With the Paris Olympics fast approaching, the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team has kicked off its training camp. However, not all players are participating right away. Forward Kevin Durant, a key member of Team USA, has been sidelined with a minor calf strain.
Head coach Steve Kerr confirmed to reporters on Sunday that Durant missed the first two days of camp in Las Vegas due to the injury. Kerr explained that Durant’s strain occurred just before the camp started, and the decision to rest him was made “out of an abundance of caution,” as reported by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
USA In the 2024 Paris Olympics
This summer, Team USA boasts one of its most impressive rosters yet, featuring NBA stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Jayson Tatum. Additionally, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has chosen to play for Team USA over France and Cameroon, two other countries he was eligible to represent.
Steve Kerr has taken the helm as head coach of Team USA, following the previous Olympic cycle. The team includes seasoned veterans like James and Curry, with Durant standing out as one of the most experienced players. The 35-year-old forward is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, having won in 2012, 2016, and the 2020 Olympics, which were delayed to 2021 due to the pandemic. Durant also holds the title of all-time leading scorer for Team USA.
Team USA has a storied history at the Olympics, winning a medal in every Games they have participated in since 1936. They have clinched gold in the last four consecutive Olympics, setting high expectations for this year’s star-studded team.