Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant poses for photos during the during NBA basketball media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena, Monday, Sept. 29, 2014 in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Brett Deering)
With Kevin Durant potentially sidelined for the remainder of the season with persistent soreness in his right foot—the same he broke earlier in the season—there is a fear his injury could affect his career.
The injury comes at a horrible time for the Washington Wizards, who are rumored to be in the running to land Durant when he becomes a free agent in 2016 amid an exploding league salary cap. Durant’s pending free agent status spurred numerous rumors around Washington, D.C., and his potential loss has become a thorn in the side for the Oklahoma City Thunder. A foot injury for a 6-foot, 9-inch forward typically spells disaster for most NBA players; will it derail a possible move by the Wizards to acquire Durant in 2016? Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley of the AFRO Sports Desk debate the question.
Riley: If you’re the Washington Wizards, you still have to make the attempt to sign Durant whether he’s fully healthy or not. He’ll be the marquee name that’s available next summer, and there aren’t too many injuries in sports that can’t be helped with modern medicine and rehab. Durant will play again—but I always thought it was risky trying to rush back your superstar from a foot injury. At least we know now that he’ll get his proper recovery time and, barring a setback, should be totally healthy by the summer of 2016. His injury could actually turn into a blessing in disguise for the Wizards, as it may persuade the Thunder to rethink offering Durant a mega contract while Washington waits with open arms.
Green: I’m not going to say that Durant shouldn’t be in play, but Washington needs to be careful if it’s thinking about placing all of its eggs into the slender forward’s basket. Durant headlines the 2016 free agent list, but it’s a group that’s pretty deep. Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Dwight Howard, DeMar DeRozan, Lance Stephenson and even LeBron James and Chris Paul could all be available if things swing right. In an ideal world, Durant would be injury-free and ready and willing to sign a contract with the Wizards. But grabbing a Horford or a DeRozan in the prime of their careers could be a big coup. Washington needs impact in the front court if they want to make some noise in the playoffs, regardless of whether they get Durant. If I’m Washington, I’m going for the power forward or center position in free agency and letting Otto Porter, the third overall pick of the 2013 draft, develop into a serviceable small forward.
Riley: A big man would be nice for the Wizards, but you can never go wrong with a big-time scorer with deep range. A player who’s liable to put up 40 points or more on a hot night is invaluable across the Association. A plodding big man who can score in the paint consistently is a solid rock for your team’s foundation, but an All-Star swingman who can score from anywhere is a priceless gem. If Washington wants to compete with LeBron while he resides in the East, they’re going to need some firepower. Durant brings that and more. He’s a matchup nightmare for any defender in the league, and the impact of his return to the D.C. area would do amazing things for a city in transition. It would be huge just from a marketing standpoint, as Durant comes fully equipped with an MVP trophy and a Finals appearance. He’s the move for the Wizards, healthy or not.
Green: There is no “healthy or not” because an injured Durant would cripple Washington’s salary cap and their chances of a title. Ernie Grunfield has gotten it wrong on plenty of occasions and lived to fight another day, but he can’t get this one wrong. The last thing this franchise needs is a situation similar to what the Orlando Magic went through with Grant Hill 15 years ago. The difference this time around is that the NBA is littered with blossoming talent and the abundance of quality players should keep Grunfield from pushing all his chips in on one player. Surfing the free agency pool and maximizing the salary cap with multiple additions would be the perfect way to build the Wizards into a true contender. Risking it all on a player coming off a foot ailment just doesn’t sound like a wise investment—but it’s one that Grunfield will likely attempt nonetheless.