Kevin Durant’s vacation has just ended, but the Phoenix Suns player is already planning his vacation in France next summer. Several other big names in the NBA hope to accompany him.
Stephen Curry is one of them.
Durant, like other star players, said Monday he wants to represent his country at the next Olympics in Paris, where the United States will seek a fifth consecutive gold medal. If he plays and the United States triumphs, he will be the first man with four gold medals in basketball.
“I’ll play in the Olympics next year,” Durant said confidently during the Suns’ media day.
Curry made a similar speech, since if he wants to play, the American federation will certainly find a place for him in the training.
“I definitely want to be there,” said Curry, of the Golden State Warriors. I definitely want to be a part of this team.”
Other players expressed the same desire: Bam Adebayo said he was dedicated to training, while DeMar DeRozan, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Khris Middleton, Julius Randle, Zach LaVine, Aaron Gordon, Fred VanVleet, Brook Lopez, Zion Williamson, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Kuzma are among those who will play if asked.
Kyrie Irving said the same thing with the Dallas Mavericks last week, and Daymond Green previously indicated he wanted another opportunity at the Olympics.
One thing is clear: 12 players will make up the American squad, but there are many more than 12 interested. This is a wonderful problem for USA Basketball.
“With the players we have [aux États-Unis] that quickly come to mind, I don’t think it would be too physically strenuous,” analyzed LeBron James, leading scorer in NBA history, confirming his interest in being part of the team.
“I wouldn’t have to do too much. Get a few rebounds, make a few passes, defend, block shots, you know? But we’ll see. We’ll see what happens.”
Joel Embiid also plans to participate in the Games. The uniform he would wear there, however, remains a mystery.
Embiid has not yet chosen his country. He is eligible to represent France and the United States due to his dual nationality. His country of birth, Cameroon, still has a chance to qualify for the Olympic tournament in Paris.
“My goal is to participate in the Olympics,” he said. I like all three options. Cameroon, I was born there, I come from there and I always want to represent my country. But the goal is also to play in the Olympics. If we have a chance, or if we qualify, it will be an easy decision. But all I want to do is compete in the Olympics.”
USA Basketball will be spoiled for choice, since 26 players in the NBA currently have won at least one gold medal. Durant has three (2012, 2016 and 2021), while Chris Paul (2008 and 2012), Green (2016 and 2021) and James (2008 and 2012) have two.
2023-10-03 01:22:13
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