Brooklyn Nets: 5 Major storylines entering next season

Will KD return? And will he be back to form?

We took a deeper look at Kevin Durant’s suffered ruptured right Achilles, and how one specific theory might shed light on how he will look once he returns, here. But, truth be told, I don’t know if he’ll be the Kevin Durant we once knew; however, let’s be clear on something, 70 percent of what he was in this year’s playoff run is still an elite talent.

Durant’s progress is seemingly ahead of schedule, he’s been seen without crutches walking around and the rehab process is moving along nicely.

The severity of what type of injury KD has been forced to endure is significant, it’s claimed the careers of many before him—but there are examples of players coming back and putting up productivity similar to what they were doing pre-injury.

Of course, most notably was Dominique Wilkins, who’s offensive dynamic was heavily predicated on athleticism before he went down in the 1991-92 season. He came back the following season with a more polished offensive game, knowing he’d have to play more on the ground than in the air. That season he made a career-high in three-point field goals, and a career-high in true shooting percentage; 57 percent.

Durant’s scoring versatility is otherworldly, he can score any which way he wants; he won’t have to drastically alter his offense due to his injury. As evident by his field goal percentage from different areas on the basketball court.

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 8/4/2019.

The Nets’ medical staff is revered across the NBA, they won’t rush Durant back, if he’s not 100 percent cleared and ready for game action, he won’t play. However, given Durant’s love for the game of basketball and work ethic, there is the outside chance he works his tail off this entire offseason rehabbing his ankle and is ready to go next spring.

If he’s ready to go, awesome, if not, then it’s not worth jeopardizing the 2020/21 season over.