The USA Basketball managing director spoke prior to Wednesday’s exhibition against Canada about the decision to send the Clippers forward home after four days on training in Las Vegas — and the choice to replace him with Boston Celtics guard Derrick White.
Video Transcript
We just, we just felt that we had to pivot and, uh, not to get into the particulars.
Um, you know, in terms of what went into the decision.
But, um, you know, we just felt it was in our best interest but also in the Clippers and in Kaws best interest to, uh, to move into a different direction.
And, uh, you know, we tried, you know, I think we all tried and we gave it a, you know, a valiant effort and, um, you know, unfortunately, uh, we have to move forward.
I mean, look, I, I think he wanted to be here, like all these guys want to be here and we don’t take that lightly at all.
Um, personally speaking, I know what it’s like to want to do something and, um, you know, your body is just not right.
And I’ve lived that personally and so, uh, I applaud him for, uh, coming here and, uh, willing to sacrifice, give up his summer, uh, and, you know, represent our country and play for our program and, you know, it just, it just, ultimately, it, it didn’t work out.
We’re thrilled to add, uh, Derek White.
One of the many things that I really love about Derek and particularly with this team is, I don’t feel like his role changes much with our team from what he does with the Celtics.
And so have someone who can come in and, and play off of guys, you know, be complimentary to, to, to some others, but then also stand out and be um, a dynamite defensive player, knock down shots, uh just impact winning.
And um he’s also been a part of the program was on the 2019 um World Cup team.
And uh I think that was also a point of emphasis.
We wanted experience, we wanted guys who’ve been through this and understand that fa is different.
So, um obviously disappointed with Kawhi and how that played out and feel, you know, feel horribly, but on the flip side, we’re, we’re excited for the addition of Derek.
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