Following a strong workout, Team USA officials expressed confidence in Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard’s readiness for the upcoming Olympics. Several prominent basketball figures attended the workout last Friday at the Clippers’ practice facility, and they were impressed with Leonard’s performance.
Managing director of USA Basketball Grant Hill and head coach of the Golden State Warriors and U.S. Olympic team Steve Kerr were in attendance. Their primary goal was to evaluate Leonard’s development following his significant absence from action last season due to a right knee injury. Leonard’s uncle and advisor Dennis Robertson was also present, as was Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ president of basketball operations.
For between forty-five and an hour, the group watched Leonard work out. He was very impressive with his shooting accuracy, hardly missing a shot. Concerns about his knee and his capacity to help Team USA were allayed by this display of skill and fitness.
Due to inflammation in his right knee, Leonard missed the last eight games of the regular season and four of the six games in the first round of the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite these disappointments, Hill and Kerr were happy with Leonard’s state of health going forward and his potential contribution to the team.
As of right now, Leonard is anticipated to arrive on Friday for Team USA’s training camp in Las Vegas, where drills will begin on Saturday. His presence at the training camp will help the team immensely as they get ready for the Olympics in Paris.
On July 10, Team USA will take on Canada in Las Vegas in one of many exhibition matches aimed at preparing for the Olympics. As the team refines its tactics and develops chemistry in advance of the international competition, Leonard’s involvement will be closely monitored.
