Team USA Gets Another Brutal Kevin Durant Injury Update

Kevin Durant came into the this year’s version of Team USA viewed as one of the three most pivotal players on the roster. It was supposed to be him, LeBron James and Stephen Curry leading the charge into the 2024 Olympics.

Unfortunately, a strained calf has derailed Durant’s plans.

And his Health situation has seemingly gone from bad to worse ove the past few days.

“I think [Team USA is] gonna be playing Serbia without Kevin Durant,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on Monday.

“… Steve Kerr met with him today and they decided he needs more time with that strained calf. … They believe he will be able to play. But the hopes are dim that he’s gonna be able to do it against Serbia.”

“I think [Team USA] gonna be playing Serbia without Kevin Durant… Steve Kerr met with him today and they decided he needs more time with that strained calf… They could fly in a replacement [for KD], that’s not gonna happen.”

– Brian Windhorstpic.twitter.com/uHnrWF6Ybk

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 23, 2024

Given Durant’s precarious status, many wondered if Team USA may simply opt to replace him on the roster. According to Kerr, though – that isn’t an option.

“One thing Steve Kerr made very clear, he will not be replaced on the roster,” Windhorst added. “… They could fly in a replacement [for KD], that’s not gonna happen. Kevin Durant is going to be on this team.”

Given the messy way Kawhi Leonard’s relationship with Team USA ended, it makes sense that all parties involved want to avoid a similar outcome with Durant.

That said, Durant’s injury is a growing concern. It is increasingly looking like he may be unavailable for large swaths of the team’s Olympic run.

Whether or not the American side will be able to find a way to prevail without Durant, particularly given the intense level of comPetition they will face, remains to be seen.

Carlos Garcia

A longtime Sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB Games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.