USA men’s team player Kevin Durant pictured during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY SportsTeam USA welcomed Kevin Durant back to practice from a calf injury, raising optimism he will be ready to go for the Olympics pool play opener Sunday against Serbia.
Durant did not play in either exhibition in Abu Dhabi or London, and his next test comes Thursday in a full-contact practice, head coach Steve Kerr said.
“The plan is for him to get in the scrimmage and see how he handles that,” Kerr said. “He looked good today and he did everything and got a lot of shots up and told me he’s feeling pretty good.”
Durant, 35, played for Kerr with the Golden State Warriors when he suffered a torn Achilles while playing through what the team diagnosed as a calf strain.
Durant hasn’t been shy about communication with Kerr and Team USA’s managing director, Grant Hill. Kerr said the Phoenix Suns, Durant’s current NBA employer, and his agents also are in the loop.
“(Hill) is constantly in touch with Kevin’s people and with the Suns,” Kerr said. “This is not going to be like us going out and saying, ‘Hey, let’s just throw him out there.’ This will be a big collaboration.”
Team USA defeated Serbia in Abu Dhabi, 105-79, as part of a 5-0 run through the team’s exhibition schedule.
–Field Level Media
Team USA’s basketball team received a boost with the return of Kevin Durant to practice after recovering from a calf injury. Durant’s presence on the court raises optimism for the team as they prepare for their Olympics pool play opener against Serbia.
Durant, a key player for Team USA, was sidelined for both exhibition games in Abu Dhabi and London due to his injury. Head coach Steve Kerr announced that Durant would participate in a full-contact practice to assess his readiness for upcoming games.
“The plan is for him to get in the scrimmage and see how he handles that,” Kerr stated. “He looked good today and he did everything and got a lot of shots up and told me he’s feeling pretty good.”
Durant’s injury history includes a torn Achilles suffered while playing for the Golden State Warriors, which was initially diagnosed as a calf strain. Despite his setbacks, Durant has maintained open communication with Kerr, Team USA’s managing director Grant Hill, and his NBA team, the Phoenix Suns.
“(Hill) is constantly in touch with Kevin’s people and with the Suns,” Kerr explained. “This is not going to be like us going out and saying, ‘Hey, let’s just throw him out there.’ This will be a big collaboration.”
Team USA’s successful exhibition game against Serbia in Abu Dhabi showcased their potential with a convincing 105-79 victory. Durant’s return to the court adds depth and experience to the team as they aim for success in the upcoming Olympic games.
With Durant’s progress and collaboration with the coaching staff and medical team, Team USA remains optimistic about his availability for the crucial matches ahead. As the team continues to fine-tune their game plan, Durant’s presence on the court will undoubtedly be a game-changer for their Olympic campaign.
