Kevin Durant impressed with Jayson Tatum’s rapid progress

Visiting TD Garden and scoring 27 points in a blowout win over the Rockets on Saturday, Kevin Durant wanted to say hello Jayson Tatum after the meeting. Like he did six years ago, midway through the 2019 NBA Finals, the Celtics star is now part of “the club” after rupturing his Achilles tendon last May.

After their brief discussion and a look at pictures of his rehab, Kevin Durant said he’s impressed with how quickly Jayson Tatum is progressing, just six months after surgery.

“When I was at that stage, I can’t say I was sure I was going to go for a dunk.”, he said after the match. “I don’t remember exactly if I was that far, but medicine has come on so much since my injury. Jason looks like he’s been tearing it up in rehab and looks in great shape.”

The age difference can also play a role: Jayson Tatum is only 27 years old, while Kevin Durant was already almost 31 years old at the time of the injury. “KD” had to wait 18 months before playing again. Celtic have not ruled out a return this season… less than eleven months after the accident.

“He’s a player at heart”

“I think it’s doable, and it’s good to have this option on the table, but it’s still a long way off”Kevin Durant replied. “I feel like he’s taking things day by day and waiting to see what happens with the team, with his body, to make a decision later. It’s great to keep that option open. Because he loves it. He’s a player at heart. I’m sure if he can get back on the field, no matter what the team does, he’ll be back just for that, and we’re all looking forward to being on the field to see.”

Kevin Durant hasn’t had much contact with Jayson Tatum since his injury. According to what his experience has taught him, it is primarily a challenge that one experiences alone.

“You can get all the advice you want, but you know you’re on your own when you’re doing rehab. You have someone telling you what to do, but you’re doing the exercises, so you have to focus on yourself and not try to get too much advice from others, and that’s what he seems to be doing. He’s in a good dynamic.”he concluded about the situation of his Boston colleague.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.