Kevin Durant has already locked in his intention to play for Team USA in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. As the current all-time scorer in Team USA’s basketball history, Durant wants to add one more record to his name.
However, there is something he wants the world to remember during the Olympics. And it is not an individual accomplishment. But to notify the world that Team USA is the best basketball team in the world.
Durant was speaking with his agent Rich Kleiman in an interview hosted on Boardroom called 35 on 35. During their discussions, Kleiman asked Durant’s motivation for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Durant said;
And it’s about when we go out there. I just want to really make a statement about how dominant our players are. Like 40, 50-point wins. I want to do that.
Durant emphasized that Team USA comprises the best of the NBA, which is the best basketball league in the world. So, with that much talent at their disposal, he wants to take the opportunity to remind the world who the best is.
The Phoenix Suns superstar will participate in his 4th Olympics. He also has the chance to take his place on top of the medal list with 4 Olympic Gold medals. Although Durant would like to get himself to that exclusive position, he prefers Team USA to shut down every other country. He knows that several other national basketball teams have come close to the NBA level in recent years.
The latest example was during last year’s FIBA World Cup, where Team USA ended up in 4th position. The embarrassment led superstars like Durant to commit to the Olympics. Durant wants to team up with his fellow superstars to remind everyone of who the gold standard in basketball is.
Can Kevin Durant and Team USA beat countries by 40-50 points in the 2024 Paris Olympics?
When Team USA finished fourth in the FIBA World Cup, news came trickling in that the NBA’s elite superstars were not happy. Kevin Durant along with LeBron James and Stephen Curry started recruiting the top talent in the NBA for the Olympics. The goal was to bring back respect for Team USA, and as Durant mentioned in the interview, remind everyone who the best country in basketball is.
Durant, James, and Curry are lock-ins alongside Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid. There are still 5 more spots to fill from the 41-man pool Team USA drew out earlier last month. And they have a plethora of options to choose from. Whoever ends up making the list will be some of the best players in the league.
So Kevin Durant’s wish might be granted when this level of talent goes up against the rest of the world. With the Olympic Gold, they might bring back the level of respect Team USA basketball used to have in the Dream Team era.