Just like they did in the 2016 offseason, the Warriors are about to welcome a star to a team that had won plenty without him. This time, the Warriors are not making a free-agency pitch to Kevin Durant during their visit to the Hamptons. Instead, the Warriors are expected to welcome Durant back after missing the past five playoff games because of a strained right calf.
When will that be? Nothing is official yet. The Warriors plan to reevaluate Durant and DeMarcus Cousins in hopes both could be cleared for "live action." Both Durant and Cousins have some flexibility on when they will increase their on-court work. That is because the Warriors do not play in the NBA Finals against either the Toronto Raptors or Milwaukee Bucks until May 30.
What will Durant's return look like then? First, an obvious disclaimer. Anyone who thinks the Warriors are "better" without Durant is either an idiot, trolling for clicks or both. Durant has led the NBA in postseason scoring (34.2 points). He has won two Finals MVPs. He has given the Warriors an extra offensive wrinkle after squandering a 3-1 series lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals.
Nonetheless, the Warriors will experience some obvious benefits with Durant's presumed return as well as face some possible hiccups. The Warriors have a good 'problem," obviously. Why wouldn't the Warriors want Durant back along with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green? Just as they had done in their past two NBA championship runs, however, the Warriors face varying challenges to ensure all of their stars benefit from the reunion.
Below is the breakdown on how KD will make life easier, as well as the adjustments the Warriors will have to make to accommodate his return.
