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After perennially injured All-NBA L.A. Clippers ahead Kawhi Leonard was basically compelled to withdraw from Workforce USA basketball this summer season earlier than the Paris Olympics, it seems that the destiny of one other celebrity ahead (and Leonard’s 2019 NBA Finals foe), All-Star Phoenix Suns energy ahead Kevin Durant, is now in jeopardy.
The 6-foot-11 large man sat out Workforce USA’s exhibition matchup in opposition to Workforce Canada final Wednesday in Las Vegas, an 86-72 comeback victory, with a calf pressure. He subsequently missed Workforce USA’s Abu Dhabi apply on Saturday and can stay on the shelf for a Monday warmup sport in opposition to one other loaded program, Workforce Australia.
“I do know there’s nonetheless a few weeks earlier than now we have to decide roster-wise,” Workforce USA head coach Steve Kerr stated concerning Durant’s long-term destiny with the membership. “So we’re simply taking it daily.”
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Pictures
Per Windhorst, Workforce USA is outwardly assured sufficient that Durant will show obtainable to signify his nation within the competitors this 12 months that it has but to produce a backup plan for his substitute.
“It isn’t one thing we have even mentioned at this level as a result of we really feel good that [Durant] goes to be OK,” Kerr continued.
Kerr coached Durant to a few NBA Finals and a pair of titles with the Golden State Warriors from 2016-19, earlier than a dissatisfied Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent.
Durant, a 14-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA honoree (together with this season, when he was named to an All-NBA Second Workforce as the most effective participant for the 49-33 Suns), two-time Finals MVP with the Warriors, and the 2013-14 league MVP, is a frequent flier in worldwide play. He received his first gold medal on Workforce USA throughout the 2010 FIBA World Cup, then joined Workforce USA for the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Olympics (the “2020” Tokyo Olympics truly transpired in 2021 as a result of COVID-19 pandemic).
One of the elite scorers within the historical past of the league, the 35-year-old Texas product has barely misplaced a step when he is been in a position to go well with up, averaging 26.2 factors on a .523/.413/.856 slash line, 6.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 0.9 steals an evening throughout 75 common season video games with the Suns in 2023-24.
Leonard was changed by Boston Celtics All-Defensive guard Derrick White, a lot to the obvious chagrin of his All-Star small ahead teammate Jaylen Brown. Brown would make some sense as a Durant substitute if want be, because of his stable scoring and higher perimeter protection.
Learn Extra: NBA Champion to Change Kawhi Leonard on Workforce USA in Paris Olympics: Report
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Newsweek is dedicated to difficult typical knowledge and discovering connections within the seek for frequent floor.
Newsweek is dedicated to difficult typical knowledge and discovering connections within the seek for frequent floor.
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