On July 14, Beijing time, the United States men's basketball team has arrived in Abu Dhabi and continues to prepare for the Olympics. Joe Vaddon of The Athletic reported on the latest situation of the United States men's basketball team, Durant's calf injury is doubtful, and the possibility of future withdrawal is not ruled out, and Brown, who previously complained that he failed to replace the small card, is expected to be the new replacement.

Kevin · Durant's uncertainty

Due to a left calf strain, Durant has missed all of the team's practice and matchup games for the second week in a row. Previously, the United States sent away the small card with an unresolved knee problem, and White took his place. United States men's basketball coach Kerr said there is no contingency plan for Durant at the moment because "we feel like he's going to be fine." But they're not sure when Durant will be able to fully participate in practice.

In the article, Vardon mentions,At some point in the future, a decision similar to that made about Leonard may have to fall on Durant.Will Durant be ready for the Olympics in time? The final roster will be announced before the start of the Olympic Games, with the men's basketball competition starting on July 27 local time.

Why White beat Brown for selection

After beating Canada 86-72 in the warm-up game, the United States left Las Vegas on Thursday local time, stopping in Iceland to refuel before continuing to Abu Dhabi. According to Vardon, it's a nice and comfortable charter with a lot of features. However, there is only one drawback, there is no wifi on the charter flights of United States.

No wonder White chose to fly on a commercial flight and meet the United States team in Abu Dhabi.

The real reason for White's absence is that he wasn't on the team as of Tuesday afternoon. On the day the United States training camp began, he had just agreed to renew a four-year, $126 million contract. After winning the NBA championship with the Boston Celtics, he was making plans for the summer.

United States men's basketball general manager Grant Hill reached out to White Tuesday night to see if he could succeed Leonard and told the media Wednesday night: "When we asked him, (White) had to ask (his wife)." He has to make plans and coordinate things before he can give us a clear affirmation. ”

The United States men's basketball team's choice of White over Jaylen Brown has caused Brown's obvious dissatisfaction on social media and widespread doubts about United States men's basketball decision-makers.

White has skyrocketed in the NBA over the past few seasons, however, he is better suited as a role player with less playing time than other players on the United States team.

Assuming no further injuries and Durant returns, Curry, Holiday and Haliburton will take up playing time at the guard position; Durant, Booker and Tatum will play on the wings; James as a starting playmaker forward.

Substitute minutes in the No.4 position are likely to be taken by Bam Adebayo, and the combination of him and bushy eyebrows is what Kerr likes to use. "I like that," Kerr said of the combination of Davis and Adebayo, which dominated the warm-up game against Canada, "the physicality, the defense, the switch, the rebounding — it all looks good." ”

If the United States need a defensive-minded defender when attacking due to injury or foul issues, they think White is better suited for the job than Brown. But if Durant is out of the Olympics, Brown's name could reappear as a replacement.

Holiday is bullish on Edwards

On Saturday, Holiday was asked who would throw the ball if the United States needed one last shot to win?

"If there's one person to blame, it's probably Anthony Edwards." Holiday replied.

It's not entirely clear whether Holiday means Edwards will take it or, in Holiday opinion, Edwards thinks he should be the one to make the final throw. What is clear is that Edwards has earned recognition for himself in this team.

Against Canada, Edwards came off the bench and scored a team-high 13 points. Yes, Edwards had said during training camp that he was the team's first choice and that the other 11 players had to adapt to him, but in fact he spent much of the summer praying for the team's legend and referring to himself as an "ordinary" player.

"I don't feel like I'm going to have a place [in this team] until we get to Paris," Edwards said on Saturday. "I have to play a good game in Paris."

When someone pointed out to Edwards that he did score more points against Canada than all the other players, Edwards said: "I shot a lot that night, so everyone cheered me on. ”

The next warm-up game of the United States team will be played at 0:00 Beijing time on July 16, against the Australia men's basketball team.