TEAM USA basketball star Kevin Durant is making positive progress with a calf injury.
The Phoenix Suns forward missed all five of the USA’s warm-up games ahead of the Paris Olympics.
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Durant sat out Monday’s 92-88 win over Germany, although coach Steve Kerr was hopeful he could get some minutes.
The 35-year-old suffered a calf strain while training in mid-June.
He underwent an MRI when he joined Team USA earlier this month and is now considered “everyday.”
“I spoke to him today, he said he was feeling better,” Kerr confirmed on Monday.
“We hope he can do a few training sessions in a row and a fight and do well and then he will be available for us.
“I was hoping he would get a game [in London] But it just didn’t work out.”
Durant remains doubtful for the opening game against Serbia on July 28, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“I think [Team USA] I will play against Serbia without Kevin Durant,” Windhorst said on Monday night.
“Steve Kerr met with him today and they decided he needs more time with that calf strain.”
Despite Durant’s lingering issue, his spot on the Olympic roster appears assured.
Kerr was emphatic in ruling out any chance of the 14-time All-Star returning home early.
“There’s no thought of replacing Kevin,” Kerr added.
“He’s one of the most skilled players of all time. So we hope he comes back soon and I think he’ll fit in perfectly.”
Durant was applauded on the court before the USA’s victory over Germany at the O2 Arena in London.
He shot a few baskets with his teammates before kickoff and didn’t appear to feel any discomfort.
USA Basketball Olympic Schedule
Men
July 28, 11:15 a.m. ET – USA vs. Serbia, NBC
July 31, 3pm ET – USA vs. South Sudan, USA Network
August 3, 11:15 a.m. ET – USA vs. Puerto Rico, NBC
Women
July 29, 3pm ET, USA vs Japan, USA Network
August 1, 3pm ET, USA vs Belgium, USA Network
August 4, 11:15 a.m. ET USA vs. Germany, USA Network
A veteran of three Olympics, Durant won gold in 2012, 2016 and 2020.
He is the USA’s all-time leading scorer in Olympic basketball.
And fans are desperate to see him take to the court as the US aims for a fifth consecutive gold in Paris.
“Team USA needs Durant, simple as that,” wrote one fan on X.
“The man carried Team USA at the last Olympics and you want them to replace him? Do you want to replace Captain America?” he added a second.
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