Kevin Durant isn’t ready to close the book on his Olympic career. Despite speculation that the Games might have been his last appearance on the international stage, the announcement from the four-time gold medalist signals his intention to compete at the in Los Angeles.
Durant, currently playing for the Houston Rockets, addressed the narrative surrounding his potential Olympic future in an interview with ESPN. He directly refuted suggestions that he’d signaled a farewell, clarifying that while LeBron James had announced his retirement from Olympic contention, Durant and Stephen Curry had not. “You guys, the media, have projected that,” Durant told the publication. “That narrative, where did the last dance thing come from? I didn’t say I wasn’t playing. LeBron said he wasn’t. You didn’t hear that from me or Steph.”
The prospect of Durant competing in is particularly noteworthy given his age. He will be approaching 40 years old during the Games, potentially surpassing LeBron James as the oldest American men’s basketball player to ever compete in the Olympics. However, Durant emphasized that he doesn’t expect a roster spot simply based on his past achievements. He intends to earn his place through continued performance.
“Hell yeah, I want to play,” Durant stated. “I would love to, but I’ve got to stay on top of my game. I’m not expecting, I want to produce on the floor and make Grant [Hill] and whoever is making the decisions want to put me on the team. I don’t want — not just for seniority. I want to still prove I can help the team win.” Grant Hill is the USA Basketball Managing Director.
Durant’s commitment comes as other established stars have indicated their Olympic journeys may be concluding. James confirmed in that he would not participate in the Games, and Curry has suggested his participation is unlikely. This leaves a potential opening for Durant to continue representing the United States, and he clearly intends to contend for that spot.
His recent performance suggests he’s capable of doing so. Currently averaging 26.1 points per game with the Rockets, Durant hasn’t shown significant signs of decline despite his years in the league. On , he contributed 18 points to Houston’s 125-105 victory over the Utah Jazz.
Durant’s Olympic record is already impressive. He is the U.S. All-time leading scorer in Olympic competition for both men and women, with 518 points. A fifth gold medal in would tie him with Sue Bird for the second-most basketball gold medals in Olympic history, trailing only Diana Taurasi’s six.
The Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, marking the city’s third time hosting the Games, having previously done so in and . The Games are already generating excitement, with speculation surrounding potential performances by other stars, including Kendrick Lamar. The possibility of seeing Durant continue his Olympic legacy on American soil adds another layer of anticipation.
Durant’s longevity and dedication to the game are evident in his continued pursuit of Olympic success. He isn’t simply relying on past accomplishments; he’s actively working to maintain his competitive edge and prove he can still contribute to a winning team. This commitment, coupled with his impressive track record, makes him a strong contender for a spot on the Team USA roster.
The decision underscores a trend of veteran players extending their careers and remaining competitive at the highest levels. Like James, Durant appears unconcerned with letting age dictate his ambitions. His focus remains on performance and contributing to team success, both in the NBA and on the international stage.
