Las Vegas, NV – Despite expressing confidence in his knee just a day before, Kawhi Leonard will not be heading to Paris for the Summer Olympics, USA Basketball announced on Wednesday. The San Diego State alum has been replaced on the 12-man roster by Derrick White from the Boston Celtics.
Leonard, who missed a significant portion of the NBA regular season and playoffs due to ongoing knee issues, had been working towards representing the United States in the Olympics. However, after discussions with USA Basketball and the Clippers organization, it was determined that he should focus on preparing for the upcoming NBA season rather than risking further injury in the intense Olympic tournament.
The decision comes at a crucial time for the Los Angeles Clippers, who recently lost Paul George to free agency and are set to open the $2 billion Intuit Dome in Inglewood. With Leonard’s history of knee injuries and the team’s investment in his long-term health, it was deemed best for him to sit out of the Olympics.
Despite his disappointment, Leonard had been looking forward to the chance to compete in the Olympics and support Team USA. In the midst of his rehabilitation, he emphasized the importance of staying true to the recovery process and being patient.
On the summer league front, former Aztec players like Keshad Johnson and Nathan Mensah have been showcasing their talents with NBA teams during exhibition games. Johnson impressed with the Miami Heat while Mensah put up solid numbers for the San Antonio Spurs.
In a surprising move, Keith Dinwiddie, a former SDSU guard, has transferred to Division II Chico State after stints at Weber State and St. Mary’s. The talented player is looking to make an impact at his new school and continue his basketball journey.
As incoming freshmen make adjustments to their names and walk-on players make decisions about their future, the basketball world continues to evolve. With Mountain West basketball media day on the horizon, fans can anticipate the excitement of the upcoming season and the stories that will unfold.