Kevin Durant has not played in any of Team USA’s exhibition games leading up to the Paris Olympics, and NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes he may continue to sit out during the tournament.
ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst shared an update on Durant’s status, expressing doubts about his availability for Team USA’s first pool game against Serbia.
“I think [Team USA] is going to be playing Serbia without Kevin Durant… Steve Kerr met with him today and they decided he needs more time with that strained calf. … They believe he will be able to play. But the hopes are dim that he’s going to be able to do it against Serbia,” Windhorst said on SportsCenter.
Windhorst also mentioned, “One thing Steve Kerr made very clear, he will not be replaced on the roster. … They could fly in a replacement [for KD], that’s not going to happen. Kevin Durant is going to be on this team.”
Kerr confirmed to reporters that there is “no thought” of not bringing Durant to Paris, but the team wants him to participate in several practices before returning, SI‘s Grant Afseth reports.
When asked about integrating KD mid-tournament, Durant’s NBA rival Jrue Holiday responded, “No… That’s Kevin Durant, my boy.”
Team USA boasts a strong lineup for the Olympics, making it easier to fill the void left by Durant’s potential absence.
If Team USA secures gold in Paris, Durant will become the all-time leader in Men’s Olympic basketball gold medals, having previously won in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
Unlike previous Olympics where KD was the team’s leader, veteran players like Steph Curry and LeBron James can take charge in Durant’s absence.
