Kevin Durant has been given the green light to return to full active duty after Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti revealed that the star forward has been given the green light to participate in all basketball-related activities, with no restrictions at that.
This development comes right in the nick of time, with training camp set to kick off this coming September 29 as the Thunder start their preparations for the 2015-16 NBA season with redemption in mind.
It will be recalled that Durant sat out majority of the 2014-15 NBA season, and with the former NBA MVP out of action, the Thunder struggled. Durant managed to show up in only 27 games on account of a nagging foot injury.
Durant underwent three surgeries on his right foot to repair a Jones fracture and was partially cleared last August. He was in attendance during the USA Basketball minicamp held in Las Vegas but participated in non-contact drills.
"He feels great. Looks great. It's great to have him back on the floor," Presti said via ESPN. "I'm happy for him because he's been so committed and so disciplined to that process of getting back on the floor."
Despite the clearance, the Thunder may likely pay close attention on Durant and how he progresses. Hence, it should not be surprising to see Durant not being used in pre-season games often, which Presti clarified, is a standard for players and normal operating procedures for the preseason.
"We have to see how he feels during the beginning of camp, and then we'll map out a plan for the year as we do with all our players, not just Kevin," Presti said.
More than that, it will be interesting to see how the Thunder would be logging his minutes once he starts trooping the hardwood. The Thunder are unlikely to force Durant to play heavy minutes, and much would depend on how he is able to cope up, together with a general assessment coming from the coaching and medical staff.
The coming season should be an interesting one for Durant and the Thunder.
The Thunder are looking to rebound after missing the playoffs last season.
As for Durant, many are eager to see him play again but it is more about how he handles the coming season that comes into mind. He will be entering the final season of his contract with the Thunder, and is expected to be hounded with questions about his plans once the 2016 NBA Free Agency kicks off next Summer.
Durant has already advised everyone that he doesn't intend to talk about it for the coming season and not to take rumors seriously, especially if it does not come from him or people readily identified with him.
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