Kevin Durant Sidelined with Calf Strain Ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics
The US men’s basketball team has been dealt a blow ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, with star player Kevin Durant nursing a calf strain that has kept him from participating fully in training camp.
Durant, who is aiming to become the first four-time gold medalist in men’s Olympic basketball history, has assured team officials that the injury is not serious, but a timeline for his return to full activity has not been set.
“Day-to-day,” US coach Steve Kerr said. “We’re just going to show an abundance of caution.”
“He’s frustrated,” fellow USA Basketball and Phoenix Suns teammate Devin Booker said about Durant. “He can’t be out there with us.”
Durant’s absence has been felt by his teammates, who are working hard to prepare for the Olympics. Jayson Tatum, another forward, was excused from the first two days of camp workouts for personal reasons but is expected to join his teammates on the floor on Monday.
Road to the Olympics
The US men’s team has five exhibition games scheduled before heading to Paris for the Olympics, where they will face Serbia in their opening match on July 28.
Durant has been a key player for the US team in previous Olympics, helping the Americans win titles in London, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo. He has scored 435 points in Olympic play, the most in US men’s history.
US Team Preparations
The US team arrived in Las Vegas for training camp last week, with Kerr and his coaching staff putting the players through their paces in preparation for the Olympics.
“We’re just going to be really careful and smart and take it day by day and go from there,” Kerr said.
Durant’s injury is a setback for the team, but they remain focused on their goal of winning a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
The US men’s basketball team is working hard in training camp ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Conclusion
While Durant’s injury is a concern, the US men’s basketball team remains confident in their abilities and is working hard to prepare for the Olympics. With a strong squad and a experienced coaching staff, they are well-placed to make a deep run in the tournament.
