Kevin Durant got some prep work in ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, as he joined forces with Thunder star Chet Holmgren and his Suns teammate Bol Bol to get a workout in. The three players are all of a similar build and playing style, so it was a good way for Durant to get an idea of the evolving game that his playing style has contributed to.
Durant had a pretty brief offseason, as he and the Suns were eliminated from the playoffs by the Timberwolves in a humiliating 4-0 sweep. The Suns were considered early favorites to win the NBA championship but never followed through on the initial promise they showed when the Suns traded for Bradley Beal.
Kevin Durant wasn't at his best against the Suns, averaging 26.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. These numbers may have been really strong, but they did not make enough of an impact to help the Suns even win a game, let alone the series against the Timberwolves.
For now, KD will look to put that disappointing loss on the back-burner, as he gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Durant will be part of a stacked Team USA roster that looks to win their fourth consecutive gold medal at the games.
With another gold medal, Durant will become the most decorated American male basketball player at the Olympics, with four gold medals. He currently is behind Carmelo Anthony, who has three gold medals, and one Bronze medal from his 2004 Olympics run with Team USA.
What Is Next For Kevin Durant?
There is no denying Kevin Durant's love of the game. Most recently, he was even spotted at a nightclub, practicing his jump shot routine while partying. But some have begun to question Durant's will to win. After a disappointing stint with the Nets and a surprising playoff exit with the Suns, there are questions to be asked.
Durant hasn't even come close to championship success since he left the Warriors in 2019. Whereas the Dubs were able to win a championship within three years of Durant leaving the franchise. Many analysts believe that Durant needs to win a championship outside of Golden State to validate his legacy in the league.
Durant and the Suns have a daunting task ahead of them if they want to put a championship roster together. With the big three of KD, Booker, and Beal, the Suns are massively hamstrung from a salary cap perspective, and cannot sign solid role players without going over the cap and into the luxury tax.
While the big three are great, they cannot win a championship without the right pieces around them. It will be a challenge for the Suns front office to try and sign role players, preferably to minimum contracts, to play alongside the elite trio. But if they can pull off a masterstroke, the Suns do have a chance, as the talent of their big three cannot be overlooked, despite how stacked the Western Conference is.
More must-reads: