Why is Kawhi withdrawing from the Team USA training camp?

[Baam]

488676751258566656

:huh

[baseline bum]

Because playing for Team USA is stupid.

[Mal]

Contract year ahead. He has to make sure he is worth max.

[Bill_Brasky]

because fuck playing for free?

[ColinB]

Too good.

[loveforthegame]

He was so excited to try out and wanted to make the team just last month. Hope his withdrawal is not due to injury like last time.

[Dex]

Because playing for Team USA is stupid.

I believe the technical term is "retarded".

[TE]

Probably has to do with his personal workouts (don't know exactly when those are going on).

But yeah, I'm actually glad he's withdrawing from this tournament. Less wear and tear.

[benstanfield]

Because unless it's the Olympics nobody gives a shit. If he has a breakout season he'll be at his leisure deciding whether he wants to go to Brazil and win a gold medal in 2016.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Because unless it's the Olympics nobody gives a shit. If he has a breakout season he'll be at his leisure deciding whether he wants to go to Brazil and win a gold medal in 2016.

Its like winning the Confederations Cup in futbol. Brazil won it last year and nobody gives a crap at this point.

Manu goes, people bitch. Kawhi withdraws, people bitch. Its just the way of things around here.

[SupremeGuy]

Because Leonard is setting an example for Manu?

[Ice009]

I have no problem with Leonard not playing. Hopefully it's got to do with his personal training and working on his game to get better.

Edit : Just read the article and it mentioned "soreness in his left knee through the season that required ice treatments after every game". Don't players usually ice after games anyway?

[Uriel]

Its like winning the Confederations Cup in futbol. Brazil won it last year and nobody gives a crap at this point.

Manu goes, people bitch. Kawhi withdraws, people bitch. Its just the way of things around here.
Umm... Kawhi is 23 and Manu is 36. The latter needs to rest his aging body. The former needs to develop his game.

[100%duncan]

Umm... Kawhi is 23 and Manu is 36. The latter needs to rest his aging body. The former needs to develop his game.

Ey bro u coming to the last home stand?

[TXstbobcat]

Sounds like he wants to get some rest before training camp starts.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Umm... Kawhi is 23 and Manu is 36. The latter needs to rest his aging body. The former needs to develop his game.

Develop his game. Wouldn't be working with Chip and his trainer this summer be more beneficial to him. I have never seen a guy go to Int'l competition and come back better. Its not like Diaw, who can be lazy and needs that push to stay in Shape.

Kawhi already has that determination of wanting to get better every year, w or wo playing in some meaning less tournament after winning the FMVP.

[100%duncan]

Kawhi also probably thought that those monkeyballers will get accepted before him tbh. He doesn't have time for that, better to enjoy the vacation.

[loveforthegame]

Is he still playing in that exhibition game in the Philippines?

[Pako]

Probably has to do with his personal workouts (don't know exactly when those are going on).

But yeah, I'm actually glad he's withdrawing from this tournament. Less wear and tear.

This. I think it was reported before that he is suppose to work out with Tim Grover this off season....

[hooperflash]

Probably has to do with his personal workouts (don't know exactly when those are going on).

But yeah, I'm actually glad he's withdrawing from this tournament. Less wear and tear.

Just like I thought he would, atta boy Whi-whi.

[Jimcs50]

Develop his game. Wouldn't be working with Chip and his trainer this summer be more beneficial to him. I have never seen a guy go to Int'l competition and come back better. Its not like Diaw, who can be lazy and needs that push to stay in Shape.

Kawhi already has that determination of wanting to get better every year, w or wo playing in some meaning less tournament after winning the FMVP.


this

[024]

Not too surprising. No one cares about FIBA. The 2010 team basically fielded USA's B team. Leonard also has a history of knee soreness and he just played a long ass season. Glad to see him rest up and work on his game.

