HOUSTON – At nearly 39 years old, Kevin Durant continues to defy expectations. The Houston Rockets forward has told USA Basketball Managing Director Grant Hill that he intends to compete for a spot on the U.S. Men’s team at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, signaling a potential fifth Olympic appearance for the four-time gold medalist. The news, first reported Monday night after a 125-105 win over the Utah Jazz, underscores Durant’s enduring passion for representing his country and his commitment to remaining a force in the game.
Durant’s announcement comes as a surprise to some, given the anticipated shift in the American roster as veteran stars consider stepping aside. The 2028 Games will be just two months shy of Durant’s 40th birthday, a milestone that would make him the oldest American men’s basketball player to ever compete in the Olympics, surpassing LeBron James’s age at his last Olympic appearance. However, Durant insists his age is not a deterrent, and he’s determined to earn his place on the team based on merit. The desire to compete in Los Angeles, and continue his Olympic legacy, remains strong.
“I didn’t want to just take my name out of consideration just because of the simple fact that I’m older and I did it before,” Durant said, according to the Associated Press. “Grant understands my love for Team USA. That’s my family. The level of love I have for Team USA and the whole organization over there is unmatched, so I’d love to be part of it until I’m done playing.”
A Storied Olympic Career
Durant’s Olympic journey began at the 2012 London Games, where he secured his first gold medal. He followed that with gold medals in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2020, and most recently at the 2024 Paris Games. With four gold medals, Durant became the first American player to achieve that feat in men’s basketball. He currently holds the record for most points scored by an American in Olympic competition, with a total of 518 points. Only Diana Taurasi (six gold medals) and Sue Bird (five gold medals) have won more gold medals in basketball for the United States, but Durant isn’t focused on matching their accomplishments.
“I just love playing for Team USA. I love representing my country,” Durant said. “That’s the first and most important thing – it’s putting that USA across my chest and representing where I approach from.”
Earning a Spot, Not Expecting One
Despite his impressive resume, Durant is realistic about the challenges ahead. He acknowledges the emergence of new talent and the difficult decisions Grant Hill will face when selecting the 2028 Olympic roster. Durant emphasized that he doesn’t expect a roster spot simply based on his past achievements. He intends to prove he can still contribute at a high level.
“I understand how tough that decision is for Grant, and how many great players are going to emerge the next year and a half, and I’m also very old compared to a lot of these players,” Durant said. “I know I’ve got my work cut out for me to make that team.”
Durability and Continued Excellence
Durant’s ability to remain a dominant player at his age is a testament to his dedication to fitness and his evolving skillset. He’s been durable in each of the last three NBA seasons, including the current one, and is currently averaging 25.9 points per game on 50.7% shooting in his 18th season with the Rockets. CBS Sports notes that his playing style lends itself to longevity in the NBA, particularly since recovering from a torn Achilles tendon in 2019.
The announcement comes after LeBron James previously stated he would not be competing in the 2028 Olympics, according to The New York Times. Stephen Curry’s intentions remain unconfirmed, despite speculation that he, along with James and Durant, would conclude their Olympic careers after the 2024 Paris Games.
Looking Ahead
The next step for Durant will be continuing to perform at a high level with the Rockets and demonstrating to Grant Hill that he remains a valuable asset to Team USA. Hill and the USA Basketball selection committee will start evaluating potential players as the 2028 Olympics draw closer. The official roster is expected to be announced in the summer of 2028, setting the stage for what could be a historic fifth Olympic appearance for Kevin Durant.
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