Team USA and the rest of the basketball world received great news when it was reported that superstar Kevin Durant was going to participate in Team USA practices. Even though his bone graft surgery is still fresh, KD believes he’s healthy enough to participate which is a great sign. Last night we learned that another player in a similar situation will follow in Durant’s footsteps and practice with Team USA on the heels of a leg injury. That player is New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony. Following from ESPN’s Marc Stein:
ESPN sources say Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony is expected to join Kevin Durant on USA Basketball practice floor Tuesday in Las Vegas
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) August 11, 2015
Melo & KD originally earmarked to be in Vegas solely to meet mandatory attendance requirement to stay eligible for 2016 Olympic team but …
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) August 11, 2015
But both Melo and KD are apparently far enough along in their recoveries to practice. @sam_amick first reported Durant's participation
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) August 11, 2015
Anthony hasn’t played against NBA competition since last year’s all star weekend in February. This is a good sign as it will help him see how far his body has come and whether or not he is fully recovered from his knee surgery. Given how many games he played last year and the state of the Knicks, they need to be positive that their franchise player is ready to go full speed. The Knicks have made some solid moves this offseason, some that will help them get into the playoff picture in the weak Eastern Conference. However, none of that is possible if their centerpiece Carmelo Anthony isn’t 100% come their first game.