One thing international play is good for though is networking. Leonard could be out there planting seeds for the next Spurs FA acquisition after Duncan and Manu retire. But knowing Leonard's personality, that's probably not on his mind right now. Hopefully he continues improving every year and he should make the 2016 olympic team.

[Gervin44Silas13]

Thats good news...stay and rest sugar K

[crc21209]

Also missing from the original pool is NBA Finals MVP*Kawhi Leonard*of San Antonio and Portland All-Star forwardLaMarcus Aldridge, who was expected to play this summer. Colangelo said Leonard wanted additional rest after the Spurs' lengthy season. He did not give a reason for the absence of Aldridge, who has pulled out in the past.


http://m.espn.go.com/wireless/story?storyId=11213102

[FromWayDowntown]

He's a smart guy, he's got NBA and team-oriented goals, and he seems hell-bent on achieving them:

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2014/07/14/leonard-may-be-withdrawing-from-team-usa-for-fiba-world-cup/


Watching the struggles teammate Tony Parker experienced during the 2014-15 Spurs season after competing for the French national team in last summer’s Eurobasket tournament, Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard made what he called a very difficult decision to withdraw from competition for a spot on the United States team that will compete in the FIBA World Cup in Spain later this summer.

* * * *


I went through those two seasons going down to June 20,” Leonard said. “That’s tough on your body to keep going. I’m just learning from Tony and Manu (Ginobili), just going into that off-season and playing so hard and then coming back and their bodies not feeling the same and then being tired for the regular season. So I’m just learning from them.”

[SpursFan86]

488709462782259200

[Mel_13]

fwiw

19 players announced for Team USA today:

No Playoffs in 2014: 8

First round exit: 6

Second round exit: 3

Conference Finalists: 2 (Durant and George)

[Bill_Brasky]

Really mature decision. Its not like team USA is hurting for talent anyway.

[AFBlue]

Really mature decision. Its not like team USA is hurting for talent anyway.

This. Good on the kid for being able to see the bigger picture.

[SpursFan86]

I'm waiting for some jackass to come in here saying, "How come Kawhi cares more about the Spurs than Manu?! Manu is 36 and still won't give up international basketball even when he's injured!"

Ignoring the fact that Manu is Argentina's biggest basketball athlete and means WAY more to their people than Kawhi does to USA. And how this is most likely Manu's last chance to play for his country in an event like this.

[SupremeGuy]

:cry plz guys don't be mad at manu :cry

[Spur|n|Austin]

Is he still playing in that exhibition game in the Philippines?

No changes to that at all, so that's good.

As for this decision, I support it 100%.

[ducks]

I'm waiting for some jackass to come in here saying, "How come Kawhi cares more about the Spurs than Manu?! Manu is 36 and still won't give up international basketball even when he's injured!"

Ignoring the fact that Manu is Argentina's biggest basketball athlete and means WAY more to their people than Kawhi does to USA. And how this is most likely Manu's last chance to play for his country in an event like this.because manu is a jackass
spurs can stop him though because he is hurt

[Jenks]

Rest up and stay hydrated this summer, Kawhi.

[HI-FI]

great news imo.


Because Leonard is setting an example for Manu?

this. too bad Manu gives Spurs sloppy seconds.

[moisaenz]

because he is alpha not beta...

[TheGreatYacht]

If only Manu's dumbass would sit the fuck down and take notes

[DesignatedT]

His time for USA basketball will come. He's played three nba seasons; all with some sort of injury and he's gone almost as far as you can go in all three seasons. He knows if he needs some rest.

His next NBA season is his most important as well.

[Beaverfuzz]

Smart move, no reason to play. You've earned your contract this year. Fuck playing for the country, take some time off and rejuvenate.

[-21-]

Surprising news but I guess this is good for the Spurs.

[illusioNtEk]

Give Manu a brake you guys.... Manu is the type of player that needs to play to continue to have his rythem... I'm sure Manu is going to take it easy

[BanditHiro]

Give Manu a brake you guys.... Manu is the type of player that needs to play to continue to have his rythem... I'm sure Manu is going to take it easy

his playing for the national team cost the team a title. last season is proof that rest is better for Manu in the long run.

