Kawhi Leonard's arrival was in the best interest of the American men's baseball team.
Between now and the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris, there are precious days left, and it seems like the men's basketball team could n't afford to wait on Kawhi Leonard to help them advance to full strength.
In a press conference prior to the group's exhibition match against Canada, USMNT managing director Grant Hill made the revelations. It was evident the decision was made by the national team and the Clippers to give Leonard house so he could find himself prepared for the NBA season.
" I think we all tried and we gave it a valiant efforts and, you know, however, we have to move forward", Hill said. " Physically speaking, I know what it's like to want to do something. And, you know, your brain's just not ideal. And so, I applaud him for coming here and willing to sacrifice, offer up his summers and represent our country, and play for our program".
Hill battled through foot and ankle issues after a superb six-year stop to his job, so he can relate on some degree with all the injuries problems Leonard has suffered. Additionally, neither Hill nor USA Basketball could manage to have a possible injury that would cost Leonard the regular season because he has his first job with the Clippers.
He did n't say it, but it was in the air when Hill spoke.
" You sit back and watch the playoffs and trust that one's healthy", Hill said. " And then you take stock as we get near to camp, and then you hope everyone shows up in form, you know, and so there's constant worry and concern.
" And you also have to form of, you know, think worst-case situation, which is not an simple thing to do."
Hill did n't say the decision to replace Leonard caught him by surprise, but given Leonard's comments Tuesday it would seem so.
" Yeah, I think I may fit up monday," Leonard said Tuesday". Thus far, everything seems to be working well. It has maintained its neutrality, and we hope that will continue.
When the medal round began, Leonard may n't be slow-walked or treated like a luxury due to the warp speed the national team must play with, given how far away other nations are in terms of stability and science.
Given where Leonard is in his career, it did n't seem feasible for him to travel every day like the rest of the team if he wanted to be there. However, relative to his theory that he finds excuses not to play, it seems obvious that he actually wanted to try it.
After Team USA's 86-72 victory over Canada in the opening match, Stephen Curry said," Kawhi gave it everything he had." He obviously wanted to play. He wished us success and sought the gold in one of those items. He's probably in a great location for the long run because the sport needs him. He's an all-time tremendous player, but we hope that he's prepared for the time."
Leonard missed the majority of the Clipper ' first-round games against Dallas due to knee swelling. Before his leg began to hurt, he merely played two matches against the Suns last year.
Due to an ACL injury he sustained during the second round of the 2021 finals against the Utah Jazz, he was unable to play in any of the 2022 finals. In short, it's been a plethora of accidents, processes and health difficulties, and the team was n't afford to take a chance on anything acting off when Leonard just signed a three-year cope with the Clippers.
On the flip side, Hill took Celtics protect Derrick White in Leonard's favor. White is a dynamic defender who can sing in places and a little part, considering all the celebrity energy. NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown seemed a little perturbed on X in the wake, as he was n't selected.
He pointed the finger at Nike, a USA Basketball sponsor, as reason why he did n't get the call. Hill was asked about the Nike network and Brown.
" Well for a great part of my job, I wore Fila … that was supposed to be a prank," Hill deadpanned". Putting up a team is what this is on. I think really general, you have outstanding attention from an abundance of talent below in the United States."
" You just have 12 areas. A team must be formed. I look forward to watching a team I like and who I'm a fan of during the playoffs, but one of the hardest issues is leaving people out. People who've been Finals MVPs, who've been part of the program, people who've won silver awards. Guys who I respect, love and love watching, but the responsibility that I have is to place up a team, and a team that complements each another, a team that fits, a team that may give us the best opportunity for success."
In any case, there will be three Boston Celtics on the roster, which could create conflicting relationships when Brown and White return to training station. Brown was also the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, and cemented himself as a real sun this postseason.
Even as the squad was being prepared, White's name was mentioned a few weeks ago as someone that USA Basketball may be interested in watching closely. Before Leonard's solid time appeared to have ended, he was chosen to join the team in early March, and preparation programs were being made for the situation.
Bringing in White as opposed to a higher-usage player in Brown seems to suggest Hill and USA Basketball coach Steve Kerr are content with the star power and people who'll require the ball and a lot of interest with it.
Jrue Holiday is the only perimeter stopper on the roster, and White can supplement that without needing to play with the ball.
So Hill has to be the bad guy in this, but it feels like a prudent decision, and one he was prepared to make.
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