NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 03: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench during the game Phoenix Suns at Barclays Center on February 03, 2020 in New York City.Brooklyn Nets defeated the Phoenix Suns 119-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
With the NBA season suspended, it seemed possible that Kevin Durant might return for a delayed version of the playoffs. His partner says it’s not happening.
Kevin Durant hasn’t played since Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals when he ruptured his Achilles’ tendon. A few weeks later he opted to leave the Warriors for the Brooklyn Nets in free agency but even when he signed that contract was understood that his recovery timeline would almost certainly keep him out for all of the 2019-20 season.
However, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic added a question mark. The NBA season is currently suspended for 30 days but current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention make it unlikely that play could resume before mid-June. The NBA understandably wants to avoid scrapping the entire season and may look to run an abbreviated version of the playoffs starting in June. The Nets are currently in playoff position and it seemed at last possible that Durant could return around that point. However, his business partner, Rich Kleiman has pretty much ruled out that idea.
“Honestly, not very realistic from my standpoint, and not even spoken about,” Kleiman responded when asked about the idea on a recent episode of Golic & Wingo.
As eager as we all are to see Durant back on the court, it’s probably the right decision. There is no reason to rush the previously laid out recovery timeline for a longshot bid at a title that will always have an asterisk next to it because of the disrupted season. Kyrie Irving is also recovering from a shoulder injury, the Nets agreed to part ways with their coach just days before the season was suspended and FiveThirtyEight’s NBA predictions gave them less than a one percent chance of winning the title.
Get healthy. Get everyone healthy. Then give it a go next year.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.