June 23 (Reuters) - San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard said on Thursday he will not participate in the Rio Games, making him the latest NBA player to opt out of consideration for the U.S. Olympic basketball team.
Leonard, a defensive specialist who was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2014 NBA Finals when the Spurs won the championship, did not disclose any reason for his decision.
"This was a very difficult decision," Leonard, 24, said in a statement released by the Spurs.
"It's an honor to have been considered for the team and I hope that in the future I will have the chance to represent my country by playing for USA Basketball.