Ahead of LA Clippers veteran Kawhi Leonard’s seventh All-Star Game appearance, he expects a competitive schedule despite not fully understanding the new format. Leonard led the Clippers’ hard-fought 105-102 win against the Houston Rockets.
According to NBA on Prime Insider Chris Haynes, he said, Leonard is also expecting a competitive night.
“It’s going to start with the starters, whoever gets there first,” Leonard said. “For me, personally, we need to get back to the way it was, and if guys are going to play hard, they’ll play hard. I think it will be competitive this year. I don’t know what the format is like. But hopefully, guys are competing. They usually do, but it’s also an All-Star Game.”
The NBA’s new USA vs. World format will feature three teams – Team World, USA Stars and USA Stripes – each with eight players, competing in a round-robin tournament.
Leonard will play for Team USA Stripes alongside Houston Rockets’ Kevin Durant, Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James and New York Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson, as well as Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown and Cleveland Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell. Brandon Ingram of the Toronto Raptors and De’Aaron Fox of the San Antonio Spurs are replacing injured All-Stars Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks.
Lakers All-Star Luka Doncic, Denver Nuggets two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and first-time All-Star Jamal Murray will play for Team World. Alperen Sengun of the Rockets, Karl-Anthony Towns of the Knicks and Victor Vembanyama of the Spurs are also on the team, as well as first-time All-Star forwards Danny Avdija of the Portland Blazers and Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers.
Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards will join Team USA stars along with Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker, Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey and the Detroit Pistons’ All-Star duo of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. The Raptors’ Scottie Barnes is also on the team, along with Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, who is making his first All-Star appearance.
Kawhi Leonard’s opinion on Clippers’ Darius Garland trade
Clippers veteran Kawhi Leonard discusses Darius Garland following the Clippers’ trade with the Cavs during All-Star weekend. While Garland recovers from a toe injury, Leonard can’t wait to join the team’s offense when healthy.
“I believe he was probably about 20 or 21 years old when I first came here,” Leonard said. “He was probably in his third year in the league, so he just kept working and over time he transitioned from being the guy that stayed in the fourth quarter and held down the fort for us in the paint. Also became very efficient in the post, creating mismatches or double teams on guys his size.
“His development has been great, he’s playing well, and he’ll still have a chance to win at Indiana when Tyrese comes back, and they get their whole group together. I told him, it’s not the worst, so just enjoy your kid, and he’ll get a chance to play for a championship.”
The Clippers have won three of their last four games before the All-Star break.
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