The torn Achilles’ tendon is one of the most gruesome injuries to ever overcome for an athlete. After suffering from the injury in Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals, Kevin Durant has taken this season off to rehab the injury and come back stronger than before. With that being said, it leaves many people optimistic about how the two-time Finals MVP will return once he’s healthy and ready to be on the floor.

Returning from an Achilles tear can be a hit or miss for a player. We saw NBA legend Dominique Wilkins return from his torn Achilles and average 30 points per game. In addition to being one of the NBA’s most elite players. But we also watched guys like Kobe Bryant, Isiah Thomas, and others become a shell of what they once were as they would retire shortly after the horrific injury.

With the technology and information that we have in the 21st century. It makes life easier for players suffering this type of injury as they have the potential to come back and have a very reluctant career. And with Durant taking a season off to rehab; he will be fresh to take on the floor in the 2020-21 season.

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Durant and the Brooklyn Nets have very high expectations to be a championship contender upon his return. With his greatness along with the likes of Kyrie Irving and others, Brooklyn looks to be on top of the Eastern Conference come next season. Durant has shown that he can make any team better due to his size and skillset on the basketball floor. It has been a rough season this year with injuries and a coaching change. But the Nets organization believes that once Durant returns things will be much better. And they’ll be looking at Milwaukee as the team to beat in the East.

Due to the Achilles tear, Durant may not have the same explosiveness that he once had before the injury. But one thing he will always have is his perimeter shot; he will use that to his advantage much more than he may have in the past. With his size and agility over his defenders; Durant will continue to be aggressive on the offensive end carrying the Nets on a nightly basis to get a win.

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Expect Durant’s numbers to revolve around 25 Points per game. It will take him a while to get back into a rhythm on the court. But that is why he will have great teammates to rely on to help him get back into the swing of things on the court. Durant and the Nets will be able to learn from one another as the season progresses and their curiosity can make them a better team along the way. Durant’s numbers may be down compared to his career average of 27 PPG. But his impact will remain the same and he’ll still be the most dangerous player on the floor for Brooklyn.

This year has already been ruled out for Durant prior to COVID-19 postponing the season. But everyone can look forward to next season once Durant takes on the floor for the first time since the 2019 NBA Finals. This offseason was the bests move for Durant and he has been showing signs of improvement throughout the rehab therapy. The rest of the NBA should all have their eye on next season upon Durant’s return. He will have a lot to prove once he returns. He will look to shut down all of his doubters once he steps foot on the basketball floor again.

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