Kawhi Leonard Withdraws from U.S. Olympic Team
Kawhi's Short-Lived Team USA Journey: From Selection to Surprising Withdrawal

There was much speculation and basketball news when Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard was named to Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics. And the cynics have been proven right as the All-Star forward dropped off the team on July 10. Kawhi Leonard withdraws from Olympics, leaving fans and analysts debating the impact on Team USA’s prospects.

The Fun Olympics@kawhileonard x 🇺🇸 #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/CRwr8EEnqt
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 8, 2024
In a bizarrely worded statement, it was announced the organization and the Clippers determined it’s in Leonard’s best interest to spend the rest of the summer preparing for the upcoming season.
Derrick White Likely Replacement as Leonard Withdraws from Olympics
Team USA will have the opportunity to replace Leonard. Basketball rumors surfaced that the likely candidate to take the spot on the roster is Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. Kawhi Leonard withdraws from Olympics, and White’s potential inclusion has sparked various discussions among basketball enthusiasts.
An update on Kawhi Leonard from the USA Basketball Men’s National Team. pic.twitter.com/84TjYpc90i
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 10, 2024
There was good reason to be concerned about Leonard’s availability to make it through the grind in Paris. While his absence won’t dampen Team USA’s chances for Olympic medals – as in gold, which is expected – the decision to choose him was curious.
Your 2024 🇺🇸 #USABMNT 🫡 pic.twitter.com/XtPtZIF2Zg
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 9, 2024
Leonard Frequently Injured
He has not played in more than 70 games in an NBA season since 2016-17. His appearances in NBA games since have been: 9, 60, 57, 52, 0, 52, and 68.
He is an all-world talent, but his body has failed him due to numerous injuries and the constant need to take games off for load management. After playing 68 games this season, basketball people wondered if Leonard was up to the rigors of a summer getting ready for the Olympics. As Kawhi Leonard withdraws from Olympics, Team USA must adapt and re-strategize.
A day ago, Leonard was seen in a team picture with Vice President Kamala Harris, who visited the players at their practice facility in Las Vegas.
📸 The 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team
🇺🇸 #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/JXQbS4bR6k
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 8, 2024
Leonard was part of Team USA’s practice on Tuesday.
Practice Games Start on Wednesday
The announcement occurred hours before Team USA played its first practice game. They had scheduled the game against Canada as part of the “NBA showcase.”
The @usabasketball Showcase Schedule 👀
Watch #USABMNT take on Canada Wednesday at 10:30pm/et on FS1! pic.twitter.com/lSNqqPzJNw
— NBA (@NBA) July 9, 2024
Team USA will tip off its pursuit of gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 28.
🇷🇸🇸🇸🇵🇷🇺🇸 #ParisOlympics 🏀 Group C is set!
The #USABMNT tips off Olympic play on July 28. pic.twitter.com/dOXKB3BrtI
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 9, 2024
Leonard, like the rest of us, will be spectators.
For sports betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.