Kevin Durant didn’t participate in any of Team USA’s exhibition games due to a right calf strain. Regardless, his spot on the 12-man roster is not in jeopardy as the team heads to Paris for the Olympics, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
“There’s no thought of replacing Kevin,” coach Steve Kerr said. “I was hoping he would get a game in here, but it just didn’t work out that way.”
The current plan for Durant is to practice with the team several times when it gets to France later this week. Kerr said he wants Durant to have some contact and go through a scrimmage before the Suns superstar suits up. His availability for Sunday’s pool play opener against Serbia is uncertain but Durant practiced last week and ramped up his activity level over the weekend.
We have more on Team USA:
- After its stunning close call against South Sudan, Team USA had another tough challenge in its exhibition finale against Germany on Monday. LeBron James came to the rescue, supplying 20 points, six rebounds and four assists. He made several clutch plays and baskets down the stretch of a 92-88 win, scoring the team’s last 11 points. “Just putting the team on his shoulders,” said Jrue Holiday, per Windhorst.
- Joel Embiid had his best exhibition outing on Monday, as he contributed 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists. “People who watch me know that every season it takes me a couple of games to get going, and this is no different,” Embiid said. “That’s the reason we’ve got preseason games. I feel like myself and I’m going to keep going and I’m going to be playing at that MVP level I’ve played for the last five or six seasons.”
- Holiday is appearing in his second straight Olympics. He had 10 points, six rebounds and four assists on Monday. “Plug into the gaps where I can,” Holiday told Mark Medina of Sportskeeda.com, explaining how he expects to contribute. “Knowing that because of the caliber of the team that we have, the minutes might not be there. Or we might not even play in some games. Whenever you get the chance to shoot, you might just get one or two shots. I feel like somebody like me, it’s not about the shots. It’s about going out there and experiencing the game and doing the things that is a little bit of the dirty work. You can impact the game without scoring. I’d like to think I’ve always been that type of player.”
LeBron James, Terence Crawford, Michael Phelps, Floyd Mayweather Jr. As far as male American athletes those guys have been the gold standard over the past 25yrs. Steph, Brady & surely others are great as well but Bron/Bud/Phelps/Money just on a different level. We saw it today when Bron just took complete control (of what had been a thrilling, competitive game) vs Germany in the last 4mins & we’ll see it again in LA on Aug 3 when Bud goes & becomes a world champ in his 4th weight class… link to m.youtube.com
More links. More delusions. Everyone you listed is squarely in a tier below Michael Phelps. Nobody even comes close.
Your takes are so bad. Imagine being this oblivious.
Lol you’re salty. But do you have anything to back up that wild claim or is it just the anger speaking?
Floyd & Bud both undefeated champs across numerous weight classes. Both guys were/are the picture of versatility & discipline (same could be said for Bron & Phelps in their respective sports tbh) in the ring. Both guys been down only once, neither ever been hurt even tho they both fought/slayed all the best guys in their orbit. Both guys completely dominant for well over a decade. Other than not recognizing boxing as a legitimate sport how could the 2 Americans who have dominated the sport as much/moreso than anyone ever be a tier below any athlete?… link to m.youtube.com
Personally, Sankara one of the best posters here. His posts are always interesting, unlike the vast majority of biased opinions here or elsewhere, especially elsewhere (these boards are mostly ok, as long as not about the Warriors who somehow bring out the wasters).
My guy! I appreciate that bro thank you.
Embiid “it always takes me a few games to get going”. Yea, we know it’s called not being in shape
You.need to take that P out of your name, you soil it.
This Durant situation smells like they want him to break records for Olympic participation at the expense of team chemistry. Team USA is struggling with playing together so adding a new player during the start of the real games will not help. The decision making surrounding Durant’s participation is very questionable.
i see it as a long play from kerr to cater to kd and then get him to comeback and team back up with curry to end his career at the only place he got a championship.
Kerr does not have sole responsibility for team make up, there is a “brain trust” that does it.
Did Mo Wagner get hurt? I didn’t hear anything mentioned about him not playing in the most important time of the game. He was a huge factor.
But man Lebron is amazing.
With the strict anti doping and the downfall of media narratives and the lies they have been telling for years coming full circle in live time. Lebron being caught for PEDs is just a matter of time. And the way he looks and is getting more youthful as he ages that time may be soon. Yes, I’m being a conspiracy theorist.
This is either incredibly well done satire or actual schizophrenia.
Shameful quote from Embiid. You’re supposed to be a professional. Show up ready. Maybe if you focused on getting in shape you wouldn’t get injured every year.
I’m surprised the Suns haven’t stepped in at this point. Rushing back from that calf injury is just not worth it.