Grant Hill says Team USA calls on Kawhi Leonard, Derrick White

LAS VEGAS – Team USA executive director Grant Hill said the decision to send LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard home from training camp and replace him with Boston Celtics guard Derrick White on the roster for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games is ultimately up to Team USA. Does.

“We just felt that we had to stay focused in terms of what happened in the decision, and not go into details, but we just felt that it was in our best interest, but also in the best interest of the Clippers and Kawhi. Move in a different direction,” Hill said at a press conference before Team USA’s first exhibition game at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday evening. “We tried. I think we all tried and we made a valiant effort in this, and unfortunately, we have to move on.”

Asked directly if this meant the decision to send Leonard home was Hill’s, and by extension Team USA’s, he said, “We did. Ultimately he was sent home, but we’re the Clippers on that.” Were talking with.”

Leonard’s status was up in the air when he arrived at camp after missing the final three games of the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks due to knee inflammation. Leonard said over the weekend that he wasn’t able to fully get back on the court and function normally until about two weeks before the start of training camp, at which point he said he finally felt confident that he could return to action this year. Will be able to participate. Olympics.

He arrived for the start of camp wearing a sleeve on his right leg and seemed to be limping slightly, although he participated in each of the last four days of training camp.

“I think he wanted to be here, like all these guys want to be here and we don’t take that lightly at all,” Hill said. “It talks about program and opportunity, and so, speaking personally, I know what it’s like to want to do something and your body isn’t right. And I’ve lived it personally. And So I commend them for coming here and being willing to make the sacrifice, give up their heat and represent our country and play for our program… Ultimately, it didn’t work out.”

Leonard’s knee injury in the playoffs marked the third consecutive time that Leonard’s postseason ended prematurely due to injury – including the missed 2021–22 season after tearing his ACL in the same right knee during the 2021 playoffs. has not been.

Now, he will not be a part of the upcoming Olympics – White has been chosen to replace him.

White’s selection means his Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown, who is coming off winning both Eastern Conference Finals MVP and NBA Finals MVP while claiming the title in Boston, was not selected. After White’s selection was announced, Brown first tweeted a series of emojis and then tweeted at Nike, “What the hell are we doing?” Nike is a sponsor of Team USA.

Hill was asked about Brown’s tweet and dismissed the idea that the shoe company had anything to do with the decision to select White. He said that firing anyone from this team is the hardest part of his job.

“You get 12 spots, and you have to make a team,” Hill said. “And one of the hardest things is taking guys off the roster that I’m a fan of, I’m looking forward to watching throughout the season, throughout the playoffs. Guys who have been Finals MVPs, guys who have been a part of the program. , people who have won gold medals, people I respect, admire and enjoy watching, but my responsibility is to build a team and a team that complements each other, a A team that is a good fit that gives us the best chance for success.

“And, so, whatever the principles may be, that’s just what they are. But it’s my responsibility. And it’s hard. It’s hard to have the conversation, to tell people they’re not on the team.

“I’m trying to win and I’m trying to put the right pieces together that fit and give us a chance to win.”

Ultimately, this led to Team USA selecting White, who ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported last month as the pick to replace Leonard if he was unable to go to Paris.

Hill said White will not be coming to Las Vegas because White needs to prepare for the next month before flying out unexpectedly, hoping to have White join the team in Abu Dhabi for the first practice on Saturday. But it will be ready.

“Obviously it’s bittersweet, but we’re thrilled to add Derrick White,” Hill said.

“Obviously, I’ve been a big fan of Derrick. He recently won a championship. One of the many things I love about Derrick and especially about his team is that I Don’t think his role changes much with what he does with the Celtics. He plays with two incredibly great young players like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum and when you come in This setting is tough and you’re the center of your universe, and now you have to establish a role, and it may be different from what you want to do with your team and so having someone who can come in and “Be able to play off of people, complement some other guys, but then also stand out and be a strong defensive player. Knock down shots, just impact wins.”

As for the other long-term injury question – Kevin Durant, who has yet to practice after suffering a calf strain about 10 days before the start of training camp and who missed the game against Canada. Sitting out Wednesday night’s game – Hill said Durant would fly to Abu Dhabi. Will remain with Dhabi and the team.

“Before you know anything, Durant will be on the plane,” Hill said. “He’s been working, rehabbing, he’s looking great. I think we’re just being cautious and conservative. I think we expect to see him on the court when we’re in Abu Dhabi. We do.”