Kevin Durant remains sidelined with a calf strain, but Team USA is optimistic that he’ll be ready in time for the Olympics, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN. Durant missed practice again today in Abu Dhabi and isn’t expected to play in Monday’s exhibition contest against Australia. He also sat out Wednesday’s game against Canada in Las Vegas.
“I know there’s still a couple of weeks before we have to make a decision roster-wise,” coach Steve Kerr said. “So we’re just taking it day by day.”
The U.S. squad has already made one roster move, selecting Derrick White to replace Kawhi Leonard, who has been troubled by inflammation in his right knee since late in the regular season. White is headed to the United Arab Emirates and is expected to participate in his first practice on Sunday, Windhorst adds.
The team doesn’t seem to have a backup plan in place if Durant is unable to play.
“It’s not something we’ve even discussed at this point because we feel good that he is going to be OK,” Kerr said.
There’s more on Team USA:
- Jaylen Brown didn’t intend any disrespect toward White when he sent out a series of tweets expressing disappointment that he wasn’t considered to replace Leonard, writes Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. Brown was upset that he wasn’t a priority after helping the Celtics post the league’s best record and being named MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals. Brown also suggested that politics may be involved, as Nike is sponsoring the Olympic team and Brown has been critical of the company in the past, particularly after it dropped Kyrie Irving.
- First-time Olympians Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton are the youngest players on a veteran squad and will likely be part of the future for Team USA, notes Chris Hine of The Star Tribune. The two guards are the only members of last year’s World Cup team that were invited to be part of the Olympics. “We got one common goal in mind and that’s to not come up short this year,” Edwards said. “We the young’uns. We might be in this thing a few years to come. That’s my brother.”
- In an interview with Drew Weisholtz of The Today Show, LeBron James confirmed that he won’t be playing in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. James, 39, already has two Olympic golds and wants to win one more for his country before he retires. “At this point in my career, I still, I have a lot to give,” he said, “and Team USA has given a lot to me, so I feel like it’s an opportunity for me to give back.”
Bronny will carry the family tradition in 2028. He is tearing up the summer league
I think what you meant is that. The Lakers are tearing up watching him play lol
Funny how athletes cant understand that if they speak out politically in any direction, there are ramifications and consequences. Almost all of this yapping by Brown was unasked for, and quite useless to the discourse overall.
There’s nuance between “shut up and ball” and maybe just they should stop talking when no one is asking, its a difficult line to tread, but still, Brown should be cognizant of all of this when he speaks out at targeted groups/individuals (which he isn’t).
Exact opposite. These are great athletes and mostly very opinionated about social issues. As long as they are respectful they should share their opinions even when no one is asking. We may not like what they say but it’s important to hear different perspectives from athletes, artists, singers, actors, and all different segments of society. The more we hear different opinions the more we are likely to be open minded about different perspectives in life.
He’s not dumb. link to athlonsports.com
Although it’s very very unlikely to ever happen but I’d love to see a villain arc of Jaylen, where he leaves the Celtics to prove himself to everyone.
He might not post better stats than Tatum but he proved he was him these playoffs. He’s now been overlooked for the Olympics.
As I said it won’t happen but I’d love to see him go somewhere and have him own team and ball out.
Jaylen is one of the smartest players in the league and because of that a low state tax team such as Rockets, Spurs, Mavs, Magic and Heat would make some sense, of those the Spurs is Vics team and Mavs Lukas.
The Rockets could be a link cause former coach Udoka, however I think Miami makes the most sense.
Take takeover after Jimmy, amazing off the court set up with coach Spol and Pat Riley. Hopefully have a good foundation with Herro and Bam or switching like that but clearly he’s the focal point.
It would just be a good story line for him
get durant out of there already. damaged goods. what are they waiting for? just give brown his dang spot.
Phoenix doesn’t need ol’ Ostrich Legs injured to start the season.
These legs can’t do the Olympics and an 82 game season
link to pexels.com
What I don’t get is. ……..
Why isn’t Bronny a PG. is it too late ????
I mean a real PG ……
Mario Chalmers role
If you’re building a team of the best why wouldn’t Jaylen Brown make the team? Brown is getting screwed