"Using the suitcase as a crutch" - Fans concerned as Kawhi Leonard labors walking into USA Basketball camp

Fans have expressed worries about Kawhi Leonard's health as he arrived at Team USA’s four-day camp in Las Vegas, seen limping slightly with his right leg covered in sleeves while carrying a suitcase. One fan speculated that he might be using the suitcase as a crutch.

Leonard dealt with knee issues during this year's playoffs, where his LA Clippers were eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round.

Although Leonard's summer will be focused on playing for Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics, fans are already concerned that he may not be in full health.

“Dis n***a Kawhi using the suitcase as a crutch LMFAOOOOOOO,” said X (formerly Twitter) user @FanMahome.

Other fans shared the same sentiment about Kawhi Leonard looking unhealthy.

“Damn he looks hurt already 😂,” said user @_NikoJohnson

“This dude don’t need to be here look hurt already,” said @mittbaby23.

Here are other reactions to Kawhi Leonard’s entrance to Team USA’s Las Vegas camp:

Fans react to Kawhi Leonard's Team USA camp entrance

Leonard missed Games 1, 4, 5 and 6 of the Clippers' first-round series after missing the final eight games of the regular season due to right knee pain.

In the games he did play, Leonard scored just 24 points and did not make a single 3-pointer.

He missed the entire 2021-22 season after injuring his right knee during the 2021 playoffs, which required major surgery. The Clippers made their only Western Conference finals appearance that year, but Leonard was sidelined for the whole season.

What can Kawhi Leonard bring to Team USA?

Kawhi Leonard is regarded as one of the best two-way forwards in basketball, known for his excellent midrange game and strong defense.

However, recent seasons have seen injuries hinder his performance and availability.

When healthy, Leonard is a formidable player. He averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 68 games during the 2023-24 season, earning his sixth All-Star appearance.

Fortunately for Leonard, he joins a Team USA roster packed with stars including LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Haliburton, Bam Adebayo, Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker.

Leonard will provide depth at the forward position alongside James, Durant and Tatum. Along with Holiday, Davis and Adebayo, he will also contribute to Team USA's strong defense.

Team USA coach Steve Kerr mentioned that with a roster full of NBA starters, his goal is to find effective combinations that work well at both ends of the court.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Kerr said (per AP). “I’m guessing that all 12 players on this roster will be in the Hall of Fame someday. So, how do you pick five out of 12? The idea is, you find combinations that click, and you find two-way lineups that can be effective at both ends.”

“Our big job in Las Vegas is to find five-man combinations that fit and to just ask all 12 guys to fully commit to the goal of winning a gold medal no matter what it looks like, no matter who’s playing.”

Team USA will play its first exhibition game against Canada in Las Vegas, followed by games in Abu Dhabi against Australia and Serbia, and in London against South Sudan and Germany.

Team USA will open its Olympic play on July 28 against Serbia.