Thunder Star Durant Withdraws From Team USA

USA Basketball announced on Thursday that Thunder superstar Kevin Durant has withdrawn from the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

According to reports, Durant is bowing out due to physical and mental fatigue, and not as a result of Pacers' star Paul George's gruesome injury. Durant led the NBA in minutes played last season while also carrying Oklahoma City through 19 additional playoff games.

Durant issued the following statement about his decision:

"This was an extremely difficult decision as I take great pride in representing our country. I know that I owe it to my USA Basketball teammates to be totally invested in the experience. After going through training camp with USAB, I realized I could not fulfill my responsibilities to the team from both a time and energy standpoint. I need to take a step back and take some time away, both mentally and physically in order to prepare for the upcoming NBA season. I will be rooting for USAB and look forward to future opportunities with them.”

The World Cup is scheduled to begin on Aug. 30 and run through the middle of September.

The five-time NBA All Star won his first MVP trophy last season as he led the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals.