Basketball superstar Kevin Durant has expressed his desire to be considered for the United States men’s team at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, despite approaching his 40th birthday when the Games commence.
The Rockets forward confirmed on Monday that he has communicated his interest to USA Basketball Managing Director Grant Hill.
“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 stated after contributing 18 points to Houston’s 125-105 victory over the Utah Jazz.
He added: “Grant understands my love for Team USA. That’s my family. The level of love I have for Team USA and the whole organisation over there is unmatched, so I’d love to be part of it until I’m done playing.”
Durant, who has participated in the last four Olympic Games and holds the record as USA men’s basketball’s career scoring leader, insists he wants to earn his place on the 2028 squad rather than be given a spot.
“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,” he acknowledged. “I know I’ve got my work cut out for me to make that team.”
Having secured his fourth Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games – a first for an American male basketball player – Durant clarified that his motivation isn’t to match the five golds won by Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird in women’s basketball.
“I just love playing for Team USA. I love representing my country. That’s the first and most important thing — it’s putting that USA across my chest and representing where I come from,” he affirmed.
In his 18th NBA season, Durant is currently averaging 25.9 points per game with 50.7 per cent shooting accuracy.
