As one of the best three players in the NBA, Kevin Durant is a treasured piece for Team USA. The team started their Las Vegas camp, led by Gregg Popovich, trying to get ready for the upcoming Summer Olympics.
When KD announced his commitment to the team, everybody was happy, especially Pop. Although they have a terrific 12-man roster, having Durant with them makes this team a lot more dangerous. In fact, the San Antonio Spurs head coach couldn’t imagine the squad without KD.
He was ready to do anything to convince Durant to join this squad.
“Well, first of all, if he said ‘no,’ I would have begged, cried, anything I could to change his mind,” Popovich said, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post. “That’s pretty obvious. But what it says about him, number one is that he loves the game. He really loves to play basketball. He loves to win. He loves the camaraderie.
“He wants to be part of this all the time, as we all know. And that’s his motivation at the core. That’s what he loves to do. And luckily for all of us, that’s who he is. So it’s a testament to his character and just desire to be part of a team and have a challenge and seek the success.”
Now that he secured his star, Popovich is ready to face his second big tournament as Team USA coach. Following a disappointing performance in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, the legendary coach and co. will seek revenge against the world’s best teams.
Durant, Damian Lillard, Draymond Green, and more will try to recover the prestige of Team USA in international basketball and win their 4th consecutive Olympic gold medal.
