Kevin Durant on board for Philippines exhibition games – NBA Update
Kevin Durant is set to join the NBA’s star studded line-up that will play two exhibition games in the Philippines next weekend. Durant had been rumoured to be part of the group of NBA players heading to the Philippines but had
reportedly withdrawn some time ago.
He is now back in the fold, organizers of the event have announced. Durant will replace Los Angeles Clippers man DeAndre Jordan who had some trouble securing a passport in time for the event. Los Angeles Clipper All Star and Rookie
of the Year Blake Griffin had also withdrawn earlier, citing his brother’s wedding as the reason.
However, the organizers would certainly be happy that Kevin Durant has given the OK for the two games as he would add considerable star power to the NBA team. Durant plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder and led his team to the Western
Conference Finals this season before bowing out to the Dallas Mavericks. He is one of the most talented players in the league and has won the scoring championship for two years running now, averaging over 30 points a game last season.
Durant joins a host of NBA stars already pencilled in for the blockbuster exhibition games including New Orleans star point guard Chris Paul. The biggest draw for the organizers however, is Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe
Bryant. Bryant is one of the biggest names in basketball worldwide and the 5-time NBA World Champion will perform coaching duties as well as play for the team.
Prior to the announcement that Kevin Durant had come on board, it was revealed that Derrick Rose will also be part of the games. Rose is the most sought after young star in the NBA and his stock rose to unprecedented heights last
season when he became the youngest player in the NBA to win a league MVP award. The 22 year old was terrific throughout the season and led his Chicago Bulls side to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Other players heading to Manila as part of the NBA team are; Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers veteran point guard Derek Fisher and Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williams was the second
overall pick in this year’s NBA draft and has yet to actually feature in an official NBA game.
Washington Wizards’ JaVale McGee, who gave Blake Griffin a very tough time in the NBA Slam Dunk contest at the All Star Weekend this year, is also slated to be in the frame to join up the team in Manila. However, his participation
is yet to be confirmed by official sources.
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