Kevin Durant, one of the brightest stars in the NBA, is not only known for his exceptional talent but also for his lengthy history of injuries that have tested his career. Despite achieving numerous accolades and championship titles, these injuries have undeniably impacted his performance and trajectory. Below is a closer look at the key injuries that have shaped Durant’s career and his relentless fight to overcome them.

A series of injury setbacks

It all began during the 2014-2015 season, when Durant suffered a significant right ankle injury. This sprain kept him sidelined for nearly two months, limiting him to just 27 games. Although not a severe injury, it marked the start of a troubling pattern of health issues that would plague Durant’s career in the years to come.

However, the real setback came in the 2015-2016 season when Durant was forced to miss the entire season due to a major foot injury. Specifically, the injury affected his foot’s tendon, one of the most challenging and persistent injuries for a professional basketball player to recover from. Durant went through an extensive rehabilitation process, missing a substantial amount of the season. Still, after this period, Durant made a remarkable return, quickly regaining his form and performance.

In 2017, another injury occurred when Durant developed an issue with his left ankle. While less severe than the previous injuries, it forced him to miss several games, affecting his consistency. Then, in the 2018-2019 season, Durant faced one of the most serious injuries of his career: a ruptured Achilles tendon.

During the 2019 NBA Finals, Durant suffered a devastating Achilles injury to his right leg. The rupture of the Achilles tendon is one of the most serious injuries a basketball player can face. After undergoing surgery, Durant was forced to sit out the entire 2019-2020 season to fully recover. The injury raised concerns about whether Durant would ever be able to return to his former level of play, as Achilles injuries are notoriously difficult to come back from and can have long-lasting effects.

After a lengthy recovery process, Durant returned in the 2020-2021 season with the Brooklyn Nets, quickly showing that he still possessed his elite skills. However, shortly after his return, Durant encountered yet another setback with a minor hamstring injury that forced him to miss additional games. Despite these ongoing challenges, Durant remained one of the most dominant players in the NBA, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.

Another Major Injury

In the 2024 season, Durant faced another injury that kept him off the court: a sprained MCL in his right knee. While not as severe as some of his previous injuries, it nonetheless required him to miss several games. This injury added to the growing list of physical challenges Durant has faced over the years, highlighting the ongoing concern about his long-term health and durability.

Injuries have significantly shaped Kevin Durant’s career, but what stands out the most is his unwavering determination and resilience. Each time he has returned from an injury, Durant has proven that he remains one of the NBA’s elite players, capable of competing at the highest level despite facing numerous physical challenges.

While injuries continue to be a significant hurdle, Durant has maintained an exceptional level of performance, showing that mental fortitude and perseverance can help overcome even the most daunting obstacles. From ankle sprains to the Achilles tear, each comeback adds another chapter to his incredible legacy.

Durant’s career journey may not have been easy, but his impact on the NBA will be remembered as a testament to his strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to succeed despite adversity. His ability to battle through injuries time and time again makes him one of the most inspiring athletes in modern sports.