When will Kevin Durant return for the Phoenix Suns?
After his blockbuster move to Phoenix, the former MVP didn’t exactly hit the ground running. Following his second injury of the season, it seems he’s set to return.
The Suns and their fans will be happy to know that the former Nets and Warriors star is about to make his return to the court. Indeed, it’s been a complicated time since Durant joined the team such that they will be hoping to get back on track now that he’s set to take to the court once again.
Kevin Durant set to face Timberwolves on Wednesday
According to reports, Kevin Durant is progressing towards a return to action next week on Wednesday, February 29th, when the Phoenix Suns play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Durant has of course been sidelined and in recovery, since suffering a sprained ankle during warmups ahead of a game against one of his former teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder. It is in fact the second time that Durant missed time this season, having missed almost two months earlier in the campaign due to an MCL sprain.
Frankly, Durant has played only three games for the Suns since being traded from the Brooklyn Nets back in February, meaning that if he manages to play all of their remaining games - seven to be precise - he will have only played in 10 before making the post season trip. Needless to say, there are concerns about whether or not he can find his best form before the playoffs begin.
Where are the Suns at?
Though they currently sit in fourth place in the Western Conference, it would be fair to say that they haven’t been the same since Durant was injured. Though they did win on that night against the Thunder, they would go on to lose five of six since that fateful night. Add to that the fact that they will face the Kings, 76ers and Jazz before Durant’s projected return and you’ve got a situation where there is really no margin for error. It’s true that they do have a bit of a cushion over teams that sit between 7 and 12, but given the way they’ve been playing, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them slip down the ladder.
As for Durant, if there’s one thing that’s always been exceptional about the two-time NBA champion, it’s his ability to adapt to any team. There’s no reason to believe he can’t do so again and to be honest, he’s looked the part when he’s been healthy. On the other hand, there’s never been a player of this magnitude who has won an NBA championship after playing just 10 games in the regular season with his new team. Yet it’s Kevin Durant we’re talking about, which is to say if someone can, he can.