Ayrton Oneill
In 2019, Kevin Durant suffered one of the worst injuries a basketball player can face: a ruptured Achilles tendon. The injury occurred during the NBA Finals, and Durant subsequently underwent surgery performed by HSS foot and ankle surgeon Martin J. O'Malley, MD. Durant's recovery was expected to take around 10 months, and he spent a summer in rehabilitation, including daily treatment and workouts. Despite the severity of the injury, Durant made a successful comeback to the NBA, serving as a model for athletes facing similar injuries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of injury | 12 June 2019 |
| Type of injury | Ruptured right Achilles tendon |
| Surgery performed by | HSS foot and ankle surgeon Martin J. O'Malley, MD |
| Rehab time | 10 months |
| Time until playing again | 18 months |
| Daily rehab routine | 90 minutes of morning treatment, a gym workout, 90 minutes of afternoon treatment, and evening pool work |
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What You'll Learn
Kevin Durant's successful surgery
Kevin Durant, one of the best basketball players of all time, suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during a game against the Toronto Raptors in 2019. This injury typically requires surgery and a 12-month recovery period, and it can be career-altering.
Durant underwent successful surgery, performed by Dr. Martin O'Malley, to repair the ruptured tendon. O'Malley, a foot and ankle surgeon, had previously operated on Durant's foot in 2015 and was the team orthopedist for Durant's new team, the Brooklyn Nets.
Following the surgery, Durant spent a summer in Los Angeles undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program, which included morning and afternoon treatment sessions, gym workouts, and evening pool work.
The typical recovery timeline for an Achilles rupture is about 10 months, but Durant took 18 months before returning to play. He decided not to rush his comeback, and his extended recovery period allowed him to focus on his rehabilitation and make a gradual return to the court.
Durant's successful surgery, combined with his dedicated rehabilitation process, enabled him to overcome one of the worst injuries in basketball. His recovery served as a model for athletes facing similar injuries, demonstrating the importance of comprehensive treatment and a careful return to sports participation.
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Durant's rigorous rehab routine
Kevin Durant's rigorous rehab routine was a long and challenging process that spanned several months. After suffering a torn Achilles tendon in the 2019 NBA Finals, one of the worst injuries in basketball, Durant faced an uphill battle to recover and return to the court.
Durant's rehab process began in the early months of his recovery, June and July 2019, when he couldn't walk and had to plan out everyday tasks like showering and brushing his teeth. He spent a summer in Los Angeles undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program. His days included 90 minutes of morning treatment, followed by a gym workout, another 90 minutes of afternoon treatment, and evening pool work. Durant also played 3-on-3 basketball four times a week during his rehab, with the next phase being to progress to 5-on-5 games.
The COVID-19 pandemic slowed Durant's rehab process, making it challenging to organize games and access training facilities. However, Durant remained dedicated to his recovery, expressing his love for the game and his appreciation for the rehab process. He spoke about his joy in being back in the gym and on the court, working on his game and growing as a player. Durant's rehab sessions included 1-on-1 workouts and playing with and against a group of Nets players, who called themselves the "Extra Work Crew."
Durant's rehab routine was so impressive that he has become a model for other athletes recovering from similar injuries. Dr. O'Malley, who performed Durant's surgery, noted that Durant approached a full recovery at the two-year mark, setting a positive example for future athletes facing the same challenge.
Through his rigorous rehab routine, Durant successfully returned to the court after suffering a devastating injury. His dedication, hard work, and love for the game helped him overcome this challenge and continue his remarkable basketball career.
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The impact of the injury on the NBA
Kevin Durant's Achilles injury had a profound impact on the NBA, with repercussions felt across the league. Firstly, it significantly altered the competitive landscape of the NBA. Durant, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, was a pivotal figure for the Golden State Warriors. His absence left the Warriors vulnerable, as evidenced by their struggles in the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors following Durant's injury. The Warriors' dynasty, which had dominated the league, suddenly faced serious challenges, shifting the league's balance of power.
