Basketball - Durant withdraws from Team USA for World Cup

The high-scoring Oklahoma City Thunder forward's withdrawal follows the loss of the Indiana Pacers' Paul George, who last week suffered a compound fracture of his right leg when he landed badly during a team scrimmage. "This was an extremely difficult decision as I take great pride in representing our country," Durant, who won gold with the national team at the London Olympics and at the 2010 world championships, said. "After going through training camp ... I realised I could not fulfil 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." USA Basketball chief Jerry Colangelo said Durant reached out to him and head coach Mike Krzyzewski on Thursday to explain how he felt. "His well being is the most important thing to us and we support him taking the time to get ready for next season," said Colangelo.