Kevin Durant to miss Canada vs USA FIBA Tuneups, VP Kamala Harris meets Team USA Basketball at Las Vegas camp - Day 4 Exclusive

Team USA coach Steve Kerr said Durant will sit out when Team USA plays Canada in an exhibition on Wednesday at T-Mobile Arena after missing all of the team’s three practices because of a strained calf. Durant said he suffered the injury nearly 10 days before training camp began on Saturday.

It appears unclear whether Durant will return for Team USA’s exhibition against Australia on July 15 in Abu Dhabi.

“I hope so,” Durant said. “That’s the plan. But just taking it day by day.”

Another image sparks encouragement regarding Durant’s health.

Though he has not participated in any practice, Durant has at least completed individual shooting drills and received treatment. He has walked without any noticeable limp. And he shared in an even-handed tone that “he’s feeling better.”

No pressure, but Durant’s fortunes could determine whether Team USA will win a gold medal in the 2024 Olympics. After winning gold in 2012 (London), 2016 (Rio) and 2021 (Tokyo), Durant has become USA Basketball’s all-time leader in points (435). Durant also scored 29 points in the U.S’ 87-82 win over France in the Tokyo gold-medal game. As Team USA assistant coach Tyronn Lue said about Durant, “If it wasn’t for him, he wouldn’t have won the gold.”

“The Olympics are an historic event. It happens once every four years,” Durant said. “You get to play with the best of the best and you get to travel the world and be among the best athletes in the whole world. So it’s truly an honor and is something you can’t pass up in my opinion. I try to be here as much as I can.”

Kawhi Leonard’s reaction to Paul George’s exit

The Clippers’ star processed George’s departure to the Philadelphia 76ers with the same stoic manner he usually operates in public.

“We knew it was [possible] before the season. So we knew what it was going to come down to,” Leonard said. “So we talked the whole way through. So not surprised.”

George accepted a four-year, $212 million max deal with the Philadelphia 76ers after taking offense that the Clippers would not guarantee a fourth year and a no-trade clause. The Clippers maintain they did this to mitigate second apron concerns. George thrived as both a first, second or even third option, but he struggled to stay healthy consistently.

Since then, the Clippers retained point guard James Harden on a two-year, $70 million deal while also adding Mo Bamba, Nicolas Batum and Kevin Porter Jr.

“How much more will it be on me to lead the team? Same like it was last year,” Leonard said. “That doesn’t change.”

Leonard apparently not on a minutes restriction

Here’s one thing that will change.

Unlike Leonard’s time with the Clippers, Team USA won’t impose any workload or practice limitations on him.

“No minutes [restriction],” Lue said about Leonard. “He feels good. The opportunity is good.”

Leonard missed the Clippers’ final eight regular-season games as well as Games 1, 4, 5 and 6 of their first-round series loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Yet, Kerr said Leonard has participated in all of practice, including in scrimmages. Lawrence Frank, the Clippers vice president of basketball operations, has observed the practices at the arena but has kept a healthy distance from Team USA’s staff.

“I don’t think Kawhi has ever played 5-on-5 during the summer time,” Lue said. “So it’s going to be good for him going into the season and coming and starting the season with that 5-on-5 experience and 5-on-5 conditioning. It can be good for him. I’m happy that he’s here, and I’m happy that he’s feeling good.”

Kerr digging Anthony Edwards’ bravado

Technically, Anthony Edwards broke Team USA’s message about individual sacrifice when he proclaimed himself to be the team’s No. 1 option. It’s clear, though, that Edwards’ statement reflects more of his self-confidence and drive than any fixation about his points and shot attempts.

“I want them to bring their very best selves. I love that Anthony Edwards said that he’s the No. 1 option in the NBA,” Kerr said. “I want him to think that way. I want five or six other guys to feel that way. That’s the beauty of being on this team. They’re all capable of taking over a game and I think as they go, they realize that mentality and that aggressiveness is actually a good thing because they’re all committed to each other. They don’t want to disappoint one another. They want to make sure they’re bringing their best energy and best game to the floor every night for their teammates.”

Vice President Kamala Harris visits Team USA practice

After Team USA completed its walk-through practice on Tuesday, Kerr left the court abruptly. Moments later, Kerr returned with Harris and a handful of security officials and White House reporters.

Harris embraced several of the Team USA players, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Durant. She encouraged the U.S. to beat Canada in Wednesday’s exhibition. And then she posed for several team pictures.

“Great reminder that we’re playing for our country and Vice President Harris was great,” Kerr said. “She told the guys how much she admired them and how much they really embodied excellence. The fact that we’re going over there to try to win a gold medal for our country, she said it’s a demonstration of our patriotic feeling of being part of something special for our country. I think the guys really listened to every word. It’s great.”

Kerr estimated he has met Harris “many times” because she is an Oakland native and a former District Attorney in San Francisco that often attends Warriors games. Kerr mentioned playfully that Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, is a Los Angeles Lakers fan.

“She loves our team,” Kerr said. “She loves basketball. Yeah, the first gentleman is a Lakers fan, unfortunately, but we will live with that.”

Mark Medina is an NBA insider for Sportskeeda. Follow him on X, Instagram, Facebook and Threads.