Why Did Kawhi Leonard Leave Team USA? Real Reason Behind 33YO Star’s Shocking Withdrawal From Olympics Squad Revealed

It’s not every day that one receives a chance to represent their country in the Olympics. The Team USA basketball roster for the 2024 Paris edition saw some old veterans returning to the squad LeBron James and Kevin Durant, but they were also accompanied by young blood like Anthony Edwards. Unfortunately, Kawhi Leonard has now stepped down from this golden opportunity, after months of speculation about his availability.

Concerns about whether Klaw would stay on the USA roster were plaguing the community, since early 2024, due to his injury. Back in March, the player developed a right knee inflammation against the Hornets. While an MRI scan “did not show anything that would cause the Clippers significant concern,” his absence from the Clippers for the next 3 weeks created major doubt. Once he returned, his performance steeply dropped. His unavailability was also a reason the LA side’s journey was over in the first round of the playoffs.

So, this recently held Team USA training camp was set to determine whether his left knee would be a continuing concern. It was, as USA Basketball’s Managing Director Grant Hill made clear, “This is a sprint, it’s not a ramp up,” in a statement.

“Our decision was made and I think we were open, honest, and understanding through it all. The heart goes out (to Leonard), but we have to do what’s best for the team and protect the team and give ourselves the best opportunity for success,” he told The Athletic. The coaching staff had determined that the Clippers star was “ramping up” well during the training sessions.

Unfortunately, when a decision had to be made, the player mutually decided that his knee would not allow him to compete well on the international stage. At the same time, his franchise was also concerned that any further strain would jeopardize his availability for the next season. Fortunately, there was a replacement already ready if such a hypothetical situation ever became reality.

Team USA has added Derrick White to their roster. If there was one person who seemed confused by this decision, it was his Boston teammate and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, as he made his disappointment cryptically known on X.

Given his injury, Kawhi Leonard’s decision was something that many people weren’t too surprised by. Knowing when to back out has earned him praise from quite a few renowned individuals, including controversial host Skip Bayless.

Skip Bayless approves of Kawhi Leonard’s decision: “The Clippers can’t stand in the way of patriotism”

The ‘UNDISPUTED’ host is someone who doesn’t shy away from handing out his critical opinions. Therefore, his recent defense of Kawhi Leonard was nothing short of a rare sight. In a segment of his show yesterday, Skip Bayless addressed that the LA Clippers’ hopes rely on Kawhi Leonard for the next season. After all, back in late 2023, his absence had caused the Clippers to lose 12 of their 13 matchups, despite having Paul George in their presence.

“The Clippers can’t stand in the way of patriotism,” Bayless declared. “They are paying him $50 million. More importantly, they just put all their eggs and all their basketballs in his basket… They did it again.”

Kawhi Leonard is someone towards whom the 72-year-old has held mixed opinions. He stated on one occasion that the player can’t guard Luka Doncic, while earlier praising his performance and undermining that of Paul George, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, etc. Having been covering the NBA for quite some time, Bayless knows the impact one player can have on the overall game.

While Kawhi dropping out of the Olympics is rather unfortunate, it will ensure that the 33-year-old will be well and fine going into the next NBA season, hopefully. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.