There’s a strong chance none of the top four finishers in MVP voting will play in the Olympics.
Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook are out. LeBron James said he’ll probably stay home.
And now Kawhi Leonard is no longer a Team USA candidate.
Jeff Goodman of ESPN broke the news:
Kawhi Leonard is not expected to play on the Olympic team, multiple sources told ESPN.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 23, 2016
Leonard confirmed it in a statement not much later.
“This was a very difficult decision,” Leonard said. “It’s an honor to have been considered for the team and I hope that in the future I will have the chance to represent my country by playing for USA Basketball.”
It seemed USA Basketball tabbing Gregg Popovich as its next coach would open the door to Leonard competing, but alas. The Spurs love their rest.
Remember when Klay Thompson said American basketball was good enough to send three Team USAs to the Olympics? We might see how the second team would fare.