Kawhi Leonard replaced on US men's Olympic basketball team

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has made the decision to withdraw from the Team USA men’s basketball Olympic roster, prioritizing his well-being for the upcoming NBA season. Leonard, who had been dealing with a knee injury during the Clippers' playoff run, will focus on preparing for the upcoming season instead of participating in the Paris Games. USA Basketball expressed gratitude for Leonard's commitment to the team and announced that Boston Celtics guard Derrick White will be taking his place on the roster. Leonard's absence from the Olympic roster comes as a disappointment for Team USA as they aim for a fifth consecutive gold medal in Paris. The decision was made by USA Basketball and the Clippers, considering Leonard's health and readiness for the upcoming NBA season. Despite expressing readiness to compete, Leonard will not be part of the Olympic squad, with White stepping in to fill the void left by the star forward. Having played nearly 70 games for the first time since the 2018-19 season, Leonard's decision to prioritize his health reflects his ongoing battle with chronic knee soreness and inflammation. The 33-year-old two-time NBA champion has been managing his playing time to ensure his availability for crucial moments in the season. With White joining the team, Team USA remains focused on assembling a strong roster as they prepare to face tough competition in the Olympic tournament. As the men's basketball tournament in Paris approaches, Team USA will rely on a star-studded lineup to defend their Olympic title. Despite Leonard's absence, the team is determined to showcase their talent and compete against formidable opponents such as Serbia, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico in the group stage. With preparations underway and White ready to contribute, Team USA remains optimistic about their chances of success in the upcoming Olympic Games.