Kevin Durant to practice with Team USA at Las Vegas minicamp

After missing all but 27 games during the 2014-15 season, Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant will finally step back on the hardwood, practicing with Team USA at the Las Vegas minicamp this week, which he confirmed to ESPN's Marc Stein on Monday.

The four-time NBA scoring champion won't be taking part in the showcase game at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday, though.

Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo made it clear that any player who wants to be a part of the 2016 Olympic squad in Brazil must appear during the minicamp. It was reported in July that Durant would be making the trip to Las Vegas, although it was assumed he wouldn't take part in physical activity.

He was one of 34 players invited to the camp, along with fellow Olympians LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook. Durant was expected to compete with the team at last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup, although witnessing a frightful knee injury to Paul George drained him to the point where he needed to withdraw his name.

The 26-year-old was diagnosed with a Jones fracture prior to the start of the season, going under the knife Oct. 16. Durant didn't play his first game until Dec. 2 against the New Orleans Pelicans, but needed another surgery Feb. 2 to replace a screw in his right foot.

Durant was eventually ruled out for the year at the end of March after it was revealed he needed bone graft surgery, keeping him on the shelf for four to six months.

The Thunder missed out on the postseason for the first time since 2008-09 with Durant injured, ending the year with a 45-37 record. OKC was 18-9 when he suited up, with Durant averaging 25.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.