Durant won't appear opposite Beasley in Orlando

[July 11, 2008]  ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant won't be making a return appearance in summer league play Thursday night in Orlando.

Oklahoma City said it was holding Durant out, though the forward said earlier this week he wanted to compete against the Miami Heat's Michael Beasley. The two are friends, and fellow No. 2 overall draft picks.

Durant made a surprise appearance Tuesday, scoring 22 points in a 100-77 exhibition win over the Orlando Magic. It was the first win in the new Oklahoma City franchise's history, though it won't count for anything.

The former SuperSonics are one of six teams playing five practice games in a five-day span this week in Orlando. The rosters are mostly full of journeymen, but each team has played its most recent top draft picks.

[Associated Press]

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