Skip Bayless thinks it’s ‘Kevin Durant or bust’ on Team USA’s Olympics gold chances

Team USA has had to rely on LeBron James rallying them back to wins of late.

Skip Bayless thinks it’s ‘Kevin Durant or bust’ on Team USA’s Olympics gold chances

Skip Bayless thinks it's Kevin Durant or bust on Team USA's Olympics gold medal chances

Team USA was assembled with the expectation that they would not have any problem dispatching any of their opponents on their way to winning an Olympic gold medal. With the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and others, their unbeaten record so far in the friendlies have supported that argument. That said, there are a couple of question marks appearing in the minds of fans and analysts. Most notable of them, is Skip Bayless.

The longtime analyst was discussing the Team USA performances with his panel on Undisputed. He was talking about the lack of scoring leading to close games.

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I'm starting to have my doubts. I think it's KD or bust. I think they need him to win gold. He is so good at this level. There is never in the history of superstardom in this league been a more efficient blending superstar than Kevin Durant. Cause you can put him with anybody. It'll be smooth. He doesn't need the basketball as much. He's as clutch as you get.
Skip Bayless said

Bayless has always maintained that Kevin Durant is the best scorer in the NBA. Therefore, they will need his scoring ability in games to avoid struggles.

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Skip Bayless might have a point here. In particular the last two friendlies, Team USA have struggled to score. That has led their opponents to have their own scoring spurts which eventually put them in the lead. From there on, it is a fight to rally back and win.

The longtime analyst thinks with Kevin Durant playing, that should not be a problem, as his efficient scoring even with limited minutes should take care of the misses from his teammates. That alone can help stem the tide in which they end up in a deficit. However, Durant is still out.

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Kevin Durant needs to play in Olympics, but not rush it back

Another point Bayless made was that Kevin Durant tried to rush back from injury. If it is true, then it could be a problem for Team USA in the Olympics, as they do not have much time left for him to recover as they open their games this Sunday against Serbia. However, if he skips that game, he will have almost a week of total rest before they play South Sudan.

He is getting limited work done in the gym from time to time. But those are spot-up or at the max fadeaway jumpers. Far from what the rigors of an actual game would present. As Durant has yet to practice in a scrimmage, it adds to the worry as to whether he can play. But Team USA have the best medical staff and therefore has given no indication of replacing him at the last moment.

Which means he could eventually return when they are about to start their knockout rounds. Whatever the situation may be, Team USA have to ensure they get the job done, regardless of the 2-time Finals MVP’s availability.

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