The injury also had a notable effect on free agency and team roster construction. Durant's injury and impending free agency sparked widespread interest from teams aiming to acquire him. The New York Knicks, for instance, had spent years creating the necessary salary cap space to sign Durant, but his injury meant he was unlikely to play for them the following season. This forced the Knicks to reconsider their plans and strategies.
Additionally, Durant's injury highlighted the delicate nature of player health and the significant impact it can have on a team's success. The Warriors faced a challenging decision-making process, balancing the risk of playing Durant while injured with the potential rewards. Ultimately, the risk of further injury materialised, influencing how teams approach player health management and the value placed on keeping players healthy.
Durant's injury also brought attention to the lengthy recovery process associated with Achilles ruptures. The typical recovery timeline for such an injury is around 10 months, with a full recovery expected around two years. This extended absence can significantly impact a team's performance and strategy, especially when a key player like Durant is involved.
Lastly, Durant's injury served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. The sudden loss of a pivotal player due to injury can drastically change a team's trajectory. It highlighted the importance of depth and adaptability in roster construction, as well as the value of contingency planning. Durant's injury demonstrated that even the most talented players are susceptible to significant injuries, altering the course of their careers and the league as a whole.
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Durant's return to the NBA
Kevin Durant's return to the NBA after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture in 2019 is a remarkable story of resilience and determination. Durant, one of the best players in the league, collapsed to the floor in the second quarter of Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals, grabbing his right Achilles tendon. The injury not only affected the NBA Finals but also shifted the entire NBA landscape.
Durant underwent successful surgery to repair the ruptured tendon and began his long road to recovery. He spent a summer in Los Angeles undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program, including morning and afternoon treatments, gym workouts, and evening pool work. Durant's days were filled with challenging work as he strived to regain his health.
The typical recovery timeline for basketball players with Achilles ruptures is about 10 months. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Durant's cautious approach, he decided not to rush his return and waited 18 months before playing again. This extra time allowed him to focus on his rehabilitation and ensure his body was ready for the demands of the NBA.
Durant's return to the court with the Brooklyn Nets was highly anticipated. In his first game back, he showcased his talent, scoring 11 points in just 12 minutes of play, including a perfect three-for-three from beyond the three-point line. Durant's impact was immediate, and his presence on the court transformed the Nets into contenders.
Durant's recovery and successful return serve as a model for athletes facing similar injuries. Dr. O'Malley, who performed Durant's surgery, noted that Durant can be an example for athletes with this ruinous injury, stating that a full recovery can be expected after two years. Durant's dedication to his rehabilitation and patience in his return paid off, and he was able to reclaim his place as one of the NBA's elite players.
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Durant's future in the NBA
Kevin Durant is one of the highest-earning basketball players in the world, with a reputation for philanthropy and a prolific career. He has won two NBA championships, four Olympic gold medals, an NBA Most Valuable Player Award, two NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Awards, two NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Awards, four NBA scoring titles, and the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He has also been named to 11 All-NBA teams and selected 15 times as an NBA All-Star.
In 2019, Durant suffered an Achilles tendon tear, one of the worst injuries a basketball player can experience. After a long recovery, he joined the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent. However, due to disagreements with the Nets' front office, Durant requested a trade, and in 2023, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
At 37 years old, Durant is still a prolific shooter, averaging at least 25 points, 50% shooting, and 40% on 3-pointers in three straight seasons, an NBA record. He is also one of only two players in NBA history with 25+ career PPG and a True Shooting percentage of at least 600.
Durant's impact and performance on the court are undeniable, and he remains a key player in the NBA, with a potential future Hall of Fame induction in his future.
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Frequently asked questions
Durant suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in his right leg.
Durant underwent surgery to repair the tendon and then spent a summer in Los Angeles undergoing physiotherapy, with 90-minute treatment sessions twice a day, as well as gym workouts and evening pool work.
It took 18 months for Durant to return to basketball, which is a few months longer than the typical recovery time of 10 months.
