Kevin Durant has received 4 Olympic gold medals and is Crew USA’s all-time main scorer. The Rockets’ star might be nearing 40 years outdated when the 2028 Olympics come round once more, however regardless of his age and vital earlier accomplishments, he’s not prepared to hold up the worldwide towel simply but.
He not too long ago doubled down on earlier statements concerning his need to compete for his fifth gold medal, ought to his sport nonetheless be on the degree required, writes Nick Friedell of The Athletic (subscriber hyperlink).
Out of the a whole lot of 1000’s of elite skilled athletes which have competed within the Olympics, solely 67 males have ever been five-time medalists. However past the status that might include such an accomplishment, there’s a less complicated motive he needs to be there in 2028.
“It’s simply enjoyable, man,” Durant mentioned on the finish of final season. “It’s an unbelievable time. You get to journey the world. I don’t know if we’re gonna get to journey the world with it being within the States, however the previous couple of years, we might go (to) Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Paris, London, Canary Islands, Madrid … being in locations that modified not simply my perspective concerning the sport, nearly life normally.”
In 2021, then-coach Gregg Popovich had a easy expression to sum up Durant’s significance to the nationwide workforce: “No Kevin, no gold,” he mentioned. In 2024, Durant averaged 13.8 factors in 22.2 minutes on absurd .540/.519/.938 taking pictures splits.
Durant has additionally turn out to be a vocal advocate for gamers across the league to expertise the sensation of suiting up for his or her nation.
“Bol Bol had the prospect to play for South Sudan, and I used to be encouraging him to take action,” Durant mentioned. “I feel he may need been injured, however I’m like, man, you might want to go expertise the Olympics. … Having the ability to play on that stage and see the pleasure that individuals have for the place they arrive from, I feel each participant ought to expertise that.”
