Steph Curry has addressed Kawhi Leonard’s sudden elimination from Crew USA, which got here simply two weeks out from the Olympics.
Leonard didn’t look like fully wholesome when he reported for nationwide responsibility, and this week Crew USA made the choice to ship him dwelling in favour of Derrick White.
“I do know he wished to play,” Curry advised reporters. “Hopefully, for the long run, he’s in a great place as a result of the sport wants him. When he’s not on the market, you miss an all-time nice participant. We hope he’s prepared for this season.”
Crew USA govt director Grant Hill mentioned Leonard being despatched dwelling was the group’s determination.
“We simply felt that we needed to pivot, and to not get into the particulars, when it comes to what went into the choice, however we simply felt it was in our greatest curiosity, but in addition within the Clippers’ and Kawhi’s finest curiosity, to maneuver into a special route,” Hill mentioned on Wednesday. “We tried. I believe all of us tried and we gave it a valiant effort, and sadly, we now have to maneuver ahead.”
Leonard has attracted criticism, together with from ESPN persona Stephen A. Smith, for trying to play within the Olympics regardless of often struggling to get by way of an NBA season wholesome.
“I don’t assume I’ve ever been extra pissed off at a dude sporting Crew USA uniform,” Smith mentioned on The OGs podcast. “Keep in mind how excited he was once they got here to him and Grant Hill and them put him on Crew USA? Are you aware what number of video games you’ve missed?
“To be speaking about enjoying in the summertime, you may get damage from the flight to Paris. I’m not letting you play. If I’m Steve Ballmer, I’ll use each means at my disposal to verify this man ain’t on Crew USA. For one motive and one motive solely, I don’t belief that you simply’re going to go away wholesome.”
READ MORE: The Cellphone Name That Led to LeBron James and Steph Curry Becoming a member of Crew USA
