USA Team Preps for Olympics in Abu Dhabi Despite Concerns Over Kevin Durant’s Health
The USA Basketball team has arrived in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, ahead of its upcoming preparation matches against Australia and Serbia. The team is gearing up for the upcoming Olympics, but concerns about the physical condition of forward Kevin Durant are growing.
According to some American media outlets, Durant’s ongoing calf strain has raised questions about his participation in the Games. His condition has not improved in recent days, and even his absence from training with his teammates has fuelled speculation.
USA Head Coach Steve Kerr has been cautiously optimistic about Durant’s prospects, stating, "We still have a couple of weeks before we have to make a decision on the squad, so we’ll take it day by day."
Durant, for his part, has expressed optimism about his prospects, saying he is hopeful of recovering from his calf injury in time to participate in the preparation matches. However, the fact that he has not been able to train with his teammates due to his injury casts doubt over his participation.
Kerr has confirmed that the team does not have a plan B in place should Durant ultimately be unable to participate. However, team officials have yet to confirm the contingency measures they might take if his condition does not improve.
Durant’s injury is the second injury setback to hit the team. Forward Kawhi Leonard left the squad earlier due to a knee injury and was replaced by Derrick White. USA Basketball officials called White to training in Abu Dhabi today.
The upcoming matches against Australia and Serbia serve as a crucial buildup to the Games, and the absence of Durant, one of the team’s star players, would be a significant blow to the USA Basketball team’s chances.
Durant is a key component of the United States’ Olympic dreams, and if he is unable to recover from his calf strain, the team would need to turn to alternative arrangements. The extent to which the United States would be affected by his absence would be a significant concern ahead of the tournament.