The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are just around the corner, and all eyes are on the Team USA that will chase gold in men’s basketball. However, the team has just announced a change of plans, with Kawhi Leonard withdrawing from the squad.
On Wednesday, USA Basketball announced the 33-year-old, who was part of a star-studded roster, will ultimately not travel to the French capital. However, it looks like both Team USA and the Los Angeles Clippers believe it’s better for Leonard to spend the rest of the summer preparing for the 2024-25 NBA season rather than playing in the Olympics.
“Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the past several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas. He felt ready to compete. However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers determined it’s in his best interest to spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the upcoming season rather than participating in the Olympic Games in Paris,” a Team USA statement read.
Who will replace Kawhi Leonard on Team USA at Paris 2024?
NBA insiders Shams Charania and Joe Vardon of The Athletic were the first to reportBoston Celtics guard Derrick White is a strong candidate to replace Leonard on the Team USA Olympic roster at Paris 2024. Later, Marc J. Spears of Andscape reported White would definitely be Leonard’s replacement. Eventually, USA Basketball confirmed White will be filling in Leonard’s spot.
Team USA Roster for Men’s Basketball at Paris 2024
Guards:
- Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
- Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
- Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
- Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics)
- Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers).
Forwards:
- LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
- Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers) – WITHDRAWING
- Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Centers:
- Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)
Coaches:
- Head coach: Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors)
- Assistants: Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat), Tyronn Lue (LA Clippers) and Mark Few (Gonzaga).
Team USA’s exhibition games before Paris 2024
- July 10: Canada vs. USA (Las Vegas)
- July 15: Australia vs. USA (Abu Dhabi)
- July 17: Serbia vs. USA (Abu Dhabi)
- July 20: South Sudan vs. USA (London)
- July 22: Germany vs. USA (London)