Kawhi Leonard would have been working out for the Paris Olympics but won’t be in the starting lineup. Despite getting hopeful updates on his injury status, the 33-year-old forward won’t join Team USA.
Kawhi Leonard missed 12 games at the Los Angeles Clippers last season. Also, he couldn’t find his stamina against the Dallas Mavericks in the first rounds of the 2023-24 playoff series. However, he was listed as part of the players for Team USA who should participate in the Paris Olympics.
Who is a strong candidate to replace Kawhi Leonard?
Kawhi Leonard’s Situation
According to the Athletics:
Team USA star forward Kawhi Leonard, who has been battling chronic knee soreness and inflammation for months, will not play for the U.S. in the Paris Olympics and will be replaced.
Despite his injury, Kawhi Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, while making 52.5 of his field goal attempts. The Los Angeles Clippers were seen as a solid championship contender early last season with Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrooks in the mix.
According to ESPN, Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said Thursday that Leonard is keen on playing in Paris.
This is an opportunity he’s wanted for a long time, so he’s rehabbing and coming back. But his whole focus coming back from the injury is to get healthy and he intends to play for the Olympics.
The two-time NBA champion would have added a gold medal to his career achievements from this Paris Olympics. It’s sad to loss a talented player due to healthy issues.
Who Will Replace the Los Angeles Clippers Forward
When the Athletic broke the news about Kawhi Leonard’s availability with Team USA, they said, “Boston Celtics’ Derrick White is considered a strong replacement candidate.”
Derrick White won the 2024 NBA championship against the Dallas Mavericks. During the playoffs, he averaged 16.7 points, 4.1 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks making 45.2% of his field goal attempts and 40.3% of his three-point attempts.
Derrick White is a good 3-and-D player and a better replacement for the Team USA star forward Derrick White. He has averaged 1.2 blocks during the regular season and playoff series. Also, the Boston Celtics shooting guard makes good shot attempts.
Final Thoughts: Will The Two-Time NBA Champ Start Next Season?
There’s no accurate assurance that Kawhi Leonard won’t start healthy next. He might start in the Clipper’s roster because he will have enough time to recover from his knee injury.
The Los Angeles Clippers will be moving to their new home next season. This offseason achievement will be exciting for the Clippers fans. Thus, Leonard starting healthy next season would be a great win for the LA Clippers.
However, if Leonard starts or not, the Clippers aren’t strong championship contenders yet after losing free agent Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers. Also, the Clippers’ star-studded team will end soon. Thus, the franchise would need to focus on getting young stars to replace their All-Star veterans.
This would have been Kawhi Leonard’s Olympic debut, however, his present ordeal killed all dreams and hope of achieving this goal. Looking at a better future as we hope Kawhi Leonard recovers and picks up fast in the new Los Angeles Clippers home.
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