Kevin Durant’s presence on Team USA has undeniably been a game changer throughout the 2024 Olympics. Despite starting each match on the bench during the group stage games in Lille and Paris, Durant’s impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. The seasoned forward missed the entire exhibition phase due to a hamstring injury, which prompted a strategic shift in his role within the team. However, his return to the court has proven his unwavering value.
Head Coach Steve Kerr had initially intended for Durant to be a starter. “I think if Kevin had been here from Day 1, chances are he would be starting,” Kerr explained. “That was the plan coming in. But, given that he missed all of our friendlies and came in late, we had kind of established a lineup that we liked. And when we brought him back, he was only going to play a certain amount of minutes against Serbia, and he played so well and he fit so well with that group.”
Durant’s contributions have been significant across the group stage. Averaging 19.2 minutes per game, he logged 17 minutes against Serbia, 22 minutes against South Sudan, and 19 minutes against Puerto Rico. This calculated deployment has allowed Durant to seamlessly integrate back into the team, balancing his recovery with effective gameplay. Durant himself has embraced his role with grace and adaptability. “I told Coach, whatever he needs from me, I'm willing to do anything and adapt to anything,” Durant said. “It's about really who finishes the game, who puts their impact on the game while they're in the game. So I just try to do my best to impact it any way I can.”
The second unit featuring Durant, Derrick White, Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo, and Anthony Davis has emerged as a formidable force, particularly on the defensive end. This group’s versatility allows for seamless switching without compromising rim protection. The defensive prowess of Durant, Adebayo, and Davis has stood out, providing a significant barrier against opposing offenses. Team USA’s ability to maintain at least an 11-point lead throughout the fourth quarters of each group stage game underscores their dominance and cohesiveness.
Anthony Edwards has notably appreciated Durant’s position off the bench, expressing his excitement to play alongside the two-time NBA champion. “I love that he's coming off the bench. I get to play with him, so I hope coach keeps bringing him off the bench,” Edwards stated. “I get to pass it to him. He gets to pass it back. That's probably one of my biggest dreams ever, so that's dope.”
While Durant has averaged just over 19 minutes per game, the team’s rotation has ensured that no player exceeds 27 minutes in any single match thus far. LeBron James leads the team with an average of 21.8 minutes per game, highlighting the balanced approach Kerr has implemented. This strategy not only keeps players fresh but also maintains a high level of intensity and energy on the court.
Kerr has indicated that Durant’s minutes might increase as the competition stiffens. “There's no plans on changing that. But of course, as the games get more difficult, my guess is Kevin will be playing more and more minutes. So he'll keep coming off the bench for now, but we'll lean on him more and more as we go,” Kerr explained. As the tournament progresses, Durant’s role is expected to expand, providing Team USA with a crucial asset in their quest for gold.
Looking ahead to the knockout stages, Team USA must remain vigilant. “They've got a lot of really good shooters, and they just play hard, they compete play after play,” Kerr noted regarding their upcoming opponents. “So we'll have to be ready for their physicality and their shooting, and we need to be on edge and ready for them because they're not going to back down.” This awareness and preparation will be vital for the team to maintain their momentum and achieve their ultimate goal.
Overall, Kevin Durant’s journey in this Olympics has been one of resilience and adaptability. His return from injury and subsequent performances off the bench have reinforced his indispensable role in Team USA’s campaign. As the stakes rise, Durant’s experience and skill will undoubtedly be pivotal in driving the team towards Olympic glory.