The Paris Olympics are coming up fast. They’re Friday, July 26, through Sunday, August 11 in France. So, USA Basketball is getting serious about the upcoming games and have been practicing a lot. Unfortunately, however, one member of USA Basketball, Kawhi Leonard, has been sent home and will no longer be part of the team.

USA Basketball Sends Kawhi Leonard Back to the Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard was set to be part of USA Basketball, but he was sent home just a few weeks before the Paris Olympics. The decision was made in the “best interest” of the team, according to USA Basketball executive director Grant Hill said during a press conference.

Hill spoke before Team USA’s exhibition game against Canada at T-Mobile Arena last week. Of course, he was asked about Leonard and why the player was absent from the team. Hill said that USA Basketball made the final decision, and that they also got input from the Clippers.

“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 interest, but also in the Clippers’ and Kawhi’s best interest, to move into a different direction,” he said during the press conference. He added, “We tried. I think we all tried, and we gave it a valiant effort, and unfortunately, we have to move forward.”

Since he wasn’t really clear about what happened or who made the final decision, some reporters asked him to specify. He said that ultimately, USA Basketball had made the call to send Leonard back home.

Hill explained, “We did. Ultimately, he was sent home, but we were in conversation with the Clippers on that.”

It’s not a dig on Leonard, though. The change has to do with Leonard’s injury. He missed 12 of the Clippers’ final 14 games the past season because of right knee inflammation. Even though Leonard was better, USA Basketball didn’t want to risk it. Plus, if he wasn’t fully better, playing could just injure him more.

“He wanted to be here like all these guys want to be here,” Hill said. “And we don’t take that lightly at all. It speaks to the program and the opportunity. Personally speaking, I know what it’s like to want to do something and your body is 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. It just ultimately didn’t work out.”

Derrick White of the the Boston Celtics will replace Kawhi Leonard on the team. White was high-profile last season, since the Boston Celtic won the championship.

“I am happy to announce that Derrick will compete at his first Olympic Games on the heels of a championship season in Boston,” Hill said. “We look forward to him joining the team in the coming days as we continue preparations for Paris.”

Team USA will start their Olympic run with a group stage game against Serbia on July 28.