Durant expressed his determination to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics in an interview with FIBA (International Basketball Federation) on the 5th (Korea time).
The U.S., considered the "world's strongest," humbled its pride at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which took place last year. The U.S. lost to Canada 118-127 in the final match to rank fourth, and ended up with no medal. China ranked seventh in the 2019 World Cup. It was the first time that the U.S. failed to win the World Cup title for the second time in a row.
The Dream Team, which seeks to recover its reputation, is planning to deploy its best troops at the Paris Olympics. LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Durant, who are showing off their robust performance by scoring 40,000 points for the first time in the NBA, have expressed their willingness to play in the Olympics, while Stephen Curry of the Golden State is also hoping to play in the Olympics for the first time in his career.
Durant won gold medals at the 2012 London Games, the 2016 Rio Games, and the 2020 Tokyo Games. He also has the largest number of Olympic gold medals among American athletes along with Carmelo Anthony (retired). If he wins a gold medal at the Paris Games, he will rise to the first place alone.
Durant's goal was not just to win another gold medal. FIBA also reported, "He's not just about winning another gold medal. He wants to be the center when the U.S. takes back control." "I want to show how overwhelming we are. I want to win by 40 to 50 points," Durant said through FIBA.
Although the team is preparing for its overwhelming performance, it is not easy for the Dream Team to leave an average margin of more than 40 points at a time when the gap with the global stage has narrowed. The 2014 Basketball World Cup was the event where the U.S. left the largest margin of gain in international competitions since 2000. The team won the championship with +33 points. It had +32.1 points recorded at the 2012 London Games.
Durant said, "I'm still trying to play for a few more minutes. I'm ready to play responsibly in the Olympics, and I'm happy to have the opportunity to be a part of the national team again. I want to have a great summer with all the NBA All-Stars. I'm looking forward to traveling with the best players."