Even though the NBA world has various talented American-bred stars, Kevin Durant is truly a national treasure. Especially for his consistent performance at the global stage. Now, the Slim Reaper has received one last opportunity to show his loyalty to the great nation. The 35-year-old superstar, who is almost in the last lap of his professional balling career, has the chance to add one more accolade to his trophy cabinet, the fourth Olympic gold medal.

After entering the league in 2007-08 as the #2 pick for the Seattle Sonics, KD went on to win the Rookie of the Year award. Since then, there has been no looking back. He turned into a well-oiled bucket machine, consistent throughout his career. He got his first national call-up in 2010, to play in the FIBA World Cup and won the MVP award. After two years, he played his Olympic games at the London 2012 Summer Olympics and won his first gold medal.

Moreover, Kevin Durant didn’t just win the gold but also led the team in points tally. It didn’t end there. He went on to produce similar results whenever he donned a Team USA jersey at the Olympics. In total, Durant has won three Olympic gold medals. Technically, he has seven gold medals, including four golds in FIBA events. And the Phoenix Suns superstar seemed to have all the stars aligned to make it five. Thanks to the 2023 FIBA WC.

Last year, Team USA, comprising a relatively younger roster, suffered a humiliating defeat. The team failed to even bag the Bronze medal. However, the defeat summoned the formation of the Avengers to seek redemption for the national side. Superstars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, KD, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum & six others joined hands to bring back the glory by winning the gold at the Paris Olympics.

Kevin Durant & his Team USA accolades

It’s safe to say that Kevin Durant is the best player that has ever played for Team USA. And it isn’t just a lavish statement. The superstar’s accolades in the two decades stand tall as proof. He holds the record not only for scoring the most points of Team USA in the Olympics but also in the history of men’s Olympic basketball history. In 2021, Durant snatched the record from Carmelo Anthony by scoring 435 points in 31 games at an average of 19.8 PPG.

Apart from that, he is on par with Anthony for most gold, though the Knicks legend has an upper hand winning the Bronze medal in 2004. Nevertheless, KD can surpass him in that aspect too by winning the fourth gold. Notably, LeBron James has won only two golds and a bronze medal for the country.

Kevin Durant’s notable honors:

• 2020 Olympics MVP
• 2010 and 2021 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year
• 2016 USA Basketball Co-Male Athlete of the Year
• 2010 FIBA World Championship MVP
• 2010 FIBA All-World Championship Team

The superstar has indeed strung together a dominant resume through the course of his marvelous balling career. And, most probably, he has one final opportunity to further add value to his resume.

Is Kevin Durant injured ahead of the tournament?

Team USA began its 4-day training camp in Las Vegas ahead of the Europe trip. Kevin Durant, along with other superstars showed up to the camp and the visuals of the Slim Reaper at the Media Day also went viral. However, the latest update from the camp revealed that KD sustained calf soreness ahead of the practice which has ultimately kept him away from the practice.

Speaking of Durant’s availability, Steve Kerr said, “I think he tweaked it a few days before he got here… It’s not bad. He’s assuring me that it’s not bad. We’re just going to be really careful and smart and take it day by day and go from there.” Fortunately, the team has five exhibition games before facing the first Olympic game against Serbia on July 28.

Firstly, the team will take on Canada on July 10th in Las Vegas followed by four other practice games in London and Abu Dhabi. While KD might struggle to recover before Canada, he can definitely get back on his feet for the remainder of the exhibition games. Moreover, speaking about his upcoming challenge, Durant is certainly locked in. The superstar revealed his plans to make a statement in Paris.

Speaking in an interview for Boardroom Cover Story, he said, “I want to really make a statement on how dominant our players are… Like 40, 50-point wins. I want to do that.” And, he further spoke about his preparation, saying, “I’m trying to play real minutes… I’m trying to be responsible and have a real role and I know that’s going to come from the work I put into practice and all of that stuff, but I’m ready for that and I’m excited about being around that bond and USA brotherhood again.” Will KD make it to the Olympics with his calf soreness? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.