Kevin Durant’s Brooklyn Nets announced he has signed a multi-million-dollar contract immediately after he helped the USA Dream Team win the gold medal in Tokyo. No wonder, his stock rose inexorably at the Olympics. In the early rounds, the Americans were not convincing and after securing gold Durant criticised the media for doubting their chances.
He scored 29 points to lead the United States to an 87-82 win over France for the gold medal. In doing so, the 32-year-old small forward also claimed the title of the greatest US men’s basketball player in Olympics history.
While Durant has competition for USA GOAT status from the women’s side - both Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi won a fifth gold medal - his resume stands above all but one other, Carmelo Anthony . But unlike Anthony, Durant was the leading scorer for Team USA in 2012, 2016 and this time became the leading overall scorer.
Basketball was created in Massachusetts, but it belongs to the world now. The NBA has given three consecutive MVP trophies to international players. Yet, at a time that international teams have started filling their Olympic rosters with legitimate NBA stars, Durant has become the true gold standard.
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