NBA News 2013: Durant, Westbrook and Harden Could Play for One Team Again
NBA Fans may see Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook united with former teammate James Harden soon, as reports reveal that the three stars have shown interest in joining Team USA in the upcoming 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
According to Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press, the three players, together with Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves, have already expressed their intent to join the national team next year.
"Jerry Colangelo says he's receiving positive indications that Durant, Westbrook, Harden and Love want to play for Team USA next summer," the reporter posted on his Twitter account.
As a matter of fact, according to USA Today, KD and Love have already confirmed their participation in the league happening next summer. The two will add depth in the roster that will combine new talent with veteran power.
"For these veterans -- although they are not old guys yet -- to make that commitment is a huge step," U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski told USA Today. "You have gold-medal winners in two events. Both of them were 21-year-old guys when we won in Istanbul (at the 2010 FIBA World Championship) and then at 23, they won gold medals (at the 2012 London Olympic Games). They are now part of the leadership of our program and they've been committed."
As for Durant, there wasn't even a doubt in his mind that he wanted another spot on Team USA.
"It's USA. That's it," the Oklahoma City Thunder standout told the news site. "To play amongst the world and travel throughout this beautiful world and play basketball, you can't beat that. It's a great opportunity."
With the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup happening in Spain, and with its strong national team, KD acknowledges that it will be harder for them to beat España in their home turf.
"It's going to be hard," he said. "But we beat Turkey in Turkey in 2010. We know what it takes."
Team USA will consist of new blood and players with championship experience, including several from the 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist team. So far, USA Basketball has already started work in forming the national team with a four-day camp to see who will be the best fit for FIBA. Included in the camp were 27 players from the NBA and two collegiate standouts.
As for teammate Westbrook and former OKC buddy James Harden, Durant already has the "recruiting pitch" in mind, USA Today reports.
"It's kind of easy, 'Do you want to play for your country and win a gold medal?'"