“We’re just taking it day by day,” Steve Kerr downplays Kevin Durant’s injury ahead of Olympics

The USA team is looking to bring home their fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal in Paris.

“We’re just taking it day by day,” Steve Kerr downplays Kevin Durant’s injury ahead of Olympics

Kevin Durant

USA men’s basketball team head coach Steve Kerr is not concerned about Kevin Durant’s calf injury, which has kept him from training with the team ahead of the Paris Games. Despite not practicing with the team, Durant was present at Saturday’s session in Abu Dhabi and will continue to do individual work. 

Amidst this constant buzz, Steve Kerr remains optimistic that KD will be ready for the Olympics. He also expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt and said they have not discussed any contingency plans to replace Kevin Durant on the roster.

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He won't practice with the team today, he'll continue to do individual work. I know there's still a couple of weeks before we have to make a decision roster-wise, so we're just taking it day by day. It's not something we've even discussed at this point.
Steve Kerr said to reporters at Abu Dhabi

The USA team, dubbed a “super-team” with players like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Anthony Davis, has already had to make one replacement in the squad, bringing in Derrick White to replace Kawhi Leonard. The team is currently in Abu Dhabi for two exhibition games against Australia and Serbia before heading to Paris for the Olympics. 

With five friendly games scheduled before the Olympics, Kerr is taking a day-by-day approach with Durant’s injury. The USA team, arguably the most talented assembled, is looking to bring home their fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal in Paris.

Jaylen Brown could still join Team USA for Olympics as replacement for Kevin Durant

Jaylen Brown was a notable snub from the United States Olympic men’s basketball team, but there is still a chance he could join the roster. According to reports, Brown could replace Kevin Durant if his calf injury prevents him from participating in the Olympics. 

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Although head coach Steve Kerr is not yet concerned about Durant’s injury, Brown could be a viable replacement if needed. Brown was a key player in the Celtics’ NBA championship win, averaging 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game in the postseason. He was also named Eastern Conference Finals MVP and NBA Finals MVP.

Brown already is embroiled in a war of words following his earlier snub in favor of White and his selection could mean a U-turn. However, with Brown potentially waiting in the wings, Team USA has a strong contingency plan in place.

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