As some fans expected, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard backed out from the Olympics to prepare for the upcoming season. While there was a positive reaction for Derrick White replacing the two-time champion, former NBA big man Dwight Howard was shocked it wasn’t another star playing for the Boston Celtics who was picked.

Leonard has recently withdrawn from the 2024 Olympic men’s basketball team due to lingering injuries sustained last season. In his place, the Celtics’ Derrick White will replace him in the roster.
USA Basketball announced that while Leonard had been ramping up his preparations and had some strong practices in Las Vegas, it was determined that it would be in his best interest to focus on getting ready for the upcoming NBA season rather than participating in the Olympics in Paris.
White, known for his defensive abilities that helped the Celtics win the NBA championship, will now have the opportunity to represent Team USA in the upcoming Olympic Games, which are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11.
Dwight Howard Shocked Over Boston Celtics Star Getting Snubbed by Team USA

After news broke out that White will be replacing Leonard, different personalities gave their take on the matter, including sports analyst Stephen A. Smith when he expressed his annoyance towards the Clippers star. Another individual who shared their mind is former NBA champion Dwight Howard in a tweet he posted on X.
“No comment on Kawhi but it wasn’t no way to get the guy who just went to finals on that team?” Howard tweeted.
Most basketball fans surmised All-Star wing Jaylen Brown as the Celtics player Howard was talking about since he’s more popular and talented than White. This led to several comments pointing out the fact that both individuals play for Boston and went to the Finals recently.

As it stands, Brown just won Finals MVP and posted 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Meanwhile, White notched 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists during the previous regular season.
While most people, Howard included, were surprised at Brown’s exclusion, there’s little to be done since the roster has now been finalized. In any case, the Celtics are well-represented in Team USA with Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday already playing for the squad.

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