Kevin Durant will be on Team USA’s roster when it is confirmed for the Olympic Games this weekend.
The Phoenix Suns forward has been struggling with a right calf strain for over a month and has missed all five of the US’s warm-up games for Paris, including last night’s 92-88 victory over Germany in London.
He is scheduled to train with the team later this week but is unlikely to be available for their tournament opener, a tough assignment against Serbia on Sunday.
5-0 & now it’s time for the real thing.
🇺🇸 #USABMNT x #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/y4v24EIwQ7
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 22, 2024
Asked if he had considered leaving Durant out and summoning a replacement, coach Steve Kerr said: “There’s no thought of replacing Kevin.
“I was hoping he would get a game in here [in London], but it just didn’t work out that way.”
Durant has a history of calf problems but Kerr, who coached him at the Golden State Warriors, has no doubt he will return strongly.
“When he missed time, he came right back – and he is who he is,” he added. “He’s one of the most skilled players of all time. So, we hope he comes back soon, and I think he’ll fit right in.”
After facing Serbia, Team USA take on South Sudan on July 30 before a clash with Puerto Rico on August 2.