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OKC Thunder: Kevin Durant Fully Cleared to Participate in Preseason Camp

By Andrew Kennedy

Feb 11, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a 3 point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a 3 point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Order has been restored in the universe.

It just never felt right when Kevin Durant was injured and unable to play basketball. Like the year was just a waste.

No one really expected Durant to still be injured but it’s still nice to hear Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti come out and say today that Durant has been cleared and will be able to fully participate in the team’s preseason camp.

Last year felt like it didn’t really count at times for the Thunder. Even as they were making a push to make the playoffs, it didn’t feel like there was much of a point since Durant wouldn’t be able to return anyway.

KD’s absence was felt all around the league too as he was often left out when it comes to discussions like, “Who is the best player in the NBA?”

After his MVP season, Durant was the consensus No. 2 behind LeBron James. Injured and only being able to play in 27 games, that title shifted to Anthony Davis and after winning the title, Stephen Curry started getting brought up.

Durant was forgotten so much that NBA 2K16 has him the fifth highest rated player in the game. James Harden is rated ahead of him, too. Please, what are you doing 2K?

Durant’s foot injuries may still linger. He may be rested more and he may not play as many minutes. But even when he played last year, he was still one of the best in the league ranking fourth in PER.

Presti went on to address Durant’s minutes. It’s pretty early to be deciding on things like this but Presti said it would be something Billy Donovan, Durant and the medical team work on. As if it could be anything else determining that.

When asked about the Durant free agency buzz, Presti said they wouldn’t pretend it isn’t there. But I imagine we can still expect to hear the usual generic responses from the likes of Presti and Durant when it comes to this.

Serge Ibaka is also coming back from injury and Presti said Ibaka has experienced some discomfort in his knee but that he also has been fully cleared to play.

The season is right around the corner and fans may get a chance to see Durant in action for the first time at the Thunder’s annual preseason scrimmage Oct. 4.

Next: NBA: 25 Greatest Scorers of All-Time

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