In a surprising development, USA Basketball announced on Wednesday that Derrick White of the Boston Celtics will join Team USA for the upcoming 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, replacing Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kawhi Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), has withdrawn from the national team. “Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the last several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas. He felt ready to compete,” the United States basketball governing body said in a statement. “However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers determined it’s in his best interest to spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the upcoming season rather than participating in the Olympic Games in Paris.”
Leonard had a robust 2023-24 season with the Clippers, appearing in 68 games—the third-most in his 13-year NBA career—and averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. However, his postseason run was cut short due to a right knee injury after just two games in the Western Conference first-round playoffs, where the Clippers fell to the Dallas Mavericks 4-2.
Derrick White’s addition to Team USA injects fresh energy into the roster. Known for his versatility and defensive prowess, White is expected to make a significant impact as the national team prepares to compete on the global stage in Paris.
The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics promise to be a highly anticipated event, bringing together athletes from around the world. Basketball fans and sports enthusiasts globally, including those across Asia, are eagerly watching the developments as teams finalize their rosters.
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Derrick White replaces Kawhi Leonard on Team USA for Paris 2024
cgtn.com
