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"If I'm still me" - KD keeps the door open on playing for Team USA at the 2028 Olympics
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- "If I'm still me" - KD keeps the door open on playing for Team USA at the 2028 Olympics
Chaos filled Serbia's locker room in July 2024 during the halftime break of its group phase game against Team USA . Nikola Jokic 's frustration was evident as he was seen instructing teammate Bogdan Bogdanovic how to guard Kevin Durant on the perimeter.
Then, with intensity in his voice, veteran coach Svetislav Pesic took over and ingrained a rather obvious tactic in the players' minds to hopefully hold off the Americans: guard Durant, who had just scorched Serbia with 21 points in the first half, built on a perfect 5-of-5 3-point shooting clip.
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The USA squad would ultimately win the game and the entire tournament, bagging the Olympic gold. This journey included toppling the powerhouse Serbia in the semifinals and France in the finals. Although the "Avengers" were jam-packed with talent, with Stephen Curry and LeBron James on the roster, KD reminded everyone of his ability to step up his game on the international stage.
Now, more than a year has passed. History has been written, and Durant said he still has some gas left in the tank to rewrite it at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics — provided that he can still play like the star he was during the Paris edition.
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"Yeah, if I'm still me," he said during CNBC x Boardroom's GamePlan 2025 Summit.
KD still wants to contribute in 2028
As expected, Team USA beat its foes at the Paris Olympics. With the star power that the team presented — composed of the likes of Curry, James, Durant, Anthony Davis , Jayson Tatum , Joel Embiid , and Anthony Edwards — anything less than an Olympic gold would have been a disappointment.
The team pulled through, winning all six of its games. Durant averaged 13.8 points during the tournament on an efficient 54% shooting, a solid contribution considering how stacked the USA roster was. Should KD play in 2028, he made it clear that he wants to replicate that type of contribution. He does not want a veteran role on the bench and to be handed the Olympic gold on a silver platter.
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"I don't wanna be the veteran like 'come sit on the bench and get your fifth,'" Kevin added.
Eying his fifth gold
KD made history with Team USA, becoming the first athlete to win four Olympic gold medals. He also has a very accomplished resume in the international FIBA basketball scene.
In addition to his four gold medals, Durant won the MVP award in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In 2010, he was hailed as the FIBA Basketball World Cup MVP. Kevin has also been awarded the USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year honor three times.
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It is indisputable that Durant's greatness transcends NBA arenas. However, the question remains: Can he still bring more honor to the country in 2028?
Even James, who has become a prototype for longevity in the NBA, doubts that he could still play for Team USA in 2028. In a June interview, Bron revealed his attitude toward playing for the Stars & Stripes in the next Olympics.
"Where we at, man, 2025 right now?... if I had to look at it right now through a microscope, I would say that, me being able to support Team USA for the rest of my life — that's for sure," he said . "But me actually going on and playing, I don't see it happening."
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By 2028, the Houston Rockets forward will be 39 years old. As seen in the past NBA seasons, he can still play like his MVP self, with Durant's play style relying more on finesse and shooting than athleticism. The only thing he needs to do is keep his body healthy and figure out how to maintain this level of greatness on the court. Should he still be "him," KD's commitment to Team USA and winning his fifth Olympic gold medal will be possible.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the International section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
