the Celtics’ three-point prowess with his 39.6% range shooting.

When naming replacements, Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving was a huge name voted on by the fans. “They better get Kyrie Irving a ticket to Paris” a fan strongly expressed.

Notably, KAI was left off the initial Team USA roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jrue Holiday are the guards who earned a place over the sublime scorer. Despite his exclusion, Irving was all class and wished his “brothers” luck for the upcoming tournament.

The noise around his name didn’t stop though. “If it ain’t Kyrie it who else is the right answer” a fan raised the issue. Irving had a strong season with Dallas, putting up 25.6 points on respectful efficiency. Another upside is his prior representation for Team USA, winning two gold medals.

Some fans also advocated for the reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to be given the empty spot. One fan felt Brown could match what they want from White while having a more diverse offensive arsenal. “Jaylen Brown or Jimmy is the correct answer they can match what Derrick White gives you on defense and double his offensive productivity” they wrote.

Brown could be a phenomenal option without question. During the NBA Finals, he was the apex predator for the Celtics on both sides of the floor. His explosive athleticism, shot-making, and defense are valued attributes in international basketball. But realistically, no matter who replaces Kawhi Leonard, it’s nearly impossible to replicate what he would offer to the loaded team. But at the same time, does Team USA need more?