Clippers ‘very disappointed’ Leonard replaced in Team USA roster
The Los Angeles Clippers were “very disappointed” that Kawhi Leonard was replaced in the Team USA roster, according to an official on Monday
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CLIPPERS ‘VERY DISAPPOINTED’ LEONARD REPLACED BY WHITE IN TEAM USA ROSTER
Furthermore, the Clippers were “very disappointed” that Leonard was replaced in the Team USA roster.
Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Franck debunked reports the team influenced Team USA officials in moving Leonard.
“No, it was USAB’s (USA Basketball) call and I was quite frankly very disappointed with the decision,” Frank said.
“Kawhi wanted to play. We wanted him to play. I expressed to them I really wish that they would’ve given Kawhi more time,” he added.
Moreover, Leonard was removed over concerns over his surgically repaired right knee.
However, the forward did not suffer a setback during Team USA’s training camp.
“I was there the first two practices, he looked very good. Was a full participant in everything that they did” the Clippers’ official said.
LEONARD HAD ‘SOLID PROGRESSION’ BEFORE TEAM USA CAMP, SAYS FRANK
Moreover, Leonard had a “solid progression” before the Team USA camp.
Furthermore, the Clippers’ official said the All-Star forward “looked good in the practices.”
“All I’ll tell you is that he spent a great deal of time getting ready for this. He had a really solid progression,” Frank said.
Frank also assured Team USA officials that the Clippers wouldn’t compromise Leonard’s condition if the team wasn’t sure that he could play in the Paris Olympics.
“He wouldn’t be out there and we wouldn’t put him out there if we weren’t confident that he’d be able to go through the entire Olympic experience,” the Clippers’ official said.
“Now I get it from USAB’s perspective, no one has a crystal ball,” he added.
FRANK ASSURES ALL-STAR FORWARD READY FOR CLIPPERS’ OCTOBER TRAINING CAMP
Meanwhile, Frank assured the All-Star forward will be ready for the Clippers’ October training camp.
It would be recalled that Leonard failed to finish the past two NBA postseasons with the Clippers due to right knee injuries.
Furthermore, Leonard tore his right meniscus after the first two games of LA’s first-round series against the Phoenix Suns last year.
Interestingly, Frank did not address questions if Leonard underwent any type of procedures or treatment to his right knee before the USA Basketball camp.
Leonard earlier described his knee as in “a neutral state” a day before Team USA announced that he was not going to continue training.
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