By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
While USA superstar Kevin Durant didn’t play in any of the five preparation games his team had ahead of the Olympic Games, it’s not even a question whether he will be included on the roster for Paris.
“There’s no thought of replacing Kevin,” USA coach Steve Kerr said after his team’s win over Germany in an exhibition game in London. Durant is recovering from a right calf strain he suffered in June.
Durant took some shots during the game warmup but eventually sat out the game. Kerr and his staff are expecting to see him participating in a scrimmage at least before he becomes eligible to actually steps on the floor for a match.
Kerr is optimistic also because of his prior experience of coaching Durant and knowing his injury recovery process. “When he missed time, he came right back. And he is who he is,” Kerr mentioned. “He’s one of the most skilled players of all time. So, we hope he comes back soon and I think he’ll fit right in.”
Over the last couple of weeks saw his players completing the 2024 USA Basketball Showcase with an undefeated record over five games. They began with a win over Canada and then beat Serbia and Australia in Abu Dhabi.
Upon their arrival in Europe, they almost fell victim to an upset by South Sudan and then survived Germany at the last minute. LeBron James was the on who stepped up in both of these games to push the USA to victories.
USA will begin the 2024 Olympics against Serbia Sunday (28/7).