Kawhi Leonard Withdraws from 2024 Olympic Team

Clippers Star Decides to Focus on Recovery and Rehabilitation

Leonard has been recovering from a torn ACL since the 2021 playoffs

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has withdrawn from the 2024 Olympic team, USA Basketball announced on Wednesday. Leonard, who tore his ACL in the 2021 playoffs, has been rehabbing and is not expected to be ready to play until the 2023-24 NBA season.

"After a great deal of thought and consultation with my doctors, I have decided to withdraw from the 2024 Olympic team," Leonard said in a statement. "My focus is on my recovery and rehabilitation, and I am not ready to commit to the level of play that is required to compete at the Olympic level."

Leonard, who helped the United States win the gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, is one of the most decorated players in basketball. He has been named an NBA All-Star four times and has won two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Leonard's withdrawal is a major blow to Team USA, which is already without several other stars, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. The team will now have to find a way to replace Leonard's production on both ends of the court.