In a surprising turn of events, Kawhi Leonard has withdrawn from Team USA, citing concerns over his troublesome right knee. The announcement came after Leonard expressed confidence in his readiness to play just a day prior. The decision has led to the selection of Celtics guard Derrick White as his replacement.

Leonard's knee issues were no secret, as he missed the final eight games of the regular season due to inflammation. Despite his recovery progressing positively before the USA training camp, the decision to withdraw was not Leonard's own. USA Basketball's managing director, Grant Hill, explained that they felt it was in the best interest of all parties involved, including the Clippers, to move in a different direction.

During the training camp, Leonard appeared limited in certain aspects of the scrimmages. Hill emphasized that, although it is not an 82-game season where load management can be utilized, he believed it was necessary to make the call. Leonard addressed the team before his departure, urging them to strive for gold.

Teammates, such as Stephen Curry and LeBron James, expressed support and understanding of Leonard's decision. They acknowledged his dedication during the preparations and emphasized the importance of ensuring his long-term well-being. LeBron James referred to Leonard as a "brother" and expressed well-wishes for him moving forward.

Following the news of Leonard's withdrawal, reports emerged that Derrick White would be joining Team USA as his replacement. White's selection raised eyebrows, particularly due to his similarities in size and strength to Leonard. Jaylen Brown of the Celtics, a potential candidate himself, hinted at the possibility of external influences affecting the decision, mentioning Nike's historic influence with Team USA.

Grant Hill addressed the concern, stating that the decision was solely based on building a well-rounded team. He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving out deserving players and reiterated his responsibility to construct a roster that complements each other's skills.

With the inclusion of Derrick White, Team USA gains a talented guard known for his defensive abilities and three-point shooting. White's prior experience working off the ball will be valuable alongside other shot creators on the team.

The sudden alteration in Team USA's roster has added an extra layer of intrigue to the Celtics' training camp. Both Leonard's withdrawal and the selection of White have sparked discussions and debates among basketball enthusiasts.

As the team prepares for their upcoming competitions in Abu Dhabi and eventually Paris, the focus shifts to maximizing the potential of the revised roster. The expectations remain high, and Team USA aims to defend their gold medal with a united and determined squad.