Kevin Durant is currently in the twilight years of his NBA career, but he remains one of the most talented basketball players in the world. It's no surprise that Durant is among the 12 players representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
However, Durant has been sidelined from action due to a calf injury. As a result, KD missed all of Team USA's exhibition games ahead of the Olympics. Fans are undoubtedly waiting for the Phoenix Suns superstar's return to bolster Team USA's chances of winning the gold medal.
NBA analyst Brian Windhorst recently revealed the timeline of Durant's potential return to the team in Paris.
"Rich Kleiman, Durant's agent, told ESPN that Durant has been working tirelessly to return to play and he could've played during Team USA's games in London," Windhorst wrote . "After holding Durant out of Monday's game against Germany, Kerr said Durant was "day-to-day" and that the plan was for him to have "a couple practices in a row and a scrimmage" before he'd be available."
Steve Kerr provides details on Durant's return
The former NBA MVP's absence from Team USA's roster in London games certainly contributed to their close matchups against Germany and South Sudan. Despite that, Kerr revealed that USAB will take a slow approach with the Suns star's return.
"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's return is crucial for Team USA in various ways. For starters, KD is still one of the best scorers in the world. Combining him with the presence of LeBron James and Stephen Curry will likely lock in the chances of winning the gold medal.
Moreover, Team USA's struggles from the 3-point line are imminent. Durant, who shoots 38.7% from deep, will help them in avoiding these struggles during the Olympics.
Kerr is not worried about chemistry concerns upon KD's Team USA return
Durant's inability to attend Team USA's scrimmages before the Olympics has raised some concerns from the fans. Many are worried about whether or not KD can adjust to the team in Paris. Kerr nipped such concerns in the bud by giving an example from Durant's time at the Golden State Warriors.
"When he missed time, he came right back, and he is who he is," Kerr said. "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."
At the end of the day, Durant is a world class talent. KD may miss Team USA's opening game vs. Serbia on July 28, 2024, but should return to the team after that.
Related: "I knew I had to wait my turn" - Kevin Durant embraced disappointment over being snubbed in the 2008 Redeem Team
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