“Here’s the thing: We’re not going to bury our heads in the sand and pretend that’s not going to be in the air”, Presti said (via ESPN).
Advertisement
“Kevin is cleared and has been playing without restrictions in 5-on-5 drills”, Presti said at a news conference.
It just never felt right when Kevin Durant was injured and unable to play basketball.
Kevin Durant has been fully cleared for training camp without restrictions. Durant had surgery, started his rehab and by Team USA’s mini-camp in August, was on the court practicing with that collection of superstars. Durant’s first surgery in October caused him to miss 17 games.
“In terms of, like, limitations, he does not have any”, Presti continued. “Happy for him because he’s been so committed and so disciplined to that process of getting back on the floor”.
“He feels great. Looks great”.
Russell Westbrook did his best, trying single-handedly to bring the Thunder to the playoffs last season, but fell short. Although he only played in 27 games last season, he averaged 25.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists a game.
Advertisement
As for a minutes reduction for Durant, Presti said that’s something the coaching and medical staffs will discuss throughout the season. Presti wouldnt say for sure if the number would creep back up toward the 38.2 minutes he averaged in his career before last season. He missed just six games in his prior five seasons and led the league in minutes played in 2010, 2012 and 2014. Probably. You also have to factor in where you want be at a certain point and where the schedule is and where there are opportunities to take some time..
