An Achilles tendon injury is widely considered a career-ending injury. Even if the injured player successfully returns to the hardwood, the injury often takes a toll. However, that is not always the case. One such example of an exception is NBA superstar Kevin Durant, who tore his Achilles in 2020 while playing for the Golden State Warriors. After the injury, there were concerns about his return and his level of play. Some advice from NBA legend Kobe Bryant, however, helped the 2-time NBA champion power through.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend tore his Achilles tendon in 2013 when he was 34. Despite his age and the severity of the injury, Bryant came back and played two more seasons.

Kevin Durant helps fellow players with Achilles injuries

Kevin Durant once shared the encouraging message he received from Kobe Bryant after his Achilles injury in 2020. As per reports from The Athletic, “Don?t be a f***ing crybaby,” Durant said of Bryant?s message. “It?s going to be all right. You?re going to come back and be who you are.”

KD admitted it was good to hear from the five-time champion since he went through it at the end of his career. Bryant was also in touch with Durant and discussed physical therapy and other aspects of recovery.

Durant has been following the path of Bryant as he reaches out to players who injured their Achilles tendons. Over the years, he has reached out to NBA players like Klay Thompson, Edmond Sumner, and college star Justin Moore. KD said that there is an “unspoken bond” between players with Achilles tendon injuries. The two-time champion noted that the mental aspect of the injury plays a huge part in the recovery.

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Klay Thompson missed the whole of the 2019-20 season after sustaining an ACL injury. Lightning struck twice as the sharpshooter then injured his Achilles during his ACL recovery and missed the whole of the 2020-21 season as well. Durant reached out to Klay and assured him that he will be alright. KD’s performances after his recovery gave Klay confidence that he could come back strong. After initial struggles, Thompson has been performing well for the Warriors this season.

Similarly, Durant reached out to Edmond Sumner and Justin Moore after their injury and gave them confidence. He talked to them and advised them about several aspects of the recovery.

Durant’s injury and recovery

Kevin Durant’s injury came during the 2018-19 NBA Finals between the Warriors and the Toronto Raptors. KD helped the Dubs win the previous two titles and was named the Finals MVP on both occasions. So losing Durant was a huge blow for the Warriors and the Raptors clinched their first-ever title.

He then signed for the Brooklyn Nets in 2020 and missed the whole 2020-21 season due to the injury. The Slim Reaper came back the next season and played 35 games. Even though he missed a lot of games, he looked like his superstar self as he averaged 26.9 points per game.

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In the 2021-22 season, he played 55 games for the Nets and averaged 29.9 points per game. His best since the 2013-14 MVP season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.