With each passing day, we are getting closer and closer to Kevin Durant’s debut with the Phoenix Suns. The Suns made a blockbuster trade ahead of the NBA’s midseason deadline, acquiring Durant from the Brooklyn Nets as they opted to rip the bandaid off, trading Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks before deciding to trade Durant as well.
Unfortunately for the Suns and their fans, it will still be a little while longer until Durant gets on the court with his new team. He is recovering from an MCL sprain that has kept him sidelined since January 12th and it sounds like his progress is very positive.
Durant has been participating in some drills as he continues ramping up his rehab to get back on the court. Head coach Monty Williams is pleased with how things have looked thus far, saying Durant is in great shape.
“He’s in great shape and going game speed like he always does,” Williams said, adding that Durant needs to play in more 3-on-3 and similar competition levels before he can return.
NBA NEWS: Kevin Durant & Phoenix Suns Updates
That level of ramping things up in practice will come after the All-Star break. Durant was selected to represent the Eastern Conference as their captain, but he will not be participating in the game because of his knee injury.
Despite not playing in the game on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings, Durant still received a warm welcome from the crowd. He was introduced during a timeout in the third quarter and a standing ovation ensued from the Suns faithful.
“I was watching him more than anything,” Devin Booker said. “I don’t think people realize what it is until you’re in it. He deserves it, he’s a legend in this game. I’m glad he’s here.”
Booker and Durant are going to combine to be one of the best scoring duos in the league. With Chris Paul leading the offense and Deandre Ayton as a complementary player, this is an offense that will be very difficult to slow down once they build some chemistry.
NBA NEWS: Kevin Durant & Phoenix Suns Updates
To acquire Durant, the Suns traded Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson to the Nets along with four first-round draft picks. Depth could be an issue for the team but they have already begun fixing that as Terrence Ross is on his way to the desert after being bought out by the Orlando Magic.
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