kalel123 wrote:Why would there be any doubt on availability of a guy who was supposed to play in the Olympics in August but sat out for non-health reasons?
Why would you think non-health reasons?
Grant Hill:
We just felt that we had to pivot, and not to get into the particulars in terms of what went into the decision, but we just felt it was in our best interests, but also in the Clippers’ and Kawhi’s best interest, to move into a different direction. We tried. My approach was just, ‘Let's get through the four days. Let's hope we can get through the four days and then let's take a step back and evaluate.' I think we all tried and we gave it a valiant effort and unfortunately we have to move forward. Ultimately he was sent home. Personally speaking, I know what it's like to want to do something and your body's just not right. And I've lived that personally and so I applaud him for coming here and (being) willing to sacrifice, give up his summer and represent our country and play for our program and just ultimately it didn't work out.
He wasn't healthy enough to hang with the rest of the squad on that 4th day.
LA Times:
Sources told the Times that Hill, Team USA coach Steve Kerr became concerned about Leonard’s participation after watching him in a recent workout at the Clippers’ training facility in Los Angeles.
Clippers didn't even deny it
Lawrence Frank:
It was USAB’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 then, I really wished that they would have given Kawhi more time.
Jack MagGruder (reporter):
Although [Leonard] said last week that he felt fine and the knee was doing well, USA Basketball, Steve Kerr and his coaching staff — felt differently
