"I'm the Achilles guy": Kevin Durant shares his insight on injury with NBA superstars like Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard
If anyone knows how to make a comeback after a potentially career-altering injury, it's the newest acquisition of the Houston Rockets, Kevin Durant. The power forward suffered from a ruptured right Achilles tendon while he was with the Golden State Warriors during the 2019 NBA Finals.
His injury led to a lot of speculation, and many believed that it was the end of KD in the NBA.
But he proved everyone wrong, and returned to full strength in the next season, and has since proved that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything. And that is exactly what he shared with players like Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard, both of whom are suffering from similar injuries currently.
Kevin Durant was approached by Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard after injury
Jayson Tatum sustained a ruptured Achilles during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.
Thankfully, the Boston Celtics star was able to undergo surgery the very next day and is currently in rehab, getting back to playing condition.
Damian Lillard
also suffered from a similar injury after tearing his Achilles tendon during the Milwaukee Bucks' postseason run this year. He, too, is in rehab currently and is most likely to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-2026 season. And at such trying times, both these players have turned to someone who has already gone through a similar phase in their career - Kevin Durant.
Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard (Image via X)
KD recently appeared on the Mind the Game podcast alongside LeBron James and host Steve Nash, where he revealed that both Tatum and Lillard had been in contact with him since their injuries. He joked that he had become the 'Achilles guy' since his injury, and now a lot of players turn to him for advice. He said:
'Of course, you know JT and Dame hit me up — I feel like I'm the Achilles guy. I feel like a lot of guys have bounced back and become themselves again.
Mine is the most popular, but I feel like a lot of guys have bounced back that I took inspiration from when I was going through my journey.'
"I feel like I'm the Achilles guy." 😅 #kevindurant #injury #nba #shorts
Back then, Kevin Durant's injury grabbed a lot of attention, and many believed that his injury would lead to the end of his career. But it's been 5 years since he came back, and he has made 5 consecutive All-Star appearances, and is not looking to stop anytime soon. Lillard is also currently in a similar position, with him being waived by the Bucks, and now he is in free agency. With him being absent for most of the upcoming season, the chances of him making a comeback are slim.
But the veteran player is not ready to give up yet, and fans will be rooting for him to come back to court once he is fully recovered.
Also Read:
Kevin Durant gives heartfelt credit to his mom Wanda Durant for his stunning basketball career
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
Nikola Jokic chooses to delay contract extension eyeing 80 million more by waiting until 2026
Nikola Jokic chooses to delay contract extension eyeing 80 million more by waiting until 2026 (Image Source: Getty Images) Most players jump at the chance for $212 million. Nikola Jokic isn't most players. By choosing not to sign an extension this summer, the MVP-caliber center is banking on an even bigger payday in 2026 — possibly close to $290 million. He's at his peak, injury-free, and his team is actively rebuilding around him. This isn't hesitation — it's strategy. And Jokic is executing it as perfectly as one of his no-look passes. How delaying until 2026 could net Jokic a fourth year and tens of millions extra On July 8, Bennett Durando of The Denver Post confirmed that Jokic has informed the Nuggets he won't be signing an extension this offseason. He became eligible for a three-year extension worth up to $212 million on Tuesday, but instead, Jokic has chosen to wait. What's the reason? By postponing until summer 2026, he could add a fourth year and around $77–80 million more, which would raise his total potential earnings to nearly $290 million. From a financial perspective, dragging out the extension discussions really boosts his bargaining power. Jokic has two guaranteed seasons remaining (2025–26 and 2026–27), along with a player option valued at $62.8 million for 2027–28. With no signs of injury or age issues, he's performing at his best and has complete control over his future. Nuggets vice-chair Josh Kroenke noted the importance of transparency in the talks but anticipates that Jokic will stand his ground for the time being. On the court, Jokic had an incredible season - averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, with a 41.7% shooting rate from three, and he ranked second in MVP voting for the fifth consecutive year. Off the court, the Nuggets made some changes, letting go of coach Michael Malone, swapping out GM Calvin Booth, and bringing in Cam Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr. Despite getting knocked out in the second round of the playoffs two years in a row, Denver is still very much Jokic's team. The front office is obviously trying to construct a team around him, and Jokic's aim to boost his earnings matches that strategy. Fans on Reddit are applauding his choice - saying it makes "perfect financial sense" - and analysts believe that postponing is a clever idea. Also Read: LeBron James tried golf and the internet is shocked by what his swing looks like next to Charles Barkley's Nikola Jokic isn't ditching Denver—he's just playing it smart. With two years still on his supermax contract, a player option coming up, and a shot at an extra $80 million plus a fourth year, waiting is definitely the way to go. Denver keeps enhancing its roster, and Jokic has the leverage. When they start talking again in 2026, both he and the franchise will be ready to strike a deal and maybe even go for another title. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
