Derrick White replaces Kawhi Leonard for Team USA in Paris 2024

LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has withdrawn from Team USA midway through their preparations for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, USA Basketball announced on July 10, Wednesday.

An update on Kawhi Leonard from the USA Basketball Men's National Team. pic.twitter.com/84TjYpc90i

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 10, 2024

With this sudden development, the team named Boston Celtics champion guard Derrick White as a replacement for Leonard.

Welcome to the 🇺🇸 #USABMNT, @Dwhite921! pic.twitter.com/99n1S33ITO

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 10, 2024

In a statement, Team USA and the Clippers have decided that “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."

Last season, Leonard missed 12 of the Clips final 14 games with right knee inflammation. He only played two games in their West opening-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

The two-time NBA champion appeared in 68 games this past season and averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists en route to his sixth career All-Star selection.

Meanwhile, White is coming off a championship season with the Boston Celtics last June and his best season of his career, averaging 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds on 2.7 three-pointers made.

The 30-year-old has been named to the NBA All-Defensive second team in each of the past two seasons, giving Team USA another elite perimeter defender.

Despite losing a player of Leonard's stature, the Americans remain heavy favorites to win a fifth straight Olympic gold medal in men's basketball with the presence of superstars such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant, and Tatum.

Team USA is set to face against Canada in their first exhibition game this Thursday. 

Story Summary:

• Kawhi Leonard withdraws from Team USA ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, citing focus on NBA season preparation.
  
• Derrick White named as replacement, bringing championship experience and defensive prowess to the squad.
  
• Despite Leonard's absence, Team USA maintains strong gold medal aspirations with a star-studded lineup including LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital team. The summary was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]