The Olympic exhibition games started on a winning note for the USA Olympic men’s basketball roster as they beat Canada. However, Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant could not be part of it due to their injury woes which has been a great concern for the team with gold medal ambitions. A day ago, the national team GM Grant Hill released a press statement that Kawhi was out of the Paris Olympics campaign as he and the LA Clippers thought it was in Kawhi’s best interest. The Clippers star also missed the last 3 post-season matches against the Mavs due to his right knee inflammation. Another name on the potential list is Kevin Durant who did not play either in the training camp or the exhibition game due to a calf injury.

Joel Embiid has not experienced anything alarming yet but he played only 39 games last season due to his knee issues. And this time he is a key element for Team USA due to the size factor. Although Embiid did not show any primary concern at the four-day training camp, it is not certain what is his injury status. Is it at 100% or something less than it? Even Fox Sports analyst Chris Broussard raised the same issue on the ‘The Odd Couple’ podcast when he said, “My main thing is where is he at healthwise? And if he’s not a hundred percent, why is he playing?”

It is worth noting that Embiid is quite an important factor for Team USA due to his powerful presence as center. It was a big trouble for the national team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, however, this time the team has got the services 7 7-foot Sixers star to help them gain the gold medal ambitions. Still, three players with questionable injury past is a cause to worry. In Broussard’s words, “KD had his issues with injuries we all know that. I don’t feel about him like I feel like, Embiid is perennially banged up.”

Although Durant and Embiid have a chance to get in and play, Kawhi got permanently out of the picture due to unclear reasons.

Can Kevin Durant also leave the Olympic squad like Kawhi?

It is worth noting that Kawhi Leonard assured the media on Sunday that he was in good physical condition. Still, he could not measure up to Grant Hill’s expectations as he got out at the end of the training camp. Similarly, Kevin Durant arrived at the training camp in Las Vegas, but he did not play in the camp and then missed the exhibition match against Canada as well. So there are chances that he might also bid adieu to the gold ambitions.

Durant played about 75 games last season with consistency. Although he has a history of leg injuries and if they continue to bother him throughout the Olympic campaign, things might go south for the USABMNT. For now, the team is flying to Abu Dhabi to face Australia on Monday. If Durant appears in that scrimmage, there is hope for the forward to exert his dominance on a global level once again. Team USA also has a friendly match against Serbia on Wednesday. Durant might better be okay ahead of the next game.

The Olympic games will take more than 100% effort from the players, let’s see how things eventually unfold for the national team.

Before you go, though, check this video of Leonard Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe. Don’t forget to check back in for more such updates from our ES Fancast!