Kawhi Leonard (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Team USA wrapped up their 2024 Paris Olympics campaign by winning their fifth consecutive gold medal. Initially, Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard was set to be part of the roster. However, his ongoing injury concerns forced him to withdraw from the team. In his place, Derrick White stepped in to contribute to the team’s success.
During the Los Angeles Clippers’ media day at the Intuit Dome, Leonard addressed his absence from Team USA’s roster. He clarified that stepping back was necessary to ensure his long-term fitness for the NBA season.
“Leading up to the Olympics, after the Olympics, everything was great. And then, like I said, we want to make sure we cut things back. We did things leading up to that point; I was doing everything,” Leonard said.
Kawhi Leonard (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“And then we took a step back and wanted to make sure I’m ready for the season and just be able to last in those important moments for myself, fans, and Clippers,” he added.
Kawhi Leonard Speaks On Injury Progress
Kawhi Leonard recently underwent another knee procedure in the offseason, marking his third right knee surgery since the 2021 playoffs. Reports suggested that Leonard would be limited at the start of training camp due to his recovery process.
Despite this, Leonard remains on track to be ready for the season opener. During practice on Tuesday, Leonard was held out of 5-on-5 drills with his teammates. But he reassured fans at the Clippers’ media day that he’s progressing. “There’s some stuff we can do or try to do to make me last. We’ll see what happens,” Leonard told reporters.
Leonard’s availability is crucial for the Los Angeles Clippers, especially with the departures of key players like Paul George and Russell Westbrook to other teams. Leonard’s presence will majorly affect the team’s success this season.
Last season, Leonard played in 68 games, which was his most since the 2016-17 season, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. With the season opener against the Phoenix Suns on October 23, fans are eager to see if Leonard will be able to take the floor and lead the Clippers in the new season.
News
Cameron Brink sparks WNBA controversy with Liz Cambage snap: “Took pictures with a player that called Nigerian players racial slurs”
LA Sparks standout Cameron Brink announced her engagement to her longtime boyfriend on Monday. But later that day, she drew reactions for reposting a photo of her alongside controversial former WNBA standout Liz Cambage on her Instagram story. Cambage posted a picture…
Caitlin Clark’s Jaw-Dropping Teammate Lexie Hull Reveals Unfortunate Personal Accident She Had While On Vacation (VIDEO)
Lexie Hull (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) Lexie Hull has seen better days. Indiana Fever is currently on a month-long break due to the Summer Olympics, in which members of the WNBA will compete for a gold medal in women’s basketball. Lexie Hull…
VIDEO: Caitlin Clark Couldn’t Contain Herself After Teammate Lexi Hull Dropped A Very S/e/xually Suggestive Answer To Reporter’s Question
Caitlin Clark and Lexie Hull (Photo via Twitter) Deep down, we are all still children, and Caitlin Clark proved that on Wednesday night. For the first time since the 2021 regular season, the Indiana Fever beat the Connecticut Sun, 84-80, snapping the franchise’s 11-game…
Gisele Bündchen reveals life philosophy that helped her bounce back after divorce from Tom BradyGisele Bündchen reveals life philosophy that helped her bounce back after divorce from Tom Brady
The top model shared with her fans how she survived her highly publicized split. Gisele Bündchen has blossomed since her divorce from Tom Brady.Instagram, @gisele. Gisele Bündchen’s post-divorce glow has left fans in awe as the supermodel continues to thrive, even after…
VIDEO: Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss Drops Major Hint That She H0oked Up With Magic Johnson After He Was Drafted In 1979
Jeanie Buss and Magic Johnson (Photos via Getty Images) Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss seemingly hinted at once hooking up with franchise legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson back in the ’70s. Jeanie Buss inherited the Lakers from her father, Jerry Buss, following his…
Brittany Mahomes solidifies her support for Taylor Swift in unusual way amid Travis Kelce drama
Taylor Swift has not attended either of the Kansas City Chiefs‘ past two games, and that has sparked significant speculation that her romance with star tight end Travis Kelce has cooled in recent weeks. Amid Kelce‘s best performance of the season to date on Sunday, some are…
End of content
No more pages to load