Kawhi Leonard, the standout forward for the LA Clippers, has been confirmed as the last member of Team USA for the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The selection was finalized after discussions led by USA Basketball’s managing director, Grant Hill, over recent days.
On Tuesday, the decision to include Leonard, who has been averaging 23.7 points and 6.1 rebounds this season despite a knee issue, was secured. His commitment fills the 12th roster spot for the team, which is set to compete from July 26 through August 11 in a bid for the gold medal.
Leonard’s addition completes an impressive lineup, joining NBA luminaries such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and others, under the guidance of coach Steve Kerr from the Golden State Warriors.
Notably, Leonard was sidelined for the Clippers’ last eight regular-season games due to inflammation in his right knee, which had previously undergone surgery.
The full Team USA roster is a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, creating buzz around the potential for a modern “Dream Team” in Paris.
The official roster announcement from USA Basketball revealed the inclusion of players like Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Bam Adebayo, and Tyrese Haliburton.
Preparations for the Olympic games will kick off with a training camp and series of exhibition matches scheduled for July in Las Vegas, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly anticipated competition on the global stage.
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