Kawhi Leonard could withdraw from Team USA duty. The All-Star forward missed a significant portion of the LA Clippers’ postseason run due to knee inflammation.
He may now decide to rest over the summer rather than compete for an Olympic gold medal.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who appeared on Friday’s edition of “NBA Countdown,” Boston Celtics guard Derrick White could be the replacement player if Leonard withdraws from Team USA’s roster.
“I’m told Derrick White looms as a real potential candidate for Team USA in the Summer Olympics if Kawhi Leonard is unable to successfully rehab back from that knee inflammation that kept him out of the back-end of the playoffs,” Wojnarowski said.
White would provide a totally different skillset to Leonard. However, his glue-guy reputation and backcourt partnership with Jrue Holiday could be exactly what Steve Kerr’s roster needs.
White can impact the game without the ball in his hands. His presence would allow others around him to thrive. Leonard’s presence would ensure Kerr must find his touches.
Team USA is littered with elite talent. The national team wants to dominate the Olympics after finishing fourth at the FIBA World Cup last summer. Meanwhile, White is currently one win away from earning his first championship ring. His performances this season have earned him the potential opportunity to represent his country.
Leonard’s availability has yet to be confirmed. Nevertheless, if he is forced to withdraw from the Olympic team, adding a team-first player such as White makes sense. After all, there will only be so many touches to go around. White’s versatility will also provide Kerr with multiple lineup options throughout the tournament.
For now, though, White will be focused on winning a championship. Only then can he turn his focus toward potentially becoming an Olympian.