"We were really disappointed for Kawhi" - Clippers President vents over Team USA's pivoting decision on Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard was removed from Team USA's Men's Basketball roster ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics after three practices with the team. Clippers President Lawrence Frank expressed his disappointment with the decision and said that the call was made by Team USA.
"It was [Team USA's] call, and I was quite frankly very disappointed with the decision," Frank said in a press conference on Monday. "Kawhi wanted to play, we wanted him to play."
Frank said that he attended the first two Team USA practices in Las Vegas to see Leonard work out with the team. From those instances, there was no indication that Leonard was not ready to play.
"I was there at the first two practices, he looked very good," he said. "He was a full participant in everything they did."
He told Team USA that they may have rushed the decision to remove Leonard from the team. Leonard has been replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White.
"I expressed with them that I really wish they gave Kawhi more time," Frank said. "He looked good to me... I know all the sacrifices he made in order to make this commitment to the Olympics, so I was very disappointed."
Although he's not a fan of the decision, Frank acknowledged that Team USA has to do what they believe is best ahead of the Olympics. He also said that both him and Leonard would still support the American squad as they chase a gold medal.
"I understand from a Team USA perspective they have to do what they feel is in the best interest of the team, despite what I think," he said.
"We were really disappointed for Kawhi, and this is something we really wanted for him... but now we move forward," he added. "We support USAB, we desperately want to see them win the gold medal, I know that's how Kawhi feels too. Despite really wanting to play, he's there for his guys and wishing them the best."
Kawhi Leonard-less Team USA beats Australia in exhibition game
Team USA is in Abu Dhabi for a series of exhibition games, beginning with a match against Australia on Monday. They held off a late comeback to win, 98-92.
Lakers center Anthony Davis was pivotal in the contest as he recorded 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards had another strong showing where he put up three quick three-pointers as a starter in the first quarter.