Perennial NBA All-Star Kevin Durant, sometimes known as the “Durantula,” will not participate in the FIBA World Cup games after withdrawing himself from the competition on August 7.

“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 training camp, I realized I could not fulfill my responsibilities, which is why I need to take a step back and get some time away to prepare for the upcoming season,” Durant said.

Controversy spilled about FIBA and the risk of participating concerning NBA players. Indiana Pacers forward Paul George recently suffered a gruesome leg injury in which he trailed a teammate James Harden for a block and landed on the side of his leg, revealing a snapped bone. The USMNT scrimmage ended immediately and bystanders erupted in unease.

“I think it is necessary for the players to withdraw themselves. Players need family time and their personal space. I mean they play 82 games every season which can definitely be draining, especially for star players on their teams like KD and Love,” junior Sammy Estrada said.

Although most players continued their tenure with team USA, a few top tier basketball stars withdrew themselves from the team due to “emotional distress” in the wake of George’s injury. NBA forwards Kevin Love, Lamarcus Aldridge, and Blake Griffin also withdrew from FIBA.

“Love is in line to be traded to a contender and sign a huge contract for the Cleveland Cavaliers, so his absence is a no brainer. However, with the exiting of Griffin and Aldridge, USMNT continues to look for a forward that can consistently score,” Bleacher Report columnist Mike Chiari said.

Even though several players fell from the roster, the USMNT still appears as the ideal, unbeatable team they have always been. However, top tier players that provide consistent scoring have stepped down, which leaves open air for players such as Bulls previous MVP Derrick Rose, Rockets dynamic guard James Harden, Pelicans big man Anthony Davis, and Kings center DeMarcus Cousins to carry the scoring load.

“It is good that some of the better players are opting out of the games. It leaves room for the younger guys to have a sort of Olympic games type feel. Plus I wouldn’t mind watching Rose and Harden dominate the two guard sets,” senior Deon Dodd said.