Kevin Durant Calls ‘Euro vs. USA’ Criticisms a Matter of Race: “They’re Tired of Us Controlling the Sport”

Kevin Durant wants to wear USA colors in LA28 to re-establish America's dominance in basketball amidst fear international teams have caught up.

Kevin Durant Calls ‘Euro vs. USA’ Criticisms a Matter of Race: “They’re Tired of Us Controlling the Sport”

Kevin Durant does not like USA vs. World narratives (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Kevin Durant criticizes the narrative of a Euro vs. USA basketball divide, suggesting it has racial undertones.
  • He expresses a desire to compete in the LA28 Olympics, aiming for a fifth gold medal.
  • Durant emphasizes that he wants to earn his place on the team based on performance, not seniority.

James Harden, and before him, Russell Westbrook, both former teammates of Kevin Durant, were the last Americans to win the NBA’s regular-season MVP award.

Since then, the award has been won by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and, most recently, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, all International players plying their trade in the States.

In this year’s race, four of the top five are international players, with Cade Cunningham being the lone American fighting for his right to be among them.

With many analysts and former players talking about how home-grown athletes are being sidelined by the more polished and developed International players, Kevin Durant believes that might not be the reason.

I just don’t like the talk around the USA versus European style of how you approach the game. All I hear is, ‘AAU is destroying the game; the Euros do it right while the Americans do it wrong.’… I can read between the lines on that. It’s a shot at Black Americans. We’re controlling the sport. They’re tired of us controlling the sport. ‘France is coming for you.’ Really? We smacked them boys,

Kevin Durant said

This was the Slim Reaper’s response when ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill asked him about the comparisons floating around. It seems the two-time champion believes this to be a case of race-based jealousy, rather than sheer facts. Kevin Durant believes those in power might not like the fact that Black Americans are enjoying far too much success from the grassroots level, and this is an attempt to undermine them.

Kevin Durant wants to represent the USA at LA28

That last line from Kevin Durant’s interview with Vincent Goodwill was a reminder to critics of USA Basketball that he and his teammates did defeat France at the Paris Olympics.

This came about when the ESPN reporter caught up with the Houston Rockets star to talk about America’s chances at the Los Angeles Olympics, which will take place in two years.

You guys, the media, have projected that. That narrative, where did the last dance thing come from? I didn’t say I wasn’t playing. LeBron said he wasn’t. You didn’t hear that from me or Steph. Hell yeah, I want to play.

Kevin Durant said

The 16-time All-Star was referring to the Paris Olympics experience being touted as the ‘Last Dance’ for him, as well as Stephen Curry and LeBron James. He pointed out that it is not the case for him. The Lakers superstar officially ended his Team USA career, and Curry has indicated that health might not permit him to play.

Durant wants to represent his country and has kept his options open to win a possible fifth gold medal, which will cement his status as the greatest to wear USA Basketball colors.

Kevin Durant does not want LA28 shot just out of seniority

If Kevin Durant were to play in LA28, he would be 39 years old, the same age LeBron James was at the Paris Olympics. That is why he is fancying his chances, as he believes he can still be competitive.

Kevin Durant at the Paris Olympics
Kevin Durant at the Paris Olympics (Image via USA Basketball/X)

I would love to, but I’ve got to stay on top of my game. I’m not expecting, I want to produce on the floor and make Grant and whoever is making the decisions want to put me on the team. I don’t want — not just for seniority. I want to still prove I can help the team win. Today, yeah, I feel like I’ll put my name in that hat.

Kevin Durant said

The superstar does not want to get a spot on the team just because he will be the most decorated male USA basketball player. He wants it on merit and will work for it on the floor.

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