Team USA is set to have a star-studded roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with Kevin Durant just one of the big names almost certain to be there. One-on-one contests between players during Team USA practice have become a tradition at this point, and Durant is looking forward to it.
“Ones in practice, after practice is the best as long as one gets you better,” Durant said during an appearance on the Boardroom. “So, obviously (LeBron James) gonna wanna play.”
Durant then mentioned he would like to go up against the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, and Paul George. The 35-year-old is also looking forward to facing off against the younger generation, featuring Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, and Anthony Edwards, but he isn’t sure about taking on Joel Embiid.
“I don’t know about Joel ones,” Durant stated. “I don’t know if I can go ones with him… He might just hit me with the shoulder.”
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I don’t think it would be a fair fight if Durant took on Embiid. The reigning MVP would just be a bit too strong for the Phoenix Suns star, and one shoulder barge might be all that it takes, as he mentioned. It should be some sight to see him taking on the rest of the roster, though, and we can just hope that we get to see it.
DeMar DeRozan Revealed Kevin Durant Always Wanted To Play 1-On-1 During Practice
DeMar DeRozan was a teammate of Durant’s during the 2016 Rio Olympics. DeRozan revealed Durant always wanted to play 1-on-1 during practice back then.
“I used to sit there, watch all of them play 1-on-1. Them m*****f****** was hooping every time. [Kevin Durant] won’t stop, you got to walk off the court.”
Durant responded to DeRozan’s comment by stating those sessions were essential to greatness. Paul George also added that the Suns star was always the one who got these contests going during practice. Durant made it clear earlier that he doesn’t do it to prove that he is the best, but he wants to see where he stands when compared to everyone else.
Kevin Durant Thought His Career Was Over In 2019
While Durant is looking forward to those 1-on-1 contests, there was a time a few years ago when he didn’t think it would be possible. Durant thought his career was over when he tore his Achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals.
“I heard a pop and I saw my whole basketball career flash before my eyes. Everything I did,” said Durant. “Everything that I thought about, all my favorite moments, all my bad moments. It flashed and that’s why if you watch I’m just sitting there like gazing into the crowd before somebody came over to help me up. Because I’m just like, ‘This sh*t is over with.'”
Durant was 30 years old when that happened in Game 5 of the Finals against the Toronto Raptors. Such a devastating injury at his age would have crushed anyone. To his credit, the 14-time All-Star worked his socks off to return to the court and has played at an extremely high level since he came back.
In this 2023-24 season, Durant is averaging 28.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. With him playing an integral role, the Suns are currently 33-22 on the season and are starting to look like a real threat in the West.
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