In cooperation with the Los Angeles Clippers, Team USA removed two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard from its roster for the Paris Olympics, citing chronic pain in his surgically repaired right knee.
“We take it day by day,” Leonard told reporters when asked at media day how soon he might be able to play. “Everything has been going great for the past month, but they are very cautious for reasons.”
For reasons.
Probably because Leonard’s knee has prevented him from participating fully in the last three postseasons. He told gathered media on Monday that the team wanted to ensure his health for the “important moments”.
Well, the Clippers lost Paul George to free agency over the summer, and they could very well be fighting for a spot in the playoffs all season long. It remains to be seen how many important moments there are in LA
To ESPN’s Ohm Youngmusik for more clarity:
Kawhi Leonard says the inflammation in his knee is something he could deal with for the rest of his career, but he says he and the medical staff have a handle on it and are doing what it takes to keep it from being something, what will be something thing along the way.
– Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) 30 September 2024
So much for clarity. How could something be both “something he might have to deal with for the rest of his career” and no “something that will be a problem down the road”? Nothing to see there, I guess.
The Clippers replaced George with a mix of Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, Kris Dunn and Kevin Porter Jr., and Norman Powell, for one, doesn’t foresee much of a slide from one season to the next.
Norman Powell on the Clippers losing Paul George:
“I saw it as addition by subtraction. More guys are getting opportunities, including myself…”
– Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) 30 September 2024
Okay, then. Good luck with that. At least James Harden will give us a cold dose of reality…
James Harden on the new look Clippers style of play this season: “It’s definitely going to involve a lot of me. There was talk when I was in Houston… ‘You can’t win like that.’ You just saw a guy [Luka Doncic] last season make the Finals play the same exact way I played.” pic.twitter.com/X1x0zn2wpT
– Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) 30 September 2024
Or not. Fun fact: James Harden turned 35 in August. Luka Dončić is 25 years old.
