It's clear that Kevin Durant will be the leader of Team USA in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. With two gold medals already tucked under his belt, Durant will play the big brother role to a squad teeming with young guns.
Many were surprised that KD chose to commit to Team USA despite coming off an injury-riddled campaign with the Brooklyn Nets. One would think he'd choose to rest, but he heeded the call of duty. Team USA director Jerry Colangelo, however, wasn't surprised with Durant's decision, recalling a time he first approached the former NBA MVP about possibly suiting up for the flag (via New York Post).
“This guy is a very special individual. I remember him as a freshman at Texas, thinking about entering the (NBA) Draft. I remember meeting him at the Final Four and invited him to USA training camp. His eyes were as big as you can imagine. He said, ‘I’ll be there.'”
With his impending stint in the Tokyo Olympics, the 32-year-old Durant will join David Robinson, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony as the only players to compete in at least three editions of the quadrennial event. With this, Colangelo said he's very happy he got KD again.
“He’s always had that real enthusiasm for playing USA basketball. He’s been a real warrior and love him as a player and person. The fact he stepped up as he did to commit himself didn’t surprise me. I was very, very pleased. He’s a very important part of our potential success. His leadership is important.’’
After a bitter end to their NBA season, Kevin Durant might get one heck of a consolation prize.
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