San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard  has decided to decline his invitation to play in the Olympic games in Rio like many of his counterparts have been doing in recent weeks.

Kawhi Leonard
Barry Goosage/Getty Images

Leonard is expecting to have his first child in July, which would coincide right along with the start of the exhibition games in Los Angeles.

Leornard released a statement not citing a reason, but withdrawing his consideration. He also declined an invitation in 2014 after the Spurs won the NBA title against the Miami Heat.

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This was a very difficult decision. 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.

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