Kevin Durant suffered an injury early in Team USA training camp, which seemed to open a window for Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, but that opening might be shut after this weekend.
Durant suffered a calf strain early this month while practicing with Team USA in Las Vegas. It marked the second time an American star was injured during the Olympic warm-up period with Kawhi Leonard forced to withdraw.
Derrick White was chosen to replace Leonard instead of Brown, which caused an uproar among basketball fans. Brown sent cryptic messages and alleged Nike played a role in his snub. The 2024 Finals MVP teased further details while also congratulating his Boston teammate for the honor.
Durant’s injury could have put Brown in consideration to replace him. However, the Phoenix Suns superstar is expected to return to practice in London on Friday with the hope of playing in one of the exhibition games against South Sudan on Saturday or against Germany on Monday.
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The All-NBA forward’s return means a potential mix-up for the starting lineup after Jayson Tatum started the exhibition game against Serbia in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. And it also means Brown will continue his relaxation and victory tour for the rest of the summer.
Featured image via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
