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Kawhi Leonard’s Knee May Keep Him From Participating With Team USA Basketball This Summer

By Josh Sanchez

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May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrates after a play during the fourth quarter in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrates after a play during the fourth quarter in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Kawhi Leonard has the makings of a star and many believe that he could blossom in to the future face of the San Antonio Spurs when their current group of veteran leaders moves on, so it should come as no surprise that the team is looking to protect Leonard and do everything they can to make sure he spends the offseason fully recovering from a knee injury that was nagging all season long.

Leonard missed 24 games last season with “jumper’s knee” in his left knee and now the soreness could keep him from participating in a July basketball camp for Team USA.

The 21-year-old was one of just 27 players invited to attend the camp, as Team USA looks to assemble their roster for the 2014 FIBA World Cup tournament in Spain.

Unfortunately for Leonard, he may not get that chance because Spurs coach Gregg Popovich wants the young star to rest and meet with the team’s medical staff before making any decisions to move forward.

“I need to talk to Kawhi and the doctors about that before we make a decision,” Popovich said, via the San Antonio News-Press. “It’s obviously an honor to be involved with USA Basketball in any way, shape or form.

“Kawhi is thrilled by the selection, but we need to talk to the doctors to make sure he’s able to do it.”

Leonard broke out during the NBA Finals where he averaged 14.6 points and 11.1 rebounds. If he can get healthy, he will be a nice addition that could help Team USA as they look to take home the World Cup.

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