[outmap]

He declined because he will a naturalized Filipino Citizen! Haha! :D

[DJR210]

I thought I read he was going to attend a ball handling/offensive camp this summer with the guy who worked with Wade, Kobe, etc.?

[KL2]

I thought I read he was going to attend a ball handling/offensive camp this summer with the guy who worked with Wade, Kobe, etc.?


Maybe, from what I heard that trainer (Tim Grover I think was his name) was in the audience watching SA, Leonard recognized him and approached him telling him how he wants to work out with him in the off season. Grover went on to say it like it was guaranteed, but who knows, I don't know if they actually had anything set up.

[spurraider21]

im fine with Manu playing... provided he doesn't prematurely rush back from a fucking stress fracture :lol

[SupremeGuy]

Maybe, from what I heard that trainer (Tim Grover I think was his name) was in the audience watching SA, Leonard recognized him and approached him telling him how he wants to work out with him in the off season. Grover went on to say it like it was guaranteed, but who knows, I don't know if they actually had anything set up.That dedication :cry

[myhc]

I'm glad Kawhi gets the summer to rest. He needs it. Having said that, team USA could really use him against Spain. We have a ton of offensive fire power but if you look at that 19 man roster and some of the projected players who will get picked, defense is going to be a major issue. Outside of Anthony Davis and Paul George, you got Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Kevin Love, James Harden. We're going to have to beat them in a shoot out.

[100%duncan]

Is he still playing in that exhibition game in the Philippines?
Yes. Fuck dont pull out.

[SouthernFried]

I have no problem with Leonard not playing. Hopefully it's got to do with his personal training and working on his game to get better.

Edit : Just read the article and it mentioned "soreness in his left knee through the season that required ice treatments after every game". Don't players usually ice after games anyway?

If he had soreness in his left knee, there is something causing it. Could be a lot of things, up to and including bad shoes. But, if it's something like a meniscus tear...then he should get it scoped now. Either way, there's a cause for the soreness and swelling in the knee and they need to find out what it is. It's not like the usual muscle soreness after a workout.

I'm sure the SPURS are on top of it...he's their future franchise player.

[Obstructed_View]

He had knee tendinitis last year or the year before. Requires rest. If he wants to work on his game in the offseason then he can't do that AND work out for team USA. Bruce Bowen called and told him they're fucking assholes, anyway.

[hater]

:lmao Kawhi taking a shit on Manu Ginobili :lol

[Cklbmk]

Pop prolly said we won't give you max extension now if you play on team USA

[Sean Cagney]

his playing for the national team cost the team a title. last season is proof that rest is better for Manu in the long run.

He did DO A TON better in the finals this year.

[elemento]

Considering his knee problems last season, I am glad he did it.

[Johnny RIngo]

Great choice on his part. International basketball is a joke.

[boutons_deux]

If he has a breakout season

If? If? If?

HE JUST HAD ONE! :lol

[LASToog36]

prolly cuz durant will be there

[LASToog36]

prolly cuz durant will be there

[Mel_13]

Kawhi says his knee is 100%:

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Leonard-won-t-be-playing-for-U-S-team-5621492.php?cmpid=twitter-premium&t=49c80d1105e4660723

[Uriel]

Ey bro u coming to the last home stand?I can't. :( Flying out for Australia by the end of this week for my JTA. I won't be back in Manila until December.

[100%duncan]

I can't. :( Flying out for Australia by the end of this week for my JTA. I won't be back in Manila until December.

Maaaan u suck :lol jk

[SpursBills]

wonder if this is an indication that he's not going to sign a discounted extension this summer - would make sense for him to ensure that he's healthy for this coming year to ensure he gets a max contract offer next summer

[Skull-1]

488676751258566656

:huh


Because he knows who pays his salary, unlike Manu.