OLYMPIC GAMES | BASKETBALL
Kevin Durant returns to Team USA practice ahead of Olympics opener
The Phoenix Suns forward continued his calf injury comeback in London on Friday and could feature in the final exhibition games before Paris.
After three wins from three in the pre-Olympics exhibition schedule, Team USA have welcomed Kevin Durant back to training camp practices. The 35-year-old was out on the court in London for the first time on Friday, looking to build up his fitness ahead of the team’s Olympics opener.
Durant had not been able to train with the team due to a calf strain but his recovery has progressed well and he could soon be back out on the court. He was able to take part in the practice in London but was tight-lipped on the prospect of featuring in Saturday’s exhibition game against South Sudan.
“I’m going to see how I feel after practice today,” said Durant, when asked whether he was likely to play on Saturday.
“It’s one of those things you just got to monitor every day and see how I feel after I do certain movements and certain exercises,” he continued. “But my thing is just keep grinding and see what happens.”
Will Kevin Durant play in Team USA’s exhibition games?
The game against South Sudan on Saturday is followed by another exhibition in London against Germany on Monday. This pair of fixtures will be the final chances for Durant to see competitive action before the start of the Games, but head coach Steve Kerr insisted that he would not rush him back: “I would love for him to play in a game, but we have to take it day by day.”
He’s not the only one eager to see Durant return to the team. LeBron James spoke to reporters after Durant’s first session back on Friday and highlighted his key qualities.
“More firepower, more leadership, more experience in the FIBA game,” James explained. “We welcome his return. We’re looking forward to him getting back out there and it just keeps us as strong as we can be.”
Heading into his fourth Games, Durant boasts an incredible record with Team USA. Already a three-time Olympic champion, Durant can claim a fourth gold medal in Paris this summer. He was named Most Valuable Player at the 2020 Games and now holds eight Team USA records, including most points (435), three-pointers made (74) and free throws made (69).