Kawhi Leonard Withdraws from Team USA for 2024 Paris Olympics: Prioritizing Health or Lost Opportunity?

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard’s participation in future games such as the 2024 Olympics in Paris has been given a twist this week. Initially listed as a contender for the Team USA for the first time in his basketball playing career, Leonard was forced to withdraw due to right knee issues. This disruption caused the basketball fandom to question the health of the two time NBA champion, and the future for Team USA’s gold medal chance.

Leonard’s absence can be attributed to a knee problem that was rather persistent during the 2023-24 NBA season. He only returned to play the last two games of the Clippers season and also only played two games for the Clippers in the first round of the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks.

This was not the first time that Leonard faced issues with his knee. He suffered an injury to his Anterior Cruciate Ligament [ACL] during the 2017 NBA finals while playing for the San Antonio Spurs and was forced to sit out for a whole year. Thus, although Leonard has demonstrated his reliability in returning from grave injuries, his miseries recently put his durability into question.

With Leonard out, Team USA didn’t dictate waiting for the right candidate and offered the position to the next best person. Guard on the Boston Celtics, Derrick White, will replace Leonard. At this point, White is one of the best options to serve both scoring and defense positions on the floor, but it is evident he lacks the championship legacy and marketability as Leonard.

Team USA is still forecasted to dominate the Olympics and win the gold medal in Paris with a lineup of NBA players. Nevertheless, Leonard has not been available and this has brought a major problem, especially when it comes to defense. Leonard is a two time NBA Defensive player of the year and imagine how he would have shut down some of the big timers.

Looking at Leonard’s decision to withdraw, the following two views can be taken into consideration. That could very well be a precautionary measure to protect his health for the next NBA season. The situation is especially important when Smith is 33 years old, and he has to learn how to balance the workload as he enters the twilight of his career.

On the other hand, some might see this as a missed opportunity. Representing Team USA in the Olympics is a pinnacle achievement for any basketball player, and Leonard might not get another chance at gold.

All eyes will be on Leonard's recovery and how he performs in the upcoming NBA season. For Team USA, the focus shifts to Paris and their pursuit of another Olympic gold medal. Whether Leonard's absence proves to be a significant hurdle or a minor setback remains to be seen.