LAS VEGAS, NV – Team USA’s preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics have hit a roadblock with star forward Kawhi Leonard ruled out of the tournament due to chronic knee issues. Leonard, who has been dealing with knee soreness and inflammation for an extended period, made the difficult decision to withdraw from the roster, as announced by USA Basketball.

In Leonard’s absence, the Boston Celtics’ Derrick White has emerged as a strong replacement candidate. White, a versatile 6-foot-4 guard known for his defensive prowess, is fresh off a successful NBA championship run with the Celtics and previously represented the U.S. at the 2019 World Cup.

Despite attending Team USA’s training camp and participating fully in practices and scrimmages, Leonard and the coaching staff ultimately concluded that his troublesome knee would not allow him to perform at the required level for the intense Olympic competition. The 33-year-old missed significant playing time during the NBA season and the playoffs, raising concerns about his ability to endure the rigors of international competition.

In a similar situation to Leonard, Kevin Love had to withdraw from Team USA in 2021 due to lingering injury issues that affected his conditioning and performance. The decision for Leonard to sit out the Olympics was not only influenced by his own well-being but also by concerns from the Clippers and the NBA about potential long-term consequences for his knee.

White, on the other hand, presents a fresh opportunity for Team USA, bringing his skill set as a reliable scorer and defender to the squad. Despite not having been named an All-Star, White’s standout performance in the NBA last season earned him recognition as a second-team All-Defense player, showcasing his value to the team.

With Kevin Durant also sidelined due to a calf injury, the U.S. team faces challenges in assembling its roster for the upcoming tournament. However, there is optimism that Durant could potentially return to action soon, providing a boost to Team USA’s prospects. As the team regroups and adjusts to the changes in personnel, the focus remains on preparing for the competition ahead.