Fact Check: Did Kawhi Leonard say he came to Vegas for photoshoot and the vibes with empty luggage? Debunking viral tweet
In a viral tweet by a parody account called NBACentel, LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard was said to have had a hilarious reason for coming to Las Vegas for the Team USA practice before withdrawing from the roster on Wednesday. The source of the information was another parody account that was posing as notable NBA insider Shams Charania.
The tweet said:
“To be honest I just came for the photoshoot and the vibes in Vegas. My luggage was empty when I came to the camp.”
But to confirm, Leonard said no such thing.
Leonard withdrew from Team USA's 2024 Men's Basketball Olympic roster, upon recommendation from USA Basketball and the LA Clippers, as he continued to nurse the knee injury that kept him out during the playoffs.
Though he participated in four days of practice with the team in Las Vegas, and had affirmed his availability just a day before, Leonard and the staff felt that his knee would limit his performance during the tournament.
"Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the past several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas," said USA Basketball in its statement on Wednesday. "He felt ready to compete. However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers determined it's in his best interest to spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the upcoming season rather than participating in the Olympic Games in Paris."
"We have to move forward": Team USA carries on without Kawhi Leonard
During the media session on Wednesday, Team USA's Men's Basketball managing director Grant Hill applauded the Clippers star for his effort. Unfortunately, the situation could not permit Leonard's participation.
“I think we all tried and we gave it a valiant effort and, you know, unfortunately, we have to move forward,” Hill said. “Personally speaking, I know what it's like to want to do something. And, you know, your body's just not right. And so, I applaud him for coming here and willing to sacrifice, give up his summer and represent our country, and play for our program.”
Team USA brought in Boston Celtics guard Derrick White to replace Leonard. The announcement was made on Wednesday ahead of their first game against Canada as part of their pre-Olympic exhibition schedule.
They will travel to the United Arab Emirates next week for games against Australia and Serbia, and will conclude the tour in London where they will go up against South Sudan and Germany.