Team USA carries on without Kawhi Leonard: ‘We have to move forward’

LAS VEGAS — There are precious days between now and the start of the Olympic Games in Paris, and it appears like the United States men’s basketball team couldn’t afford to wait on Kawhi Leonard to ramp it up to get to full strength.

USMNT managing director Grant Hill intimated as much in a media session before the team’s exhibition game against Canada. It was clear the decision was made by the national team and the Clippers to send Leonard home so he could get himself ready for the NBA season.

“I think we all tried and we gave it a valiant effort and, you know, unfortunately, we have to move forward,” Hill said. “Personally speaking, I know what it’s like to want to do something. And, you know, your body’s just not right. And so, I applaud him for coming here and willing to sacrifice, give up his summer and represent our country, and play for our program.”

Hill battled through foot and ankle problems after a stellar six-year start to his career, so he can relate on some level with all the injury issues Leonard has suffered. And because Leonard’s first obligation is to the Clippers, neither Hill nor USA Basketball could afford to have a potential injury that would cost him in the regular season.

He didn’t say it, but it was in the air when Hill spoke.

“You sit back and watch the playoffs and hope that everyone’s healthy,” Hill said. “And then you take inventory as we get close to camp, and then you hope everyone shows up in shape, you know, and so there’s constant worry and concern.

“And you also have to sort of, you know, think worst-case scenario, which is not an easy thing to do.”

Kawhi Leonard withdrew from Team USA on Wednesday. (Photo by Joe Amati/NBAE via Getty Images)

Hill didn’t say the decision to replace Leonard caught him by surprise, but given Leonard’s comments Tuesday it would seem so.

“Yeah, I think I will suit up tomorrow,” Leonard said Tuesday. “Everything has been good so far. It’s been at a neutral state and hopefully it stays that way.”

The warp speed the national team has to play with, considering so many other countries are so far ahead in terms of…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-07-11 06:49:22

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