Kevin Durant took a major step toward his return to the U.S. Olympic basketball team on Friday, practicing with the squad in London. It marked his first time on the court with the team this summer after suffering a calf strain shortly before training camp began in July. Durant expressed optimism about his progress, saying he’s been seeing improvement daily. The team is monitoring his condition closely, and he will continue to assess his progress as he participates in various exercises and drills.
The U.S. team has been undefeated in its pre-Olympic exhibition games, boasting a 3-0 record with victories over Canada, Australia, and Serbia. Durant’s potential return would bolster an already strong roster, adding firepower, leadership, and experience to a team aiming for gold in Paris. LeBron James, a fellow three-time Olympic medalist, enthusiastically welcomed Durant back, highlighting the value of his experience and skillset to the team.
With a successful return, Durant could become the first men’s basketball player to win four Olympic gold medals. The Paris Games open on July 26th, with the U.S. men’s team kicking off their tournament two days later against Serbia in Lille, France. Reflecting on his journey, Durant recalled the significance of the 2012 London Olympics, a turning point in his career where he learned valuable lessons from seasoned veterans. He expressed excitement about returning to the city where he first experienced the Olympic atmosphere and developed a deeper understanding of the game.
