Suns' news: Latest update on Kevin Durant's availability for Olympics
By Luke Duffy
There is plenty of reason for Phoenix Suns fans to check out the Olympic Games in Paris this summer, with their two best players in Devin Booker and Kevin Durant suiting up for Team USA.
Booker has certainly had to adjust to a more limited role on the star-studded squad, although he still had some nice moments in which he took over for stretches offensively in the five exhibition games leading up to the game proper.
Durant of course has yet to play as a result of a calf strain, but head coach Steve Kerr has given a positive update about his involvement.
Ahead of beginning their quest to avenge the FIBA World Cup last year - in which they finished a disappointing fourth - Kerr said during media availability before the meeting versus Serbia that "I'm confident we'll have everybody ready".
That might sound a little vague - but when pushed on Durant's involvement specifically, Kerr went so far as to add that "he (Durant) came through the scrimmage two days ago pretty well, and we'll have another practice today and we'll just keep taking it day by day".
The idea of Durant possibly coming off the bench as a result of the calf strain is an interesting conversation to have, even if the 35-year-old would surely love to be in from the jump. The leading scorer in Team USA history, adding a fourth gold medal and more points to his collection only adds to the legacy of the all-time great.
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But if both he and Booker end up not starting games - even if Durant is sure to finish them - it would say a lot about where the Suns are in the pecking order to win a championship right now. Team USA will play two opponents in group play who they already beat in an exhibition in the last couple of weeks, beginning with Serbia.
From there it's a rematch with South Sudan - who they edged out 101-100 in London - before completing the group versus Puerto Rico. Team USA shouldn't need Durant to beat any of these opponents - but having him back in the lineup would surely be the x-factor needed to roll into knockout play.