Durant Sidelined at Start of USA Camp Due to Calf Strain

Team USA head coach Steve Kerr announced that Kevin Durant has been held out of the start of training camp for the Paris Olympics due to a minor calf strain. Kerr emphasized that the decision was made "out of an abundance of caution," as reported by ESPN's Tim Bontemps.

Kerr stated that Durant is being monitored on a day-to-day basis.

Although the injury is not considered serious, Durant's participation in the U.S.'s first exhibition game against Canada on Wednesday is uncertain, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania and Joe Vardon.

The team's first Olympic game is scheduled for July 28 against Serbia. Once the final roster is submitted to Olympic officials later this month, no replacements can be made.

Additionally, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum missed the first day of training camp on Friday due to an excused absence. Team USA has also been exercising caution with Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard, who are both managing knee issues.

Durant, 35, is the all-time leading scorer for Team USA. He posted averages of 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and five assists for the Phoenix Suns last season.