Kevin Durant Will Definitely Not Play This Season

Despite some recent optimistic reports, Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant will definitely sit out the 2019 – 2020 NBA season.

General manager Sean Marks confirmed on Tuesday that Kevin Durant will spend the year rehabbing from his Achilles injury. 

Kevin Durant ruptured his achilles tendon during the NBA Finals in June, while still playing for the Golden State Warriors.

The fallout from his injury lead to questions as to whether he was managed correctly. As well as that, it was suggested that there was acrimony between Durant and the Warriors organization.

Want $250 to bet on NBA futures?

The Nets signed Durant to a four-year, $164 million contract this summer. They knew the extent of his injury, and are prepared to stick with him through his recover.

Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dwinwiddie says that regardless of when Durant returns, he will be a vital player for them.

“I know KD is taking the rehab process ultra-serious,” he said.

“He wants to come back as soon as it’s appropriate, and healthy and the right decision for him, and then also subsequently that would also be the right decision for us.

“The beautiful part about this is, the man is 7-foot and one of the best shooters of all time. At worst you get Dirk [Nowitzki], and Dirk was a monster. So we’re ready for him to come back whenever he wants to and whenever he’s ready to do so, and we know that he’s going to be a phenomenal major piece of our roster.”

Read: Andre Iguodala ‘Fell Out Laughing’ Over Memphis Trade

At 30, Durant is approaching the age where top level athletes slow down. As well as that, an achilles injury is nasty. As we have seen with DeMarcus Cousins, coming back to your previous level is not guaranteed.

The risk of wear-and-tear injuries will now be a harsh reality for Durant. Luckily for the Nets, they also have Kyrie Irving, Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, Dinwiddie and Joe Harris. Look for them to feature in the playoffs this year, and make a title push next year.