For the coming NBA season, seeing Kevin Durant suit up for the Brooklyn Nets is seen as a long shot by critics. Seeing how the 30-year-old forward is recovering after undergoing surgery for a torn right Achilles, it would be wishful thinking seeing Durant suddenly see action - earliest of which could be the latter part of the 2019-20 NBA season.
And while most see his recovery from this recent surgery as a tedious one, a recent spotting could raise belief that the two-time NBA champion could indeed play for the Nets this coming season. In a report from TMZ Sports, KD was spotted walking out of a restaurant in Los Angeles without crutches. In the video which can be viewed below, a reporter was trying to ask Durant several questions but unsurprisingly tried to evade the person. The second overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft was not exactly walking smoothly, although it is a good sign that he is recovering well.
Regardless, Durant's return still depends on whether he will be given medical clearance to play NBA ball next season. He recently inked a rich $164 million deal with the Nets spread over four years although he is expected to miss the first year of that deal. Together with Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan, the Nets have suddenly become favorites although most believe all that will only sink in come the 2020-21 NBA wars.
But with the recent spotting, speculations on Durant possibly suiting up are likely to raise eyebrows. Even though he has yet to recover fully, such will not stop sports buffs from making speculations on when KD will return. But the real question is whether returning at this point is advisable.
The recent injury is expected to make it tough on Durant to make a quick return to the hardwood, seeing how rushing his return could haunt him in the long run. Hence, it would be wise for KD to listen to his doctors and make sure that he returns with a clean bill of health.
For now, the Nets will have to rely on Irving, Jordan and the rest of the crew for the 2019-20 NBA wars. Even with Durant out, they do have the tools to make a good run this coming season. Among the players expected to play a vital role for Brooklyn as well include the likes of Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, Garrett Temple, Taurean Prince, and Rodions Kurucs, The Nets Daily said.
“We’ve got a lot of good pieces that a lot of people aren’t talking about that are going to help us this year,” said LeVert. “So, we’re definitely looking forward to maximizing our potential, wherever that goes. We don’t know yet, but obviously, we have a lot of fire power.”
