As Team USA prepares for their first exhibition game against Team Canada, they will be missing one of their key players, Kevin Durant, due to a calf strain. This setback has kept Durant out of the entirety of the national team’s training camp in Las Vegas. Despite his absence, Durant remains optimistic about his recovery, stating that he feels better and is taking it day by day. This injury comes as a blow to Team USA, as Durant is expected to be a key contributor and is in line to win a record-setting fourth gold medal if he and the team achieve their ultimate goals.
Kevin Durant, who is nearing 36 years old, has faced a series of leg injuries in recent years. He missed the entire 2019-20 NBA season with a torn right Achilles that he suffered in the 2019 NBA Finals. Since then, Durant has had limited playing time, appearing in 35, 55, and 47 games over the next three seasons. Despite his injury woes, Durant managed to play 75 games in the past season for the Phoenix Suns, showcasing his exceptional talent by averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.
With Kevin Durant sidelined for the exhibition opener against Team Canada, Team USA coach Steve Kerr will need to reassess the starting lineup. While it is expected that players like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid will secure three spots, the remaining two spots are up for grabs. In light of Durant’s absence, players like Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, Kawhi Leonard, and Jayson Tatum are all potential options to fill the void. This gives Kerr an opportunity to test different lineup combinations and strategies in preparation for the Olympics.
Despite missing the exhibition opener, Durant remains hopeful that he will be back on the court for the later games in Abu Dhabi. Team USA is scheduled to face Australia on July 15 and Serbia on July 17, with Durant aiming to rejoin the team for those matchups. Kerr mentioned that Durant is already undergoing strengthening and treatment exercises on the side and is progressing well in his recovery. The coaching staff is taking a cautious approach to ensure Durant’s full recovery before he returns to competitive play.
As Team USA gears up for their exhibition game against Team Canada, the coaching staff is optimistic about the team’s readiness. Despite Durant’s absence, the team has been putting in the work during training camp to prepare for the upcoming challenges. Kerr emphasized the importance of taking it day by day and mentioned that Durant is the only player expected to be unavailable for the game. This exhibition matchup will serve as an immediate test of Team USA’s capabilities, especially against a Canadian team that is considered a threat to medal in the upcoming Olympics.
Kevin Durant’s absence from Team USA’s exhibition game against Team Canada poses a challenge for the team, but it also provides an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their talents. Durant’s recovery timeline will be closely monitored, and the coaching staff is focused on ensuring his full recovery before he returns to action. Team USA remains confident in their abilities and is determined to make a strong statement in the exhibition games leading up to the Paris Olympics.
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