On July 25, Beijing time, according to ESPN and other media reports, the United States men's basketball team arrived in Lille, France, and Durant has fully participated in today's team training, one step closer to an official comeback. He had missed all five warm-up games due to injury, and his availability for the opening group stage game of the Olympics against Serbia will largely depend on tomorrow's intra-squad performance.
Asked if he was worried that Durant would not be able to play at the Olympics, coach Kerr said: "No, he's had a full training session today, and like I said, the plan is that he'll play tomorrow. ”
Kerr confirmed that the United States men's basketball team has opened conversations about Durant's injury. "It's always been a collaboration," Kerr said, "and it's not just our training staff, Durant is constantly in touch with his staff, with the Suns. It's not going to be a 'we'll just put him on the pitch' situation, it's a great collaboration. ”
According to sources, the Suns are not overly concerned about Durant's injury. New coach Budenholzer revealed that the Suns' team doctor has provided Durant with excellent support to help him recover. The Suns team doctor has an excellent reputation in the circle, and even has the title of "miracle doctor", with their intervention, Durant is expected to be healthy to play in the Olympics.
Kerr said Team United States had a series of no-run and shooting drills today. Durant did "everything" in training, but tomorrow's matchup will be a more real test of his injury.
'Our plan was to put him in the game and see how he copes,' Kerr said, "and he looked good today, he did everything, shot a lot and told me he was feeling good. ”
Durant hopes to win his fourth Olympic gold medal, and he is Team United States' all-time leading scorer in the Olympic men's basketball competition. Durant played in 75 games during the 2023-24 regular season, averaging 27.1 points per game, was named to the All-NBA Second Team, and remains one of the best players in the game. He will be 36 years old in September.