Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard’s availability for Team USA for the Olympics was up in the air due to the right knee injury he suffered during the playoffs. Leonard put those concerns to rest and said his knee has improved enough for him to play this summer.
“Yeah. But I took the time, and I was able to turn around over the last two weeks,” Leonard said. “So, I’m out here now and, yeah, I’m having a good time.”
Leonard touched on how he has to manage his healthy for the remainder of his career. He also added that those who doubt he can still play is a motivating factor for him.
“Yeah, but this is just my journey, so whatever … I can’t lay out the perfect script for me,” Leonard said. “Last year, I tried to play as much as possible, felt great. And at a certain period of time, I couldn’t go. I tried the best that I could, but it’s just my journey. I don’t want to be in a situation that I do be in, but I got to take it for what it is. And a lot of people are watching, supporters or doubters, but I motivate a lot of people.
“So, I got to keep doing what I’m doing, and I might be the most known at the time right now, like injury or whatever, but people have, players have worse luck than I have. So just to being able to keep going and keep going is going to motivate the next guy that’s watching me. So, I’m going to keep going until I can’t.”
Leonard declined to talk about Paul George leaving the Clippers. The veteran forward said he has no issues with George’s decision, but that he wants to focus on Team USA and preparing for the Olympics.