Durant and George go one-on-one after Team USA practice. (Photo via @NBA.)
Being part of USA Basketball is a special thing. The quality of play is better than any other place during the summer, including the Summer League, the coaching is top-notch, and the relationships built with fellow NBAers can be a special thing.
Might something, perhaps a bromance, be budding between two of the top players in camp? It sure looks that way.
The face of the Pacers, Paul George, and Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant have been very friendly during the coverage, both on television and social media. Durant took it one step further late Wednesday sending out the following Instagram everywhere.
Shortly after, George reposted the image and wrote, “Learned a lot from him already lookin forward to this quest for the gold along side him.. Been pushing me all camp! #Progress”
See Also: Paul George mic’d up at Team USA practice
There may be more to come of this relationship. The two are pretty much locks to start at the forward spots in next month’s FIBA World Cup. Through travel, playing games, and fighting adverse situations, players and teams bond.
George greatly respects LeBron James, who is five years older. Durant, meantime, the reigning NBA MVP, is just a year older and thus making it easier to relate.
Another interesting development may come when the two square off twice during the NBA season. During this past year, George said Durant was the most difficult player in the league for him to guard because of Thunder’s game plan to have KD constantly moving.
Related: Paul George talks about National Team Camp
Beyond the gold medal and clinching a spot in the 2016 Olympics, George can learn some tricks and make mental notes while playing alongside him. Regardless, playing amongst the best can only help George grow as a player and get even better.
After each practice, the two, along with Houston’s James Harden, have been playing ‘King of the Hill,’ a quality 1-on-1 game where offense stays until the defense gets a stop. It’s typically played to seven points.
Watch highlights of the trio going at it on Thursday below. (Video courtesy of USA Basketball.)
Train with the best and learn from the best on a quest to be the best.