Kevin Durant sums his emotions on Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony in 6 words
Kevin Durant has been selected to play in his fourth straight Olympic Summer Games. He first wore Team USA uniform in the quadrennial event in London 12 years ago. KD is a veteran in international competition but the Olympic experience has not gotten old for him.
On Saturday, the Phoenix Suns forward attended the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony. The Americans’ roster, including Steph Curry and flag-bearer LeBron James, received some of the loudest cheers as their boat passed along the Seine River. The NBA superstars watched history as the event was held outside of a stadium for the first time in history.
Although rain tried to ruin the parade, Kevin Durant wouldn’t allow that to dampen his spirit. He went on Instagram to share his thoughts about the event:
“Whole outfit soaked but we here”
Like the rest of the American athletes, the basketball players also wore black jackets that had the USA and Olympic logos. Only LeBron James and Coco Gauff had white ones as the flag bearers. They didn’t mind getting wet in the rain as the event and the journey was all worth it.
As Kevin Durant said, they are there in Paris and they aren’t going anywhere. Team USA will likely end up as the last team in basketball when all is said and done. If his strained calf cooperates, Durant will have a key role in the US men’s basketball squad.
Kevin Durant’s status against Serbia on Sunday is still questionable
Team USA will open the 2024 Olympics on Sunday against the Nikola Jokic-led Serbians. The two recently met in an exhibition game where the Americans walloped the Serbs 105-79. Kevin Durant didn’t even play in that game.
USA coach Steve Kerr didn’t take much from that lopsided win but noted how the Serbs will be tough to beat in Paris. Jokic and Co. look gassed starting the third quarter after playing the Australians less than 24 hours before facing the NBA superstars. The Balkan team has had a few days of rest before the rematch on Sunday.
Kevin Durant’s status remains questionable for the highly anticipated battle between gold medal favorites in the group stage. KD and Steph Curry spoke to the media on Friday. When asked about Durant’s availability on Sunday, the former MVP said:
“Each day has been getting better. Just checking things off the list. I have practiced today, practiced yesterday. I’ll see how that goes.”
Team USA’s gold medal hopes will not rest on KD’s shoulders alone. They might win the whole thing with him sitting on the bench. But, the Americans have looked beatable in their exhibition games. Having the “Slim Reaper” on the floor will be a big boost for them.