Clippers’ President ‘disappointed’ with USA Basketball’s account of Kawhi Leonard’s withdrawal from Olympics roster 

Kawhi Leonard's injury history is a significant factor in this controversy.

Clippers’ President ‘disappointed’ with USA Basketball’s account of Kawhi Leonard’s withdrawal from Olympics roster 

Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank expressed his disappointment over Kawhi Leonard’s removal from Team USA’s Olympics roster. Frank disputed USA Basketball’s statement that the Clippers played a role in the decision, stating that it was entirely USA Basketball’s call. 

Kawhi Leonard was initially selected to play in the Olympics but was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White due to concerns over his knee injury. Frank then revealed that Leonard who had participated in the early practices of Team USA’s training camp looked “very good” before the decision was made to release him. 

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No, it was USAB's call and I was quite frankly very disappointed with the decision. Kawhi wanted to play. We wanted him to play. I was there the first two practices, he looked very good… He looked good to me. I know all the sacrifices he made in order to make this commitment to the Olympics. So it was very disappointing.
Lawrence Frank said in an interview

Furthermore, he questioned the timing of the decision, wishing that Team USA had given The Klaw more time to prove his fitness. He however acknowledged that Team USA had to make decisions in the best interests of the team but felt that Leonard’s commitment to the Olympics and his sacrifices should have been considered.

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Frank’s comments suggest a discrepancy between the Clippers’ assessment of Leonard’s fitness and USA Basketball’s decision to remove him from the roster. Despite his disappointment, the Clippers’ president of basketball expressed his support for USA Basketball during the Olympics.

Team USA went on to win an exhibition game against Australia without Leonard and the injured Kevin Durant. Thus, demonstrating their strength and depth as they prepare for the Paris Olympics showdown.

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Stephen A. Smith blasts Clippers’ President over Kawhi Leonard’s Team USA controversy 

The controversy surrounding Kawhi Leonard’s withdrawal from Team USA’s training pool continues to unfold where Los Angeles Clippers president Lawrence Frank expressed disappointment over the decision. However, Frank’s statement has sparked a heated debate, with ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith criticizing the Clippers’ stance.

Respectfully Lawrence Frank, come on! How could anyone who roots for the @LAClippers possibly feel this way, knowing this man is perennially unhealthy, having missed 60% of the playoffs as a Clipper. His greatness is not a question. His health is always a question. So how can any member of the Clippers be disappointed, knowing how much he’s needed. Come on!
Stephen A. Smith wrote on X

Leonard’s injury history is a significant factor in this controversy. A freak injury in 2017 has left him with a degenerative knee issue, forcing the Clippers to manage his playing workload. 

The situation has sparked a heated debate about Leonard’s availability and the expectations surrounding his participation with Team USA. However, his replacement Derrick White should be more than able to fit in, even though it stirred up its own controversy which has now been squashed. 

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