NBA Speculation Surrounds Kawhi Leonard: Hid Upcoming Knee Surgery from Team USA Prior to Olympic Games
In April 2024, Kawhi Leonard was named to Team USA's 12-man roster, setting high expectations for the Olympic Games in Paris. However, a series of events surrounding his health and a secretive knee surgery led to his eventual exclusion from the team. During the pre-Olympic camp, Frank, the Clippers president of basketball operations, expressed confidence in Leonard's health, stating that he looked healthy during his time at camp. However, concerns about Leonard's health intensified due to his knee procedure and inflammation late in the season. In early May 2024, Leonard underwent a knee procedure, a fact that was not publicly disclosed. The knee procedure was kept from Team USA staff until just before training camp in July 2024. During practices in Las Vegas, Leonard was described as looking "slow and laboring". The secrecy surrounding Leonard's knee surgery fueled frustration among Team USA officials, who were unconvinced that he could rehab for three weeks with the team and then be ready to play in the Olympics. A source close to the process told ESPN that Leonard thought he could come and rehab for three weeks with Team USA and then be ready to play in the Olympics. Despite his struggles, Leonard remained determined to represent his country. However, Team USA eventually replaced him with Derrick White. Despite Leonard's absence, Team USA went on to win the gold medal, beating the host nation France in the final match. The newspaper that reported Kawhi Leonard underwent knee surgery before the 2024 Paris Olympics and only disclosed it to Team USA officials weeks before training camp is likely a major sports news outlet, but the specific source is not provided here. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue vouched for Leonard, stating that he knew his body and would remove himself from competition if unfit. Lawrence Frank, the Clippers president of basketball operations, was "very disappointed" by Team USA's decision to exclude Kawhi Leonard. The text suggests that Kawhi Leonard has a secretive approach to his health and availability, which has been a persistent uncertainty throughout his career. Team USA officials envisioned Leonard as a defensive anchor against Serbia's Nikola Jokic, but his exclusion from the team left a significant gap in their defensive strategy.
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