NBA star Kawhi Leonard withdrew from Team USA on the eve of the Paris Games.
The Los Angeles Clippers forward was expected to compete in his first Olympics later this month.
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Leonard has suffered persistent injury problems throughout his career.
He missed 12 of the Clippers’ final 14 games last season due to right knee inflammation.
The 33-year-old joined Team USA for training camp in Las Vegas earlier this week.
But his Olympic dream is over now as the Clippers try to manage their workload during the offseason.
READ MORE ABOUT KAWHI LEONARD
“Kawhi has been preparing for the Olympics over the past few weeks and had some strong practices in Las Vegas,” USA Basketball said in a statement, via Guardian.
“He felt ready to compete.
“However, he respects the fact that USA Basketball and the Clippers have determined that it is in their best interest to spend the rest of the summer preparing for the next [NBA] season instead of participating in the Paris Olympic Games.”
“This is the least surprising news of all. It would be more shocking if he actually continued,” replied a fan on X.
“I took a photo of the US team and left, lmao..” joked another.
“Either he’s cooked or he’s really healthy and the Clippers don’t want to take any chances,” commented a third.
“Managing the load at the Olympics is crazy,” laughed a fourth.
Many fans predicted Leonard’s departure based on a video of the Clippers star alongside LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry.
Leonard seemed far from happy alongside the NBA legends.
“He knew he was leaving,” said one fan.
“He limped off the bus a few days ago, they can’t keep him like that,” added another fan.
Derrick White was called up to replace Leonard, for NBA Insider Adam Himmelsbach.
The Celtics star was part of the Boston team that ended their 16-year NBA title drought last season.
Team USA is looking to win a fifth consecutive gold medal in Paris.
Durant, another concerning injury in camp, will not play in the friendly against Canada tonight due to a calf strain.
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James, Curry and Anthony Davis are all members of the strong team coached by Steve Kerr.
Leonard will now return to rehab as he awaits his 13th NBA season.
The two-time champion has not played more than 60 games in a regular campaign since 2017.
He missed the entire 2021-22 season after tearing his ACL and the Clippers appear to be protecting their fragile asset.
“I can’t create the perfect itinerary for myself,” a frustrated Leonard said last week, via ESPN.
“Last year I tried to play as much as possible and I felt really good.
“And at a certain period I couldn’t go. I tried the best I could, but it’s just my journey.
“I don’t want to be in the situation I’m in, but I have to accept what it is.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
