On June 12th, 2019, Kevin Durant underwent surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon he injured in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Following his move to the Nets, GM Sean Marks said in September that the Nets are not planning for Durant to return to the floor before the start of the 2020-21 season – but just four months after his surgery, Durant is back on the floor and hitting shots with ease. On Wednesday, Durant took standing shots from around the foul line, and mixed in a few dribble moves.
Recovery from a torn Achilles is generally expected to take from nine to 12 months – which means that Durant could potentially be on track to make a late comeback this season.
Nets fans shouldn’t get too excited, though. According to Durant himself, there’s no chance that he’ll return this season, even to aid the Nets in a potential playoff run. During an appearance on First Take on Halloween, Durant ruled out the possibility of a return.
Stephen A. Smith: “Have you completely ruled out the possibility that you can return?”
Kevin Durant: “Yes.”
Smith: “You’re done? We won’t see you at all this year in a Brooklyn Nets uniform?”
Durant: “No, I don’t plan on it.”
