Kevin Durant practiced with the U.S. Olympic basketball team on Friday, marking a significant milestone in his journey to compete in the upcoming Paris Games. This practice session was Durant's first appearance with the team this summer, as he had been sidelined due to a calf strain that occurred just before the start of training camp in Las Vegas.
Expressing optimism about his recovery, Durant mentioned that he has been making progress each day and emphasized the importance of monitoring his condition closely. He highlighted the need to assess his physical response to various exercises, particularly focusing on running, to gauge his readiness for the upcoming games.
The U.S. team has been performing well in their pre-Olympic tune-ups, securing victories against Canada, Australia, and Serbia in recent exhibition games. Durant's potential return to the lineup is expected to enhance the team's depth and competitiveness, with his scoring prowess and experience adding valuable assets to the roster.
As the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. men's program in Olympic competition, Durant's presence is highly anticipated by both fans and teammates. His previous Olympic success, including gold medal wins in Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, and London, positions him as a key figure in the team's quest for another title.
Reflecting on his Olympic journey, Durant acknowledged the impact of his experience at the 2012 London Games, describing it as a pivotal moment in his career. He credited the opportunity to learn from basketball legends and observe their work ethic as instrumental in his development as a player.
The Paris Olympics are set to commence on July 26, with the U.S. men's team scheduled to face Serbia in their opening game at Lille, France. With Durant's potential return to full strength, the team is poised to showcase their talent and pursuit of a historic fourth consecutive gold medal in men's basketball.
For more updates on the Summer Olympics, visit AP Summer Olympics.
