Kevin Durant: what to expect from the USA in the 2020 Olympics

Kevin Durant was born on September 19, 1988, in Washington, D.C. His mother, Wanda Pratt, made many sacrifices in her life as she was a single mother and raised Kevin with his grandmother. When Kevin was 10, he decided to become a basketball player. His mother said she would help him and kept on him his entire career about working extra hard and keeping in shape. Kevin owes much of his success to his mother.

Kevin went to college at the University of Texas. He played one year for the Texas Longhorns before going to the NBA. Durant had an amazing year in Texas. He won several Player of the Year awards, including the prestigious Naismith and Wooden awards. It was a great success for a rookie as he was ready to become a superstar of the next generation. At the start of the season, the Nets were already favorites for the NBA title due to the returns of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant after an almost empty year. Then when James Harden signed, it was a certainty, Brooklyn had to succeed the Lakers at the end of the playoffs.

Unfortunately for them, basketball is not an exact science, and due to injuries, Steve Nash's men couldn't get through the second round. Kyrie was hit on a more than questionable move from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Under these conditions, Kevin Durant could not pass the obstacle Milwaukee despite his legendary efforts. However, he still has the chance to win an important title in Olympic 2020 as the 2021 U.S. Olympic basketball team are a solid side to beat. Following the

Kevin Durant: what to expect from the USA in the 2020 Olympics

article, we will analyze his presence in the team, so keep reading.

Some information about Kevin Durant Brooklyn Olympics

Durant at Tokyo Olympics is a big event, so there is a need to write more covering it. Durant was drafted second, behind Greg Oden, in the NBA draft by the Seattle Supersonics. He played his first year in Seattle, and then the team relocated to Oklahoma City and changed its name to the Thunder. Durant won Rookie of the Year and became just the third NBA rookie to average more than 20 points a game. The other two were LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

By his second year in the NBA, Kevin Durant was considered an elite NBA player. He finished second behind LeBron James in the MVP voting, led the league in scoring, and was named to the All-NBA team. He was the youngest player in NBA history to win the league's scoring title. Already one of the most expert players in USA Basketball history, Kevin Durant is considered 2021 U.S Olympic Men’s Basketball Team's only hope after

team USA basketball

announced the roster for the Tokyo Olympics.

Twice the USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year, Durant, has the opportunity to join Carmelo Anthony as the only American man to win three gold medals. Durant was the leading scorer for both the 2012 and 2016 gold medal-winning squads. His point totals in those two Olympics were the two highest single-competition totals in USA men’s basketball history. He also won gold at the 2010 FIBA World Cup, where Durant was named MVP.

While the roster is different from past Olympics in terms of experience, Durant is the most decorated player on the roster with three international gold medals - from the 2012 and the 2016 Olympic Games and a 2010 FIBA World Championship gold. Durant has his long list of prestigious NBA accolades, including MVP, two-time Finals MVP, and four-time scoring champ. If you want to know more about Kevin Durant: what to expect from the USA in the 2020 Olympics, Stay tuned.

More about Kevin Durant: what to expect from the USA in the 2020 Olympics

First of all, in the Kevin Durant: what to expect from the USA in the 2020 Olympics article, it worth noting that Kevin Durant reportedly played a significant role in filling out the men's USA basketball team for the Tokyo Olympics.  Durant was the first player who committed to play for Team USA in the upcoming Olympics.

Durant began his career with the national team in 2010 for the FIBA World Championship. He led the U.S. to gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. The 11-time All-Star has been a true leader for USA Basketball in these competitions, and for this reason, many suggest he is going to select as the team's captain in Tokyo. Experience mattered to USA men’s basketball when putting together a roster for the Tokyo Olympics.

The Americans formally revealed their roster, the third-oldest U.S. men’s team in Olympic history for the Tokyo Games. It seems it will be about the Kevin Durant Brooklyn Olympics as the experience and leadership mean most. Although the 12-man list includes five players such as Kevin Love, Kevin Durant, Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard, and Draymond Green, already in their 30s but many are curious to know more about the main star, Nets star, and

Kevin Durant: what to expect from the USA in the 2020 Olympics

topic.

However, Gregg Popovich, who is in the head chair for the first time in the Olympics, said the team hadn’t yet chosen captains for Team USA, but Durant’s leadership has already resonated out in Vegas with his teammates. “His leadership is wonderful. He’s 39-0 in USA basketball, and that’s mad,” Bradley Beal said during the camp. “We definitely want to keep that going.  It speaks volumes for him to be 10+ years in the league and still wanting to come back and be a part of this prestigious organization.

We definitely look up to him to push us and lead us, but at the same time, he’s very unselfish. He’s very encouraging. He wants everyone to do well.” Durant is one of only two players returning from the 2016 team and his former Golden State teammate Draymond Green. The only other player on the roster with Olympic experience is Kevin Love, who teamed with Durant at the 2012 London Olympics.

2021 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team

Team USA enters the Olympics in Tokyo as the three-time defending gold medal winner. Still, it is coming off a disappointing seventh-place finish at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, the worst finish ever in a major international competition by a team from the United States.

Despite finishing seventh in China, Team USA has already qualified for the Olympics, which were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Team USA earned its spot by being one of the top two finishers from the Americas region.

All eyes will be on players in the

2021 U.S. Olympic basketball team

, which is scheduled to play against Iran, Czech Republic, and France in Group A. The US men’s basketball roster is set for Tokyo 2020, and as expected, it is a star-studded squad that would roll over any NBA team in a hot minute.

Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant leads the squad, but he is surrounded by some reliable stars, including Damian Lillard and Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. Booker is interesting as his Suns are still thick of the NBA playoffs, squaring off against the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference Finals. 