"LeBron is GOAT" - Caitlin Clark has jumped into Michael Jordan vs LeBron James debate with her bold claims
"LeBron is GOAT" - Caitlin Clark has jumped into Michael Jordan vs LeBron James debate with her bold claims (Image Source: Getty Images) One of the brightest new stars in basketball just made her pick in the ongoing GOAT debate - and it's creating buzz. WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark didn't hold back when asked about her biggest influence. In a heartfelt interview, she named LeBron James as her all-time favorite player. Her words, filled with admiration, sparked strong reactions from fans and players alike, adding fresh fuel to a classic sports debate. Caitlin Clark says LeBron James is her favorite player On May 19, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark made headlines during an interview when she called NBA icon LeBron James 'the GOAT to me' and stated he is her 'favorite player of all time'. The moment came after James publicly supported her debut season via Instagram, celebrating her triple-double performance. Clark said meeting her idol was surreal: 'That's one of my idols. LeBron is the GOAT to me,' she told reporters. 'He's my favorite player of all time.' This praise echoed a growing friendship - James has often defended Clark on social media, calling out critics and acknowledging her impact on the WNBA. LeBron James' backing boosts Caitlin Clark's rising star and sports debate LeBron's shoutout came after Clark returned from a quad injury on June 15. She scored 32 points, had nine assists and eight rebounds to lead the Fever to a big win. Alongside that performance, James posted, 'The CC EFFECT!! WELCOME BACK! You were missed!'. Clark admitted she thought the post might be fake, then laughed when she realized it was real. Her statement adds fresh fuel to the age‑old GOAT discussion in basketball, now voiced by a star from the WNBA's new class. This sparks fresh debates comparing current greats like LeBron to icons like Michael Jordan . Also Read: Stephen Curry's summer swing hits a high note with Redbone Nokia and Good News playlist Clark, just 23 and in her rookie season, already holds the fastest-to-850-points record and led a sold-out audience for the Fever. Her voice adds legitimacy and bridges women's and men's pro basketball. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
The Hindu
20 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Chelsea beats Fluminense to reach final; Joao Pedro scores twice vs. boyhood team
João Pedro scored twice against his boyhood team in his first start for Chelsea, leading the Blues over Fluminense 2-0 Tuesday (July 9, 2025) to assure an all-European Club World Cup final. A 23-year-old who had been at Fluminense from about age 10 until leaving for Watford in 2020, João Pedro scored in the 18th and 56th minutes and refused to celebrate either goal in a sign of respect for his former club. He joined Chelsea from Brighton on July 2. Seeking its second world championship, Chelsea advanced to Sunday's title match against the winner of Wednesday's game between European champion Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. CHELSEA ARE GOING TO THE FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP FINAL!! 🏆 @FIFACWC@ — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 8, 2025 European teams will win their 12th straight Club World Cup title and 17th in 18 tries, the lone exception a 2012 victory by Brazil's Corinthians over Chelsea, which won in 2021. Fluminense was initially awarded a first-half penalty kick but it was taken away in a video review. Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo injured his left ankle in second-half stoppage time. Ticket prices slashed A crowd of 70,556 was 10-15% short of capacity at MetLife Stadium, where it was 93 degrees (34 Celsius) at kickoff with humidity that made it feel like 104 (40). FIFA cut ticket prices from $473.90 to $13.40 last week. Chelsea went ahead after German Cano lost the ball to João Pedro, and he poked it to Pedro Neto, who dribbled down a flank and crossed. An attempted clearance went to João Pedro, who curled a 20-yard shot inside the far post. João Pedro took two steps to start to celebrate, then stopped and clasped his hands. Chelsea doubled the lead after Facundo Bernal lost the ball just outside the Blues' penalty area to Pedro Neto, who poked the ball to Cole Palmer. He beat three challenges and dished off to Enzo Fernández, who side-footed a pass to João Pedro. He cut around Ignácio and scored off the underside of the crossbar. Marc Cucurella cleared Hércules' shot off the line in the 27th and French referee François Letexier awarded a penalty kick in the 35th minute when René's free kick struck the left arm of defender Trevoh Chalobah. Letexier reversed his decision in a video review, concluding Chalobah's arm was in a natural position. Letexier reversing his PK decision at the recommendation of Colombian video assistant referee Nicolas Gallo. Chelsea has earned $88,435,000 to $103,815,000 for reaching the final, the amount depending on a participation fee FIFA has not disclosed. 'When I was young, I didn't have nothing, They gave everything to me.' — João Pedro on Fluminense. 'We depart with our heads held high.' — Fluminense coach Renato Gaúcho.
