Fansided

Kevin Durant is on pace to return from injury soon

By Mike Sullivan

Feb 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Kevin Durant’s recovery is progressing as expected, which is good news for Warriors fans hoping to see the team back in the NBA Finals.

The Golden State Warriors haven’t been at full strength for the past 22 days thanks to Kevin Durant’s injured MCL and bruised bone. Since then, the Warriors haven’t been in top form, notching a weak 7-5 record over that stretch. As reported by Marc Stein and Chris Haynes at ESPN, his recovery is progressing at a steady pace and he should be healthy in time for the playoffs.

Did you hear that sign of relief blow across the plains from the West Coast?

Durant has resumed shoot-arounds and will increase his training as he gets closer to an on-court appearance in the next few weeks. With only 11 more regular games for the Warriors, the report states that “the Warriors hope Durant progresses enough to get in some game action during the final week of the regular season so he doesn’t have to jump into postseason play cold”.

Returning before the playoffs is a speedy recover compared to the “out of action indefinitely” label attached to Durant shortly after his injury. I don’t see any reason for the Warriors to rush Durant back to action. They have a solid two-and-a-half game cushion on the Spurs for the 2nd seed and unless that becomes seriously at risk there is no reason to put Durant in harm’s way. It would be incredibly foolish to bring him back too soon and risk re-injury before his body has fully healed.

Even though his return comes at a time where resting players has becomes a major concern for the league, no one could fault the Warriors for taking completely reasonable precautions.

Next: Lane Kiffin is apparently being sued by former receiver over job

Regular season minutes would be great, but it wouldn’t be the worst thing to have Durant return to action in the first round. The Warriors shouldn’t have much trouble with the Denver Nuggets if things shake out as they currently stand and given the spread out playoff schedule he would get plenty of rest. In any instance, if the Warriors plan to avenge last year’s NBA Finals loss they will need Durant at 100%.

Home/Golden State Warriors