Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant has been removed from “basketball activities,” general manager Sam Presti announced Friday. Durant, who has been dealing with a foot injury all season, has not been making the anticipated progress from his latest setback during rehab.
Presti said Durant will be reevaluated at a later date. No timetable for a return has been set.
The announcement does not come as surprise, as head coach Scott Brooks hinted Thursday that Durant’s rehab was not going as smooth as hoped. The reigning MVP has averaged 25.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in only 27 appearances this season.
The news deals a significant blow to Oklahoma City’s playoff chances. They currently hold a one game lead over the New Orleans Pelicans and a two and a half game lead over Phoenix Suns for the eighth seed in the Western Conference. Russell Westbrook, an emerging MVP candidate, will have to continue to carry the Thunder in Durant’s absence.
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