Behind Durant and Lillard, who should set most of the offence and ball distribution, forward Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, who should give the US a trio of elite scoring potential. Durant, Lillard, and Tatum sit in the top five when it comes to scoring for the 2020-21 playoffs.

Behind this frightening trio is two key role players: forward Kevin Love and Draymond Green. Love last played internationally in 2012, when he was part of the London Olympics squad that won a gold medal, and he was also part of the team that won the Fiba World Championships in 2010. He brings a fast amount of experience and knowledge to the team and is widely known as a great player to have in leadership.

Green, who plays for the Golden State Warriors, has long known that team’s heart and soul alongside superstar Steph Curry. Green plays hard minutes, focusing on defence, marking other teams’ superstars, and thrives during tight scoring games. He will help the squad gel and find their identity quickly as they try to get off on the right foot when the short tournament kicks off on July 25.

Alongside these five, you also have Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks), Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls), Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks), and Jerami Grant (Detroit Pistons).

Most important absent stars in team USA basketball

The list includes just one important name: LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers star, widely regarded as the best player on the planet and of this generation, has passed, stating he will focus on promoting his movie, which means

Durant at Tokyo Olympics

won’t team up with legendary LeBron James.

Losing James is a serious blow, as he is the type of all-around player an offence can be constructed on the back of, and he consistently makes players who suit up with him better in terms of stats – just ask Love, who James hand-picked to join him in Cleveland. Alongside James, you have his teammate Anthony Davis, one of the best two-way players in the NBA, as well as Curry and Durant’s teammates in Brooklyn in Kyrie Irving and the injured James Harden, and a list that goes on and on.

There is Jimmy Butler, Donovan Mitchell, Chris Paul, Kawhi Leonard, Zion Williamson, Paul George, and Trae Young. In fact, if you compiled a team of those 12 players who won’t be making the trip to Tokyo, they would be heavily favoured to win it all. Contrary to this, the squad is still heavily favoured to win it all, like Durant, Lillard, Tatum, and Booker will still be too much for any other squad to handle offensively.

They also have a dream coach in Gregg Popovich, who brings a high level of respect along with him and who should help the team develop into a beast. However, without marquee names like James, Curry, and Harden, who many believe is the most lethal scorer in the NBA when healthy, this squad will most likely win but not go down in history.

Some short facts about Kevin Durant

Kevin Wayne Durant was born in Suitland, Maryland. He is the son of Wanda and Wayne Pratt. Kevin has two brothers, Anthony and Rayvonne, and one sister, Briana. Brother Anthony played basketball at Butler C.C. and two seasons at Towson University. Regarding some short facts in the

Kevin Durant: what to expect from the USA in the 2020 Olympics

article, we will mention the most important achievements and honors.

• Kevin loves his fans. He signs more autographs and takes more pictures than anyone

• Named All-America first team by USA Today and Parade Magazine.

• Named co-MVP of the 2006 McDonald's All-American game finishing with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in leading the West to a 112-94 win over the East.

• Recorded 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and three blocks in 24 minutes in the 2006 Jordan All-American Classic in New York City and earned MVP honors.

• Picked as 2016 USA Basketball Co-Male Athlete of the Year; Picked as 2010 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year Named MVP of the 2010 FIBA World Championship

• Gold Medal winner in 2016 Olympic Games, 2012 Olympic Games, 2010 FIBA World Championship.

• He has compiled a 39-0 record, won three gold medals in FIBA events, and is 5-1 in USA National Team intra-squad exhibitions. In his USA career, he has appeared in 45 games and compiled 860 points.

• Named a member for the 2021 USA national team and team USA basketball.

Kevin Durant's impact on the 2021 U.S. Olympic basketball team

Kevin Durant Brooklyn Olympics

impact is huge, and there is some proof for this. He has a clear style since he is so flexible. He has a good shooting percentage and has a good drive on the ball, as good as his defensive skills. He puts every part of his heart, soul, and love into becoming the best player he could be.

Durant is extremely loyal to his teammates and coaches. He keeps his inner circle tight and never forgets the people who have helped him. Kevin Durant doesn't care who he works out with; he just wants to play. He works out for one reason: to get better.

Durant keeps himself in great shape all of the time. Even when the start of the NBA season is months and months away, he is one of the top players in the NBA, and he still works out and practices more than almost every player in the league.

It's not a coincidence many Americans count on him, and the media write an article such as

Kevin Durant: what to expect from the USA in the 2020 Olympics

, about him.

We almost know he is almost always the most talented player in the gym during workouts, and this creates a huge motivation for other players on the U.S basketball team. Kevin Durant works to help those around him get better. One of the important things we should mention in Kevin Durant: what to expect from the USA in the 2020 Olympics article should be Kevin Durant’s motto. Kevin Durant's favorite motto is "Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard." He lives that motto to the fullest.

Conclusion on Kevin Durant at Tokyo Olympics

In Tokyo 2020, all basketball games will take place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, a city just north of the capital that is part of the Greater Tokyo metropolitan area. It is one of the largest indoor arenas in the world and has hosted two NHL ice hockey games, two NBA regular-season games, the 2006 FIBA World Championships, and two World Figure Skating Championships.

Kevin Durant is one of the best players in the NBA; at times, he seems to cruise through games, casually draining the three while being able to make plays for his teammates. He is one of maybe five players in the NBA who can single-handedly win games for his team in the fourth quarter, no matter the game he has played in the three prior quarters or the way his team has played in that game.

Kevin Durant suddenly, with guard skills, destroys double-digit leads in just a few minutes. However, Durant still wants to be ‘The Guy’ like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan before him. Maybe Tokyo 2020 will be another chance for him to declare his territory, which is why he is quietly one of the most interesting players in the NBA.

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