Kevin Durant misses start of Team USA camp with calf strain

Field Level Media|published: Sun 7th July, 18:12 2024

NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Phoenix Suns

Apr 26, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Durant has been held out of the start of Team USA camp ahead of the Olympics later this month, the team's coach Steve Kerr confirmed to reporters Sunday.

The Athletic reported earlier in the day that Durant missed the first two days of camp with a calf strain. Kerr said Durant sustained the injury in the days leading up to camp and it is not considered serious, but the team is exercising "an abundance of caution" by keeping him out.

Durant is considered day-to-day. Team USA is scheduled to play its first exhibition game of the Olympic ramp-up Wednesday against Canada.

One of the NBA's biggest stars, Durant is also the leading scorer in Team USA history with 435 points (19.6 ppg). He was part of the U.S. teams that won gold in 2012, 2016 and 2021.

Team USA also features LeBron James, Steph Curry, Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid among several other NBA stars.

--Field Level Media