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Seven-time NBA All-Star Empathizes With Kawhi Leonard Injury Situation

Former NBA great, who is now the managing director for U.S.A. Basketball, gives heartfelt message to Kawhi Leonard on his departure from the United States men's basketball team.

Scott Salomon

Feb 23, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; TNT broadcaster Grant Hill during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; TNT broadcaster Grant Hill during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kawhi Leonard got the bad news straight from a man who knows what it is like to struggle with injuries.

When he was sent home from Las Vegas and told he was not going to Paris, it was a decision Grant Hill felt obligated to make. Hill discussed the topic on Team USA Basketball Town Hall on SiriusXM NBA Radio.

If anyone can empathize with Leonard losing his Olympics roster spot due to nagging injuries, it's Hill. Leonard was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White.

Hill battled through injuries all throughout his career.

Leonard has nursed injuries he sustained last season season that have not healed.

"I know Kawhi has had some struggles with injuries....and maybe I felt a kinship of sort because I had struggled with injuries," Hill said. "There is some empathy for a guy who is a great player who has been injured."

Hill spoke about the feelings he has for Leonard. He also said he had a difficult time making the move to approach Leonard about not playing in Paris.

"Personally speaking. I know what it's like to want to do something, but your body's just not right,"
Hill said. "And so I applaud [Kawhi] for coming here and being willing to sacrifice, give up his summer, and represent our country. Ultimately, it didn't work out."

"Having that discussion that its not in the cards, its difficult."

Scott Salomon is a contributor to Back in the Day NBA. He can be reached at sas@southfloridamedianetwork.com.

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Scott Salomon
SCOTT SALOMON

Scott Salomon joined FanNation on Sports Illustrated in April 2024 covering breaking news and analysis for the Miami Dolphins channel. In June he joined Inside the Heat and Back in the Day NBA. Scott is based in South Florida and has been covering the local and national sports scene for 35 years. Scott has covered and has been credentialed for the Super Bowl, the NFL Combine, various Orange Bowls and college football championship games. Scott was also credentialed for the NBA All-Star game and covered the Miami Heat during their first six seasons for USA TODAY. Scott is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Communication and the St. Thomas University School of Law. Scott has two sons and his hobbies include watching sports on television and binge watching shows on various streaming services. Twitter: @ScottSalomonNFL