In collaboration with the Los Angeles Clippers, Team USA removed two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard from its roster for the Paris Olympics, citing chronic soreness in his surgically repaired right knee.

“We’re taking it day by day,” Leonard told reporters when asked on media day how soon he might be able to play. “Everything’s been going great for the past month, but they’re being very cautious for reasons.”

For reasons.

Probably because Leonard’s knee has kept him from participating fully in the last three postseasons. He told gathered media on Monday that the team wants to ensure his health for the “important moments.”

Well, the Clippers lost Paul George to free agency over the summer, and they could very well be fighting for a spot in the playoffs all season. It remains to be seen how many important moments there are in L.A.

To ESPN’s Ohm Youngmusik for more clarity:

So much for clarity. How could anything be both “something that he could have to deal with for the rest of his career” and not “something that will be an issue down the road”? Nothing to see there, I guess.

The Clippers replaced George with a hodgepodge of Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, Kris Dunn and Kevin Porter Jr., and Norman Powell, for one, does not anticipate much slippage from one season to the next.

OK, then. Good luck with that. At least James Harden will give us a cold dose of reality …

Or not. Fun fact: James Harden turned 35 years old in August. Luka Dončić is 25.