◆ 2024 Paris Olympics ◆
Kawhi Leonard is leaving the ‘Dream Team’ U.S.
“The Athletic” reported on the 11th (Korea Standard Time) that Leonard eventually dropped out of the “Dream Team” due to knee problems.
The association officially announced that Leonard made efforts to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics until the very end in his training camp. However, it was decided that it would be best for him to prepare for the 2024-25 season.
Leonard was hoping for his first Olympics, but his injury eventually hampered him. Instead, his new face will be Derek White, who will join the “Dream Team.” He played in the 2019 FIBA China Basketball World Cup.
Grant Hill, the U.S. general manager, said, “We are grateful for Leonard’s dedication to the U.S. He got the opportunity to represent the U.S., but we and the Los Angeles Clippers thought it was important for Leonard to give him time to prepare for the 2024-25 season.”
“I’m glad that White will be competing in his first Olympics. I look forward to having him join the team in the coming days,” he said.
According to “ESPN” Brian Windhorst, White will join the “Dream Team” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The U.S. did not stop bleeding. Durant, who is suffering from calf strain, will miss an exhibition game against Canada that will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday.
ESPN reported that the U.S. will be without Durant in the first of the five warm-up matches to be held ahead of the Paris Olympics. He is suffering from calf pain.
Durant is a key player of the Dream Team along with LeBron James and Stephen Curry. He has set a number of records on behalf of the Dream Team along with Carmelo Anthony. However, he will not be able to start together. 고소득알바
Durant struggled for a long time due to lower body injury. As a result, the U.S. has no choice but to focus more on his physical condition.
U.S. coach Steve Kerr said, “Durant is recovering from intensifying treatment. He said he feels pretty good, and we will check every day. Soon, the day will come when I will be with Durant.”
Durant’s hoped return will come in friendly matches with Australia and Serbia to be held in Abu Dhabi. ESPN reported that Durant is also hoping to return around this time.
“ESPN” said, “Curry, James and Embiid are expected to take three spots in the starting lineup. Due to Durant’s absence, the other two spots will be able to choose various ways. Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, Zru Halladay and Jason Tatum can fill it.”
Starting with the friendly match with Canada, the U.S. will play against Australia and Serbia in Abu Dhabi. The U.K. will play its last friendly match with South Sudan and Germany in London, before heading to Paris, the venue for the showdown.
The U.S. team was in Group C along with Serbia, South Sudan and Puerto Rico. Their goal is to win the fifth consecutive Olympics.
