Kevin Durant Playing In All-Star Game Not A Guarantee

The Nets are expecting the second reassessment report on Kevin Durant (MCL sprain, right knee) to come on Monday. 

“He's still in his protocol, I think we get an update on him on Monday," head coach Jacque Vaughn told reporters in a virtual meeting on Friday morning. "I'm looking forward to seeing what that sounds like.”

Durant, who suffered an MCL sprain on Jan. 8, has been diligently working on his rehab in the last few weeks. After his first reassessment came back on track, he was cleared for running and some on-court basketball activities. That, of course, is paired with him gaining strength in his injured knee. 

By Monday's report, Brooklyn will have six games left on their schedule before hitting the NBA All-Star break. All of those contests will be played in New York (five at home and one at Madison Square Garden vs. the New York Knicks). 

More importantly, if Durant's second reassessment comes back on a positive note, he will likely be cleared before the All-Star break. That still leaves the question of whether Brooklyn clears him to play on the All-Star hardwood out in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

When the Nets superstar forward last addressed the media roughly two weeks ago, he made it clear that he wants to play in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 17. That is if he is fully healthy. Since then, he has talked about playing in the NBA's biggest annual event on his podcast, The ETCs, as well. 

During a virtual meeting with reporters on Friday morning, Vaughn dived into his superstar possibly playing in the All-Star Game. The head coach, who described the future decision as an interesting balance, explained that the team will make the best decision for Kevin and the group. 

“Yeah, that’s going to be an interesting balance," he said. "I think he’s made some statements about it, where his head space is. We’ll see what our report says on Monday when that comes around and that will give us some more insight. 

"At the end of the day, you are not promised tomorrow. I understand these dudes are human beings and you don’t know what’s going to happen a year from now. The mindset of Kevin, I totally understand it but at the same time, we’ll do what’s best for him and the group."

Durant, who was named an All-Star Game starter, missed the 2021-22 All-Star Game due to an MCL sprain. The 13-time All-Star was averaging 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists before his injury. The Nets have compiled an overall record of 4-7 in his injury absence.