Kevin Durant Shares Insights on Jayson Tatum’s Achilles Recovery
In the realm of NBA injuries, few voices carry the weight of Kevin Durant’s when discussing the complexities of recovering from a torn Achilles. Durant, who experienced this life-altering injury himself in 2019, has emerged as an authoritative figure on the subject. His insights are particularly relevant now as fellow superstar Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics navigates his own Achilles recovery journey.
Durant’s Personal Experience with Injury
Kevin Durant’s Achilles injury, sustained during the 2019 NBA Finals, was a pivotal moment not only in his career but also in the league’s understanding of such injuries. At the time, he was the most prominent player to suffer an Achilles tear since Kobe Bryant did so in 2013. While Bryant was 34 at the time of his injury, Durant faced the challenge at just 30 years of age.
After sitting out an entire season, Durant made a remarkable return, quickly reclaiming his status as one of the league’s elite players. In his comeback season, he averaged 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, showcasing impressive shooting percentages—53.7% from the field, 45% from three-point range, and 88.2% from the free-throw line. Despite this success, the journey back has not been without its hurdles; Durant has missed a significant number of games in the seasons following his return—37 in 2020-21, 27 in 2021-22, and 35 in 2022-23.
The Growing Concern of Achilles Injuries in the League
Durant’s perspective on these injuries has become increasingly vital as more high-profile players have faced similar setbacks. Notably, Damian Lillard also suffered an Achilles injury during the previous season’s playoffs, and Tatum’s injury came just a year after he led the Celtics to a championship appearance.
In the wake of Tatum’s injury, Durant offered words of encouragement and shared insights from his own recovery process following the Rockets’ 128-101 victory over the Celtics. He emphasized the importance of adjusting one’s pace when returning to the court.
Mastering Pace and Patience
Reflecting on his comeback, Durant noted, “It was small, subtle changes, subtle tweaks. But I felt like my bread-and-butter was my short to mid-range.” He elaborated on the need for efficiency, stating, “I just felt like I had to be way more efficient and get closer to the rim.” Durant acknowledged the initial rush he felt upon returning, recalling how he was eager to get back to his old form. “When I first came back, everything was fast. I was coming off pin-downs 100 miles-per-hour, trying to score quickly, contesting shots without slowing down.”
Durant’s advice to Tatum and those supporting him centers on the importance of mastering pace. “It’s a lot of stuff you gotta get used to, but I feel like the pace is the biggest thing. Once you understand the flow of the game, then everything else comes pretty easy to you.”
Support from the Celtics Community
While Durant did not reach out to Tatum directly after the injury, he noted that Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, Tatum’s mother, and his agent sought guidance on how to support him during this challenging period. “There are so many people that were probably checking on him, but Joe texted me, Mazzulla, his mom, his agent, just asking for advice on what they should do to help,” Durant explained. “At that time, I told them to just be there for support, try to ease his mind a bit.”
The Road Ahead for Tatum
Regarding Tatum’s potential return this season, Durant acknowledged that while it may seem like a long shot, the progress he is making is promising. “I think it’s feasible. It’s good to have that option on the table to know he can come back, but that’s such a long way away from now,” Durant remarked. “I feel like he’s taking it day-by-day and see what happens with the team, see what happens with his body, and make a decision at a later date.”
With the Celtics currently struggling to find their footing at 3-5 and sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference, the decision may ultimately hinge on Tatum’s recovery and the team’s needs. Allowing the full season for recovery could be a prudent choice, especially as he navigates the complexities of returning from such a significant injury. As Tatum continues his journey back to full health, the wisdom of veterans like Durant will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping his path forward.
