Kevin Durant’s Revelation on Injury Risks
In a recent revelation, Kevin Durant, the Houston Rockets forward renowned for his storied NBA career, shared that he was unaware that the calf strain he sustained during the 2019 NBA Finals could ultimately result in an Achilles tear. This unfortunate event indeed occurred during Game 5 of the series, marking a pivotal moment in both his career and the Finals.
Consequences of Uninformed Decisions
During an appearance on his teammate Fred VanVleet’s podcast, “Unguarded,” Durant expressed his regret for not having received critical information that might have altered his decision to play. He stated,
“If I knew that information I would’ve made a different decision. If they told me ‘ah you can tear your Achilles,’ I probably wouldn’t have gone out there.”
This insight reflects how consequential decisions are often made without adequate awareness of potential risks.
The Significance of the 2019 Finals
The 2019 Finals were particularly significant in Durant’s career, as they concluded his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, a phase marked by two championship victories and three successive Finals appearances. Earlier in that postseason, Durant had been sidelined with a calf injury, which forced him to miss the entire Western Conference Finals. The Warriors managed to secure a sweep over the Portland Trail Blazers during that time by progressing to the NBA Finals without him.
When Durant returned to the court for Game 5, the Warriors were facing the Toronto Raptors, and ultimately, they fell short, losing the series in five games instead of achieving a three-peat. Durant’s Achilles tear during this game signaled not only the end of his season but also a significant turning point in his career.
Injury Trends Among NBA Players
Interestingly, at that time, Achilles injuries were not as prevalent among high-profile players as they are today. Durant even referenced the late Kobe Bryant’s similar injury from 2013, underlining how high stakes could lead to severe consequences on the court. Since then, numerous star players like Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum have experienced Achilles ruptures, while Klay Thompson encountered a torn Achilles of his own in late 2020 after recovering from ACL surgery.
Communication and Risk Awareness
Given the serious nature of Achilles injuries, it raises questions about the level of communication and warning provided to athletes regarding the risks associated with their injuries, particularly when such outcomes are a known possibility.
