Kevin Durant offers bold advice to Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum on navigating Achilles injury recovery

In a blockbuster offseason move, NBA superstar Kevin Durant was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets, marking a significant shift in the league’s landscape. Meanwhile, as the offseason progresses, Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum face the arduous task of recovering from Achilles injuries sustained last season. Durant, who has firsthand experience overcoming such setbacks, offered them words of encouragement.

During the summer hiatus, while players recharge for the upcoming NBA season, Durant has made appearances at various league-related events. Notably, he joined LeBron James’s podcast, “Mind The Game,” alongside former Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash. During this episode, Durant shared tactical insights and personal experiences, particularly focusing on the challenges Tatum and Lillard are currently navigating.

Reflecting on his journey, Durant emphasized the mental and physical adjustments necessary during recovery from an Achilles injury, a challenge he knows all too well. He advised both players to prepare for changes in their game and body, especially those who rely heavily on their shooting prowess. “Your game and your body will undoubtedly change. For players like Tatum and Dame, who rely on three-point shooting, you have to consider the impact, as an Achilles injury affects your calf muscle significantly,” Durant explained.

Durant further elaborated on the recovery process: “You’re sidelined for about three months with little calf activity. In my case, post-recovery, one calf was noticeably weaker than the other due to the inactivity. It’s a factor to keep in mind.”

He also noted that some athletes, including himself, have managed to return stronger from such injuries, attributing their success to their mindset and resilience. Durant explained what the had to face and told the example of other guys, reinforcing his belief in their potential.

In conversation with James and Nash, Durant revealed that even after returning to play, full recovery is ongoing. He admitted, “Coming back, you’re still finding your rhythm. The time off alters your dribbling and shooting mechanics, important considerations during recovery.”

He concluded with encouraging advice: “Confidence is key. Once you regain your confidence, everything becomes easier. I invested significant effort into my comeback, and once I proved to myself that I could excel again, I truly bounced back.”

As Tatum works towards recovery, he anticipates integrating with new teammates following reported trades. On the other hand, Lillard, recently waived by the Bucks, has drawn interest from several franchises eager to assess his readiness for the upcoming season, should he return to play.