By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Team USA, the undisputed favorites for the 2024 Paris Olympics, will begin their quest for a fifth consecutive gold medal against Serbia on July 28.
Ahead of the match, head coach Steve Kerr received encouraging news: Kevin Durant is expected to play against the 2023 FIBA World Cup finalists.
The USA’s all-time leading scorer, who is aiming to become the first player to win four gold medals, missed all of Team USA’s preparatory games this summer due to a calf injury. However, Durant practiced on Wednesday, participated in a scrimmage on Thursday, and is scheduled to practice again on Saturday.
“We’ll see how things go in practice,” said Kerr. “So far, so good. He came through the scrimmage two days ago pretty well. Having coached him before, he’s one of the few guys I’ve been around who can step back onto the court and immediately look like Kevin Durant, a player of his caliber. Most players would need some time to get their rhythm back, and he will too to some extent. But he’s pretty special.”
Kerr also stated that he has yet to determine if Durant will begin the game or come off the bench against Serbia.