Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant is still “at least a couple of weeks” away from returning, head coach Steve Kerr told reporters on Saturday.
“Well, I mean, (re-integrating Durant) is something we’ll consult the training staff on,” Kerr told Anthony Slater of the San Jose Mercury News. “I imagine we’ll ease him back by playing him shorter minutes to start so he can build up his rhythm and his conditioning, but that obviously has a domino effect on the entire rotation. When we get to that point, we’ll figure it out. It’s not something I’m giving a lot of thought to right now because he’s still at least a couple weeks away.”
Durant suffered what many feared would be a season-ending leg injury — determined to be a sprained MCL — last month against Washington, but has since progressed nicely in his recovery and is on track to potentially return before the Playoffs start.
He was seen running full court at practice this week for the first time since sustaining the injury, which is certainly a positive sign for eager Warriors fans.
Golden State, despite playing without Durant, their leading scorer at 25.3 points per game, has managed to maintain its status as the top team in the West during his absence.
With the Playoffs beginning in less than three weeks, the return of Kevin Durant is vital for Golden State. If Durant were to return before the postseason, it would allow the team to gain some practice and regain the feel for their original starting five before games truly start to matter.
The Warriors have gone 8-4 since Durant suffered the injury.
