Since leaving the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant has had it rough. After making three straight NBA Finals appearances and winning two NBA championships with the Warriors, Durant never made it past the conference semifinals.

Though he was still playing at an elite level post-Achilles injury, winning in the biggest stage had eluded him. There were times Durant and his squad were simply up against a better team; in other times they were inches away from victory only to come up short. 

That is, until he stepped onto the Olympic stage. 

Yes, Team USA is basically an NBA super team on steroids, but going up against the world’s best doesn’t guarantee a gold medal. And yet, Durant has been at the top of the podium in every Olympic campaign he’s been on. Few things can top winning a gold medal and it’s safe to say that the 2014 NBA MVP is living his best life whenever he strikes gold. 

Durant secured his fourth Olympic gold medal (the most among US Olympic men’s team sports) by helping the Americans take down the Olympic hosts France. With an average of 13.8 points per game (on 54.0/51.9/93.8 shooting splits), Durant was the third-leading scorer on Team USA (24th overall) during the Paris Olympics.

While he was in the process of dominating the French national team, Durant even managed to own another team that considers Paris home. 

After he left the Oklahoma City Thunder, Durant took a heel turn and eventually got lost in the shuffling of teams. Playing for Team USA somewhat changed things, especially in moments where the Americans needed him the most, which more often than not came against Serbia. 

Team USA was looking to get a good start against the Serbians, who lost to the Americans in the USA Basketball Showcase that Durant sat out due to a calf injury. The14-time NBA All-Star could not have picked a better day to return as he was turning each touch into a scoring opportunity. 

That opening win set the tone for Team USA and when they faced Serbia again in the semifinals, it was Durant that once again proved to be the Serbians’ tormentor (along with Stephen Curry). 

All signs are pointing to the Paris Olympics being Durant’s last dance with Team USA. He will turn 36 on September 29 and he will be around two months from hitting 40 when the 2028 Olympics opens in Los Angeles. The right torn Achilles tendon injury seems to be behind him, but a lot can happen in four years. Durant might already be retired by then, but if he takes care of his body and continues to play at an elite level, the 11-time All-NBA selection should be in consideration for a spot.  

Should that be it, Durant will not only be the most decorated athlete in US Olympic men’s team sports, but he will also be Team USA’s all-time leading scorer. It’s a legacy that seems unmatched, especially when you consider how the former Texas Longhorn has been a consistent presence for more than a decade. 

Kevin Durant’s legacy may be complex to some, but with Team USA, it’s safe to say that he will leave as one of the best, if not THE best, to ever do it for men’s 5×5 basketball. There may come a time in the future, though, when a peer or a future star will overtake him for Team USA’s all-time scoring record and the gold medal haul in US Olympic men’s team sports. 

Best believe it will be a difficult feat to achieve, because Durant has always had a knack for making the hardest things look easy.