When will Kevin durant debut with the Phoenix Suns?
The Suns’ new star has been sidelined since early January after suffering a MCL injury during a game against the Heat, while playing with his former team, the Nets.
Since his blockbuster trade out of New York, the entire NBA and its fanbase have been waiting for the former MVP to take to the court with his new team. With his recovery from injury seemingly coming to a close, it appears that moment has finally come.
Suns’ Kevin Durant set to face Charlotte Hornets
If you were hiding under a rock, you may have missed that Kevin Durant is now a Phoenix Suns player. Of course, if you weren’t then you probably know that despite the fact that the star now has a new team, he’s been unable to make his debut due to a knee injury that he sustained back in January. Yet, as reports now indicate, Durant is about to play his first game for Phoenix. March 1st is the projected return date and the Charlotte Hornets are the opponent that the Suns will be playing on that day. Be there.
How did Kevin Durant’s injury occur?
It was back on January 8th, when Durant and his then Brooklyn Nets were battling it out against the Miami Heat. With just over a minute left in the third quarter, Heat star Jimmy Butler drove to the hoop on his way to attempting a toughly contest layup. Indeed, he was actually blocked by Ben Simmons and as he descended from his attempt, he inadvertently landed on Durant’s leg, causing the knee to bend sideways. Sadly, Durant left the court moments later and did not return to the game. Little did fans know; it would be the last time they’d see their talisman wearing a Nets jersey. Just two weeks later, Durant was traded to the Suns in exchange for a heft package which included first-round picks, additional draft compensation, and a clutch of players. Pricy, but for a player who’s easily one of the league’s best and was on an average of 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, is it?
What can we expect from Kevin Durant in Phoenix?
If one thing doesn’t need any introduction, it’s Kevin Durant’s game. A two-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP, Durant is as we said before among the best in the business. Perhaps, a better indication of what’s to come is his mentality and moreover the way the Suns faithful have greeted him. One could say it’s a match made in heaven. Consider for a moment that around 3000 fans attended Durant’s first press conference at the Suns’ Footprint Center back on February 16th, many of them already wearing his jersey. In fitting fashion, Durant’s response was that of a man committed to the cause.
“I truly don’t think I deserve all this because I know I’ve done a lot of good things in basketball, but I haven’t done them yet in a Suns jersey,” he said. “I’m looking forward to doing it so I want to go out there and do the most I can and be the best that I can every day for you guys. So, I appreciate the warm welcome, but I got more work to do. I could feel the excitement as soon as I got off the plane,” he added. “Everywhere I’ve been so far, fans have been giving me a warm welcome, but I still feel like I got to prove myself every day. They set a high standard for the players here. ...I know how significant a championship is to a franchise, to a city. I’ve been a part of two of those and I’m looking forward to get back on that road to try to do it again. This fan base is looking forward to cheering for a winner, so I want to go out there and prove every night we have a chance to win.”