Kevin Durant took a major step towards rejoining Team USA at the Paris Olympics, participating in practice for the first time this summer after recovering from a calf strain.
Kevin Durant practiced with Team USA on Friday, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from a calf strain that sidelined him for the start of training camp.
The Brooklyn Nets star has been diligently monitoring his progress and is hopeful of returning to action soon. "I've seen progress every day," Durant said before practice in London. "Just got to monitor it every day. I'll see how I feel after I do certain exercises."
Kevin Durant Practices with Team USA, Eyes Return for Paris Olympics
Team USA's record stands at 3-0 in pre-Olympic exhibitions, with victories over Canada, Australia, and Serbia. Durant's return would bolster an already formidable squad.
"More firepower, more leadership, more experience in the FIBA game," said LeBron James, a three-time Olympic medalist. "We welcome his return. We're looking forward to him being back out there."
Durant, the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. men's basketball team at the Olympics, could become the first four-time gold medalist in history. He has previously contributed to gold medal victories in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
Recalling his experience in London in 2012, Durant said, "Just being around greats every single day and seeing how they operate, I just took a lot of that stuff with me."
The Paris Olympics commence on July 26, with the U.S. men's team facing Serbia in their tournament opener two days later. Durant's potential return adds excitement to the team's pursuit of a fourth consecutive gold medal.
In addition to Durant's return, Team USA is also bolstered by several other NBA stars, including Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard, and Chris Paul. The team has been performing well in exhibitions, providing a glimpse of their potential for success in Paris.
Coach Gregg Popovich has expressed satisfaction with the team's chemistry and cohesion, despite the absence of some key players due to injury or other commitments.
Durant's return to practice has raised expectations for Team USA, with hopes that he will recover fully and contribute significantly to the pursuit of gold in Paris. His experience, leadership, and scoring prowess would undoubtedly strengthen the team's chances of success in the upcoming Olympics.
