Any time a star player suffers a serious injury, the first question that many fans ask is whether or not that player might ever return to full strength. That's the same case for Golden State Warriors superstar Kevin Durant.
Derrick Rose's ACL and meniscus injuries derailed his final years with the Chicago Bulls and even sparked a number of psychological issues. Kobe Bryant tore his Achilles in 2013, effectively ending his status as one of the best players in the league.
More recently, players like DeMarcus Cousins and Victor Oladipo have suffered Achilles injuries that have put their futures in question (look no further than Cousins signing with the Warriors for just $5 million).
So with Durant rupturing his right Achilles during Game 5 of the NBA Finals, there is reason to feel a sense of sadness for one of the best players in the league.
But Durant has also received an outpouring of support from players around the league, including from San Antonio Spurs forward Rudy Gay, who had also suffered the same injury back in 2017.
According to our very own @MarcJSpearsESPN, @RudyGay told Kevin Durant “don’t be scared,” in reference to his injury
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Gay suffered a rupture of his Achilles tendon in 2017. pic.twitter.com/PGoBSrZruj— Andscape (@andscape) June 12, 2019
After injuring his Achilles in 2017, Gay has managed to return as an effective player in the league. He averaged 13.7 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Spurs this season
It should also be noted that — as Marc Spears mentioned — Gay was held out by the Spurs despite feeling like he was fully recovered after six months.
This should resonate with Durant, an all-world player who will certainly look to reestablish himself as one of the best players in the league upon his return. Still, it is an interesting dynamic heading into this summer when Durant will be a free agent.
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