Kevin Durant Would ‘Love’ Another Chance at Olympic Basketball Gold
The Winter Olympics ended with a triumphant and emotional victory for Team USA's men's hockey team, as they defeated Canada in a dramatic overtime thriller on Sunday to close the games on an epic note.
The American victory was similar to the thrilling conclusion to 2024's men's basketball tournament. The United States led a spirited late comeback against France to win the gold medal, once again asserting itself as the country to beat in international competition.
That United States roster was led by a trio of future Hall of Famers and elder statesmen in the NBA, as LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are all in the twilight of their careers. James has said that he won't be taking part in the next Olympic basketball tournament in 2028, but Durant says that doesn't mean that all three of them should be counted out.
KD Won't Rule Out 2028 Olympic Return
"You guys, the media, have projected that [all three of us won't play]," Durant said recently, speaking to ESPN. "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."
Durant added that he would "love" to play in 2028, but stressed that he wanted to earn his spot and not make the team based on prior accomplishments.
"I would love to [play in 2028], but I've got to stay on top of my game," said the two-time NBA champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist.
"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."
Durant, Team USA's all-time leading scorer at the Olympics, will be nearing his 40th birthday when the 2028 Games get underway in Los Angeles. If he were to win a fifth gold medal, Durant would extend his status as the most decorated male Olympic basketball player ever.
Kevin Durant passes Carmelo Anthony to become the USA men's basketball team's all-time Olympic scoring leader ????
— ESPN (@espn) July 31, 2021
(via @NBCOlympics) pic.twitter.com/gG4VyKwYmT
WNBA legend Diana Taurasi holds the all-time record for gold medals in the sport of basketball with six, while her longtime teammate Sue Bird trails right behind with five.
Durant Defends American Basketball Development
In addition to wanting to play for personal pride, Durant's desire to return to the Olympic stage has a competitive wrinkle. The perennial All-Star and former MVP spoke about his issues with the perception of American basketball, and how that perception and narrative translates to the Olympic and international game.
"2012 was a turning point in my career"
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 20, 2024
Kevin Durant on the impact London 2012 had on his career and what the Olympic experience means to the younger members of Team USA.#Olympics | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/fVOEU2KEW2
"I just don't like the talk around the USA versus European style of how you approach the game," Durant said. "All I hear is, 'AAU is destroying the game; the Euros do it right while the Americans do it wrong.'"
"I can read between the lines on that," he added. "It's a shot at Black Americans. We're controlling the sport. They're tired of us controlling the sport."
Age won't be on Durant's side when it comes to making the Olympic roster in a couple of years, especially as more American players emerge like Cade Cunningham and Cooper Flagg.
As one of the greatest scorers in league history, he should have no problem securing a spot on the roster if he's able to retain his usual form.