Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ president of basketball operations, expressed his disappointment during a news conference in Las Vegas about the decision to send Kawhi Leonard home, preventing him from participating in the Paris Olympics. Frank emphasized that the choice was made by Team USA and not the Clippers.
Grant Hill, the managing director of USA Basketball, confirmed that his organization decided to withdraw Leonard after observing him in practice for three days in Las Vegas. This decision was made in consultation with both the Clippers and Leonard. Initially, Hill had conveyed that the decision was a collaborative one, but he later clarified that it was ultimately his call.
Frank voiced his frustration, saying, “It was USA’s call and I was, quite frankly, very disappointed with the decision. Kawhi wanted to play. We wanted him to play. I was there the first two practices, he looked very good … was a full participant in everything that they did. I wasn’t there for the third practice, where ultimately that was the point where they decided to go in a different direction. I expressed to them that I really wish that they would’ve given Kawhi more time.”
Leonard, who has been with the Clippers for the past five years, was deemed healthy enough by the team to participate in the Olympics. Frank noted that they have a comprehensive understanding of Leonard’s physical condition and his ability to manage his health.
“So, he looked good to me,” Frank stated. “I know all the sacrifices he made in order to make this commitment to the Olympics, so it was very disappointing. Now with that being said, I understand from USA’s perspective that they have to look [at] what they feel is in the best interest of the team despite what I think. They’re also managing some other players who are dealing with injuries, so I understand that they have to do what’s best. But we were really disappointed for Kawhi and this is something we really wanted for him. But with that being said, now I think you have to move forward.”
Frank reiterated the Clippers’ confidence in Leonard’s readiness for the Olympics, explaining that they would not have allowed him to practice if they doubted his ability to handle the entire Olympic experience. Despite this assurance, USA Basketball made the decision to exclude Leonard after the third practice.
Frank explained, “Yeah, I mean he wouldn’t be out there and we wouldn’t put him out there if we weren’t confident that he’d be able to go through the entire Olympic experience. Now I get it from USA’s perspective. No one has a crystal ball, but I intentionally went out there to watch him play and was really encouraged with what I saw both days and especially because I get the benefit of seeing what he looked like in the prior thing. So, I get to see the whole progression. So, be there as it may, they saw it differently. So, it is what it is.”
Leonard had undergone a “cleanup” procedure on his right knee last summer following a torn meniscus during the playoffs against the Phoenix Suns. When asked if Leonard would need any further procedures this summer and if that influenced Hill’s decision, Frank refrained from discussing specifics but assured that Leonard had put in significant effort to prepare for the Olympics.
“Yeah, I’m not going to get into the specifics of kind of what’s been happening,” Frank said. “All I’ll tell you is that he spent a great deal of time getting ready for this. He had a really solid progression. He looked good in the practices. Ultimately, they decided after the third practice that they didn’t feel as confident as we felt and that’s their right. It’s their team.”
Frank also addressed the future of Russell Westbrook with the Clippers. Westbrook opted into his contract, which will pay him $4 million for the next season. However, there have been reports of the Clippers considering trading Westbrook, with the Nuggets showing interest, although no deal has been finalized.
Overall, Frank’s comments highlighted the Clippers’ disappointment and frustration with Team USA’s decision, emphasizing their belief in Leonard’s readiness and dedication to representing his country in the Olympics.
