More and more assumptions and a lot of hopes, but not an actual return on the court. That can be the summary of Kevin Durant’s pre-Olympics campaign, which might also continue in the group games as well. As Team USA begins its Paris Olympics journey against Serbia on July 26, the Gold contenders will strive for their dream. However, with an elite offense team like Serbia on the other end, the Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant could’ve been a great addition to the roster with his scoring.

But the latest report from ESPN insider Brian Windhorst crushed fans’ hopes. While updating everyone about the status of Team USA’s first group game, he said, “I think they’re gonna be playing Serbia without Kevin Durant. They were really hoping he would be able to play one of these two games in London. He was a scratch tonight. Steve Kerr met with him today, and they decided that he need more time with that strained calf now.” It seems coach Kerr is moving ahead with utmost precaution, considering the past repercussions that KD faced in 2019, after an early return from injury, when he was in the Warriors.

It was almost a career-ending one as Durant suffered a torn Achilles, 9 games after he experienced a calf strain in the 2019 NBA Finals. However, when Brian Windhorst asked KD about such a situation a couple of days ago, the veteran negated the possibility of that happening again. The fact that the Suns star hasn’t returned to the US like Kawhi Leonard, only proves that Steve Kerr sees the veteran playing in Paris, isn’t it? Or what is the reality of the situation?

Is Team USA considering a replacement for the injured Kevin Durant?

No matter what Kevin Durant has done at the practice camp, he’ll always be an explosive scorer and an asset to the team. That’s what coach Kerr understands, as Windhorst revealed, “One thing that Steve Kerr made very clear is that he will not replaced on the roster.” But considering a showdown against Serbia, the ESPN insider claimed that Team USA still has a chance to replace KD, adding, “They technically don’t have to turn in their final roster until Saturday. They could fly in a replacement.”

But it is not “going to happen” under Kerr’s stint, as he believes that Durant will be able to play. But it’s not quite clear if the power forward will be able to feature in the Serbia game. The last time both teams faced off was in Abu Dhabi, where Team USA dominated Nikola Jokic, ending with a 105-79 scoreline. 3x NBA MVP Jokic could only deliver 12 points in that game.

Expecting a strong return, Windhorst commented, “Nikola Jokic did not play well on that game. So they got to get ready for the short term without Durant.” All-in-all Serbia will attempt to balance the score in the next game with Team USA. So the Dream Team 2.0 will need to be prepared for offensive rebounding from Serbia’s side with or without the Slim Reaper. Can they succeed in maintaining their unbeaten streak from the Olympic preseason? And even if KD makes it to the court in group games, will he be able to deliver as expected and win his 4th Olympic gold medal equalling Carmelo Anthony? Let us know your predictions in the comments.