- Olympics. Alarm bells for the Dream Team: Kevin Durant could miss the Olympics
- NBA. JJ Redick is already 'coaching' Bronny James and reveals his future plans amid Summer League slump
It's been nearly a month since the NBA season concluded with the Boston Celtics clinching their 18th championship. During this period, the basketball world has been abuzz with trades, player relocations, and the NBA Draft, which saw Zaccharie Risacher go as the number one pick to the Atlanta Hawks and Bronny James join the Los Angeles Lakers to play alongside his father, LeBron James. However, the most significant event is yet to come with the Olympic Games in Paris.
The USA "Dream Team 2.0" has already played its first preparation game, securing an 86-72 victory against one of their toughest potential rivals, Canada. Although Kevin Durant did not play in the game, he was present for an interview on the "Up & Adams" show, where he humorously took a jab at his former teammate and friend Draymond Green. When asked who would perform better as an NFL tight end.
Durant quipped, "You seen Draymond's footage? It looks terrible." While Green's footage might appear subpar, tight ends are typically heavy and muscular, much like Draymond. Durant might excel more as a receiver, perhaps resembling a taller Calvin Johnson. This playful banter suggests that a skill challenge where NFL and NBA players swap sports could be an entertaining event.
Durant's Olympic Participation in Doubt
According to reports, Kevin Durant's recovery from a calf muscle strain has not progressed as hoped, and he is still not training with his team. Coach Steve Kerr has attempted to downplay Durant's injury publicly but has not confirmed Durant's participation in the Olympics. "I know it's still a couple of weeks before we have to make a decision on the roster," Kerr said when asked about the situation. "So, we're going to take it one day at a time."
Team USA is set to begin its Olympic campaign on Sunday, July 28, against NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and Serbia in a Group C matchup. The group also includes Puerto Rico and South Sudan, suggesting that the USA might deliver a historic blowout in one of these games as they aim for the gold, being overwhelming favorites.
The basketball community eagerly awaits the Olympic Games, not only for the high-level competition but also to see how Durant's situation unfolds. His presence on the court could be pivotal for Team USA's quest for another gold medal or not taking into account the super roster they have even without Kawhi Leonard and Durant out.