There was a time when a torn Achilles meant the end of an athlete’s career. No longer. Medical science and recovery techniques have progressed dramatically in recent decades and athletes — particularly NBA players — can return to the court and be their old selves again.
Kevin Durant has become the poster boy for this — he was crumpled on the court in Toronto during Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals, this season he is back in the MVP conversation for the Nets. Alex Schiffer has a brilliant story about this at The Athletic, discussing how Durant inspires other athletes in this unfortunate club. It also contains the story about how Kobe Bryant reached out to Durant when KD suffered his injury — and said about the most Kobe thing ever.“Don’t be a f****** 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.”
Bryant stayed on Durant days afterward and discussed people to work with and certain physical therapies. But Durant said Bryant’s advice was just that – advice. Durant went on his own from there.
“When my mind was racing everywhere, it was good to hear from him,” Durant said. “Especially him going through it later in his career.”Every player will take a different path, but everyone needs support and hearing from one of the greatest players ever who has been in your shoes before has to be an emotional boost. Check out the full story on Durant as an inspiration, it’s the best thing you’ll read today.