In a stunning development, Kevin Durant withdrew from Team USA today, explaining he could not accommodate his “responsibilities to the team from both a time and energy standpoint.” The news came as Durant was switching his athletic apparel and sneaker affiliation from Nike to UnderArmour.
USA Basketball issued a news release in which Durant explained: “This was an extremely difficult decision as I take great pride in representing our country. I know that I owe it to my USA Basketball teammates to be totally invested in the experience. After going through training camp with USAB, I realized I could not fulfill my responsibilities to the team from both a time and energy standpoint. I need to take a step back and take some time away, both mentally and physically in order to prepare for the upcoming NBA season. I will be rooting for USAB and look forward to future opportunities with them.”
The full USA Basketball news release:
USA Basketball National Team Managing Director Jerry Colangelo today announced that Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) has informed USA Basketball that he was withdrawing from participating with the 2014 USA National Team and from consideration for the 2014 USA Basketball Men’s World Cup Team roster. The USA National Team is scheduled to resume its 2014 preparations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Aug. 14 in Chicago.
“Kevin reached out to Coach K and myself this afternoon and expressed that he is just physically and mentally drained from the NBA season and his attention to his many responsibilities. He tried to give it a go at our recent Las Vegas training camp but felt coming out of camp that he was not prepared to fulfill the commitment he made to the team,” said Colangelo. “Coach K and I fully support Kevin. His well being is the most important thing to us and we support him taking the time to get ready for next season. He’s been part of the National Team program for eight years and a big part of the success we have achieved, and we look forward to him being part of our success in the future as well.”
“We are excited about the opportunity ahead of us and to getting back to work in Chicago on Aug. 14. All 15 players are committed to the USA Basketball standard, which is to come together to win gold medals.”
Durant explained his decision saying, “This was an extremely difficult decision as I take great pride in representing our country. I know that I owe it to my USA Basketball teammates to be totally invested in the experience. After going through training camp with USAB, I realized I could not fulfill my responsibilities to the team from both a time and energy standpoint. I need to take a step back and take some time away, both mentally and physically in order to prepare for the upcoming NBA season. I will be rooting for USAB and look forward to future opportunities with them.”
The 15 USA finalists will resume training in Chicago with practices Aug. 14-15 at the Quest Multisport Complex, and will play an exhibition contest versus Brazil at the United Center on Aug. 16 (8 p.m. CDT).
Stephen A said it best that it’s surprising it took him so long to withdraw. team USA isn’t paying me millions but then again i’m not the biggest patriot in the world. and USA has more than enough talent to win international competition. they could use college or D league players and still manage to go VERY deep if not win it all. for whatever reason Derrick Rose is still participating but i wish him the best that he can stay healthy. i just don’t see why the team needs so many stars. oh right, they gotta pummel the competition..
Shocking. Leaves a gap that can’t be filled, at both PF and SF. Maybe Millsap should not have been dropped.
Now, will need to play Davis mostly at PF and start Cousins and likely keep Drummond. Haywood may be needed at SF.
Will be a challenge for USA to win World Cup.