The Brooklyn Nets have been struggling with the absence of superstar forward Kevin Durant, going just 5-16 since his absence.
The 12-time All-Star has been out for the team since January 15th dealing with a sprained MCL in his left knee, but it appears that they will not have to wait any longer for his return.
Reports came out on Wednesday that Durant is no longer on the injury report for the Nets, and that he is expected to make his return Thursday against the Miami Heat.
Nets star Kevin Durant is expected to return Thursday vs. Miami. He was not listed on injury report today.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 2, 2022
These reports have many fans eager for the return of one of the most exciting players in the NBA today.
Might want to drop that Memphis-Celtics game, TNT — Dan https://t.co/D291m7RZTf
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) March 2, 2022
let’s goooo KD finally back https://t.co/vHDDe6Sm5V
— GN (@_ShowtimeG) March 2, 2022
Ah !!! KD IS BACK !!! https://t.co/WrUKMohGGN
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) March 2, 2022
https://twitter.com/ARooks/status/1499128267378409479
Durant will come back to a team that is far different than the last team he had played with.
Since his injury, the Nets have made a number of moves including trading star guard James Harden for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and Andre Drummond as well as signing veteran point guard Goran Dragic.
As for Durant’s partner in crime Kyrie Irving, he is still not able to play in home games for the team despite NYC mayor Eric Adams planning to lift the COVID-19 vaccine mandate in the city soon.
It is unclear when or if he will be able to play in Brooklyn this season.
Newly acquired teammate Ben Simmons is currently hampered with a back injury and has reportedly suffered a setback that could delay his first game with the team.
Ramona Shelburne says Ben Simmons “had a little setback with the back injury.”
Woj on Simmons playing in Philly on March 10: “It’s not happening.”
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) March 2, 2022
On paper, the Nets at full strength look like a force to be reckoned with. A big three of Simmons, Durant, and Irving alongside valuable complementary pieces like Curry and Drummond can likely compete against anyone in the Eastern Conference.
It’s unclear if we will ever see them at full strength though, as there are still questions about Simmons as well as Irving’s full-time status moving forward.
