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by Brandon Richard
The road to next year's Rio Olympics officially began this week in Las Vegas, where USA Basketball held its first minicamp. As team policy states, players must attend the three-day session to qualify for the 2016 games. The roster will ultimately be trimmed down to 12, but participating is a sign of commitment, and the committee will be more likely to bring back those who are cut for the next cycle.
Tuesday's camp was also the first time we've seen the NBA's elite hit the hardwood since the playoffs. And for Kevin Durant, his first action since March, when a foot injury prematurely ended his season. The timing couldn't have been better, because Durant had the opportunity to lace up his "USA" Nike KD 8 signature shoe. Last season, Durant's issues with the KD 7 were well publicized, so his apparent comfort in the 8 is an encouraging sign.
John Wall also debuted his new model — the adidas J Wall 2. The shoe hasn't been released, but was previewed by Wall and adidas in July.
As was reported earlier, Stephen Curry wore the "USA" colorway of his upcoming Under Armour Curry Two sneaker. Though new colorways of the Curry One are still being released, the Two has already surfaced in a variety of colorways.
And on the James Harden front, no deal with adidas has been signed yet. While he and adidas await Nike's decision on his pending $200 million dollar offer, he showed up wearing his usual Nike Hyperchase.
See which other USA-themed sneakers hit the court in a special edition of #SoleWatch.
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Shoe: Jordan Melo M11
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Shoe: adidas Crazyquick 3
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Shoe: Nike Hyperdunk 2015
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Shoe: Nike HyperRev 2015
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Shoe: Nike Soldier 9
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Shoe: Under Armour Curry Two
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Shoe: Nike Air Max Audacity
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Shoe: Nike Kobe 10
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Shoe: Jordan Super.Fly 4
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Shoe: Nike KD 8
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Shoe: Nike Hyperdunk 2015
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Shoe: Nike Soldier 9
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Shoe: Nike Hyperchase
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Shoe: Nike Kobe 10
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Shoe: Nike LeBron 9 Low
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Shoe: Air Jordan XX9
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Shoe: Jordan CP3.VIII AE
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Shoe: ANTA KT Fire
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Shoe: adidas J Wall 2
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Shoe: Air Jordan XX9