Steph Curry has addressed Kawhi Leonard’s sudden elimination from Team USA, which got here simply two weeks out from the Olympics.
Leonard didn’t seem to be completely wholesome when he reported for nationwide obligation, and this week Team USA made the choice to ship him residence in favour of Derrick White.
“I know he wanted to play,” Curry informed reporters. “Hopefully, for the long term, he’s in a good place because the game needs him. When he’s not out there, you miss an all-time great player. We hope he’s ready for this season.”
Team USA govt director Grant Hill stated Leonard being despatched residence was the crew’s determination.
“We just felt that we had to pivot, and not to get into the particulars, in terms of what went into the decision, but we just felt it was in our best interest, but also in the Clippers’ and Kawhi’s best interest, to move into a different direction,” Hill stated on Wednesday. “We tried. I think we all tried and we gave it a valiant effort, and unfortunately, we have to move forward.”
Leonard has attracted criticism, including from ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, for making an attempt to play within the Olympics regardless of often struggling to get by an NBA season wholesome.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been more pissed off at a dude wearing Team USA uniform,” Smith said on The OGs podcast. “Remember how excited he was once they got here to him and Grant Hill and them put him on Team USA? Do you understand how many video games you’ve missed?
“To be talking about playing in the summer, you might get hurt from the flight to Paris. I’m not letting you play. If I’m Steve Ballmer, I will use every means at my disposal to make sure this man ain’t on Team USA. For one reason and one reason only, I don’t trust that you’re going to leave healthy.”
READ MORE: The Phone Call That Led to LeBron James and Steph Curry Joining Team USA
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