'Locked-In' Team USA Settles in France as Olympics Approach

Throughout the city, vibrant signs and banners celebrate the biggest basketball event, reflecting the city's eagerness for tipoff and the excitement surrounding it.

But let's set aside Victor Wembanyama for a moment.

On Thursday, Team USA held their first practice at the Palais des Sports Marcel-Cerdan, the very venue where Wembanyama, the French prodigy now with the San Antonio Spurs, began his journey.

As the Americans prepare for their opening game against Serbia in two days, uncertainty remains around Kevin Durant and his calf strain, leaving his debut still unclear.

Durant has participated in four practices but missed all five exhibition games. Coach Steve Kerr noted that Durant’s status is still uncertain.

“There are no set expectations beyond him practicing, scrimmaging, and then taking it day by day,” Kerr said.

The #USABMNT arrives to USA Basketball headquarters in  Paris! pic.twitter.com/5t27jHCxO0

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 24, 2024

Durant reported feeling refreshed, and his situation isn't comparable to Kawhi Leonard's. Durant is confident about remaining with the team and playing eventually.

“Each day is improving,” Durant noted. “After another intense practice, we’ll gauge how it feels.”

With Durant's status uncertain, Coach Kerr is expected to stick with the starting lineup used throughout most of the exhibition games, barring any last-minute changes: Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jrue Holiday, and Devin Booker.

“We’re settled here now,” Kerr explained. “We have six games ahead. We need to get through pool play, advance, and then it’s like an NCAA tournament.”

Despite facing challenges against South Sudan and Germany, Kerr is optimistic those issues won’t carry over into the Olympics.

“We need to maintain 40 minutes of focused attention,” Kerr said. “We can’t let other teams outplay us in terms of effort and energy.”

Pool play will be held in Lille, France’s fourth-largest city, at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium, which features a retractable roof. The venue was chosen partly because Paris only has one arena large enough for basketball games, with Bercy hosting gymnastics next week.

Two years ago, the announcement of Lille as a venue sparked complaints from FIBA and NBA commissioner Adam Silver due to its distance from Paris and the inconvenience for such a high-profile Olympic sport.

Given the logistics, Team USA will travel back and forth for three games by train or private car, maintaining their hotel in Paris. The medal rounds will then take place in Paris.

So despite playing in Abu Dhabi and London, the team remains on the move.

When asked which opponent he’s most excited to face, Curry responded: “Whoever’s in the gold medal game.”

The team’s mindset is aligned for success.

“We have another level we can reach,” Kerr said. “It’s time for all of us—coaches and players—to focus mentally and strategically.”