Kevin Durant Leaves Team USA before FIBA World Cup

The mass exodus from Team USA continues as the NBA’s reigning most valuable player, Kevin Durant, decided that his body and mind needed a rest from basketball. Durant’s decision comes less than a week after Paul George suffered a horrific leg injury that will keep him from playing basketball for a year. Previously Kevin Love, Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard withdrew from Team USA, leaving Coach K to try and piece together a competitive roster for this year's FIBA World Cup.

With Durant’s departure, Vegas odds makers have quickly shifted favorites. Spain is now a 2:1 lock to take home the FIBA World Cup. Team USA has fallen to 2:5 and will look for some help if they wish have a shot at winning it all.

According to USA Today, Durant released a statement that shed light on his bombshell decision. "This was an extremely difficult decision as I take great pride in representing our country," Durant said in a statement. "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.”

Additional reporting said that Durant was consistently the last player off the court after each practice. Coach K would have an easy practice planned but Durant still wanted to get his reps in, going above and beyond the call of duty.

"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," Durant said.

In recent years, the best talent from the NBA has decided to rest during the off season rather than put in a summer of work. The FIBA World Cup is not the Olympics, and as Maverick’s owner Mark Cuban ranted, FIBA is all about the money. Whether or not the NBA’s best are being exploited under the guise of national pride, Durant’s decision has to be respected. Players who give 110 percent during the regular season and playoffs deserve a rest break free from basketball.