Team USA head coach Steve Kerr has confirmed to Fadeaway World that Kevin Durant will not be participating in Team USA’s opening friendly against Australia on Monday due to a calf injury. Durant missed full practice earlier today.
“He won’t play tomorrow,” Kerr stated. “I haven’t talked to the trainer, but if he does anything, it would be light. But yeah, he won’t play.”
Durant sustained a calf injury during Team USA’s training camp in Las Vegas, causing him to miss their first exhibition match against Canada. In Durant’s absence, Kerr opted for a three-guard lineup, starting Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Jrue Holiday alongside LeBron James and Joel Embiid.
Kerr might reconsider his strategy following Embiid’s struggles in the first game, where he fouled out in 12 minutes. Anthony Davis excelled off the bench, achieving a double-double and dominating both ends of the floor. Davis’s performance highlighted why Dwight Powell has been relegated to a limited role with the Mavericks.
Steve Kerr confirms to @FadeawayWorld that Kevin Durant will not be participating in Team USA’s game against Australia tomorrow
“He won’t play tomorrow. I’ve not talked to the trainer but if he does anything, it would be light. But yeah, he won’t play.” pic.twitter.com/nCmp9H0Zcq
— Ishaan Bhattacharya (@IshaanBhatta) July 14, 2024
Holiday filled in effectively for Durant, contributing offensively and serving as the primary perimeter defender against stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray. Kerr has several options to adjust his lineups.
Jayson Tatum, who has consistently been Team USA’s sixth man, expressed his intention to maintain this role during their time in Abu Dhabi. Despite never starting for Team USA, Tatum’s energy off the bench, along with contributions from Anthony Edwards, has been valuable. If Durant remains sidelined, Tatum would be the closest like-for-like replacement, but his impact off the bench might be more beneficial.
Durant’s status for Wednesday’s game against Serbia is still uncertain. However, there is hope that he will be able to play before Team USA heads to London to prepare for the Paris Olympics.
Kevin Durant Continues to Miss Team USA Practice, but Steve Kerr Remains Unconcerned
