Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard is getting the ball rolling for the U.S. men’s basketball team, saying he intends to play in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo.
“My plan is to go,” Leonard told reporters.
Joining Team USA would reunite Leonard with San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, also serving as coach of the U.S. squad.
The U.S. is scheduled to start training camp in Las Vegas about July 1. Should the NBA Finals go seven games, the season will end July 22.
Expect more stars to follow suit after Leonard’s declaration. The likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry and other big names are expected to join. LeBron James, it seems, is still up in the air. At least, he was at last check.
The U.S. is reportedly close to finalizing a pool of 60 players from which to choose. It is scheduled to play its first game July 25 vs. France. You can view the complete Olympic basketball schedule here.
“If I feel up to it and feel ready to go around that time, then I’m going to play,” Leonard said.
