Kevin Durant Achilles Injury Mega-Thread (Keep discussion here, please)

[FNQ]

I still can’t belive the GS medical staff cleared KD to play knowing he had a partial Achilles tear. WOW!

This will put a dent on the reputation of the GS warriors organizations for sure and I wouldn’t trust the medical team if I was a free agent.

A sprain is basically a tear, and people play on sprained body parts all the time

Why are you trying to support this? If it were my team (the Knicks) and this had happened, there's no way you'd think they'd done nothing wrong.

I’m not taking any stance. I’m correcting misinformation

[FNQ]

Methinks medical staff was strong armed into clearing kd to play.

This isn’t movie. Doctors won’t risk their medical license, which they worked their entire lives for, for a game. Even one of this magnitude.

This kind of thing would leak, because it’s illegal and no longer protected by HIPPA (trying to influence consent in that way would definitely be a crime)

Of course they get strong armed/influenced, they're only human. I work in a health profession field and there are always pressures to 'get results' nudge wink influencing, lectures on the impact on stats if you do x etc- I completely disregard it it, but the sad truth is employers try to influence, pressure and coerce medical practitioners whether it be for financial purposes or whatever, all the time

I’ve worked for pro sports teams’ medical groups. Not only is this highly illegal, there’s a zero percent chance that a lid can kept on it, even if it’s an average player.

A superstar with all eyes on him in the NBA finals, 2 different medical groups, agents, and insurance people.. it would not happen. Again, this isn’t a movie. Real life simply doesn’t work that way. People do not risk their lifetime of achievement for a game. At least not at the pro level, I don’t know what level you were at, but it seems at minimum, dubious, to me

[mrtease]

This isn’t movie. Doctors won’t risk their medical license, which they worked their entire lives for, for a game. Even one of this magnitude.

This kind of thing would leak, because it’s illegal and no longer protected by HIPPA (trying to influence consent in that way would definitely be a crime)

Of course they get strong armed/influenced, they're only human. I work in a health profession field and there are always pressures to 'get results' nudge wink influencing, lectures on the impact on stats if you do x etc- I completely disregard it it, but the sad truth is employers try to influence, pressure and coerce medical practitioners whether it be for financial purposes or whatever, all the time

I’ve worked for pro sports teams’ medical groups. Not only is this highly illegal, there’s a zero percent chance that a lid can kept on it, even if it’s an average player.

A superstar with all eyes on him in the NBA finals, 2 different medical groups, agents, and insurance people.. it would not happen. Again, this isn’t a movie. Real life simply doesn’t work that way. People do not risk their lifetime of achievement for a game. At least not at the pro level, I don’t know what level you were at, but it seems at minimum, dubious, to me

You're right, no medical professional has ever been subject to any kind of covert or overt pressure by their employer, insurers, budget considerations etc- it's never happened ever! We live in a magical world where organizations and employers have no agenda other than the wellbeing of all regardless of cost! The idea that a basketball team would pressure the medical staff to rush a players return is absurd, and clearly didn't happen in this case, despite it clearly happening in this case. It was just a freak accident, I'm sure

[NapoleonII]

This isn’t movie. Doctors won’t risk their medical license, which they worked their entire lives for, for a game. Even one of this magnitude.

This kind of thing would leak, because it’s illegal and no longer protected by HIPPA (trying to influence consent in that way would definitely be a crime)

Hasn't stopped violations and under the table deals before.

It's completely naive to believe a set of laws and protocols will hinder 100% of people.

It will at this level. You clearly have no idea how many people are in on these decisions. It would not be possible.

You guys hear “team doctor” and think one person. It’s an entire medical group. Doctors, nurses, clerks - and not just one team , his own personal team. His agent would have to be in on it. Likely the W’s insurance provider. Every decision maker on the Warriors as well.

It’s not plausible in a normal situation, much less one with this much attention.

We're not dealing with 100% of the information yet. There's enough smoke to warrant people and the media questioning how this all went down.

[FNQ]

Of course they get strong armed/influenced, they're only human. I work in a health profession field and there are always pressures to 'get results' nudge wink influencing, lectures on the impact on stats if you do x etc- I completely disregard it it, but the sad truth is employers try to influence, pressure and coerce medical practitioners whether it be for financial purposes or whatever, all the time

I’ve worked for pro sports teams’ medical groups. Not only is this highly illegal, there’s a zero percent chance that a lid can kept on it, even if it’s an average player.

A superstar with all eyes on him in the NBA finals, 2 different medical groups, agents, and insurance people.. it would not happen. Again, this isn’t a movie. Real life simply doesn’t work that way. People do not risk their lifetime of achievement for a game. At least not at the pro level, I don’t know what level you were at, but it seems at minimum, dubious, to me

You're right, no medical professional has ever been subject to any kind of covert or overt pressure by their employer, insurers, budget considerations etc- it's never happened ever! We live in a magical world where organizations and employers have no agenda other than the wellbeing of all regardless of cost! The idea that a basketball team would pressure the medical staff to rush a players return is absurd, and clearly didn't happen in this case, despite it clearly happening in this case. It was just a freak accident, I'm sure

And KDs doctors and agents ok’d it

And then everyone stood up and cheered

Roll credits

Pressure to get someone on the court is fast-tracking rehab, not altering a diagnosis. People need to stop learning sports medicine from Varsity Blues

[Michael Jordan]

Wouldn't Durant be better off opting in for his final year THEN signing a new contract? We've all seen reports saying teams are still prepared to offer the max.

Opt in: 30mil now + 4 year max next summer from Knicks/Nets/Clippers/Warriors (5 year) ~150+ million over 5 years

Opt out: 4 year max now. He'll be 35-36 in his 5th year, doubt he'd find something over 20. ~120+ million over 4 years

[FNQ]

Hasn't stopped violations and under the table deals before.

It's completely naive to believe a set of laws and protocols will hinder 100% of people.

It will at this level. You clearly have no idea how many people are in on these decisions. It would not be possible.

You guys hear “team doctor” and think one person. It’s an entire medical group. Doctors, nurses, clerks - and not just one team , his own personal team. His agent would have to be in on it. Likely the W’s insurance provider. Every decision maker on the Warriors as well.

It’s not plausible in a normal situation, much less one with this much attention.

We're not dealing with 100% of the information yet. There's enough smoke to warrant people and the media questioning how this all went down.

Absolutely. But throwing borderline impossible scenarios at the wall deserves a response. I’m in no way saying the Warriors are in the clear here, I’m responding to faux scenarios posted here and saying if it’s viable or not.

The conspiracy angle is not viable in reality. Now if you want to go after what Kerr said and how that was a great example of PR blame deflection on anonymous people.. go for it. If you want to say the pressure of the situation led all parties to accept the risk.. that’s perfect.

But so far, I’m seeing movie-like scenarios that just aren’t how things work

[Joker]

It was a collaborative decision based on medical expertise and due diligence.

[djsunyc]

kd's boy jay williams on it

Watch on YouTube

[heatwillbeback]

I’ve worked for pro sports teams’ medical groups. Not only is this highly illegal, there’s a zero percent chance that a lid can kept on it, even if it’s an average player.

A superstar with all eyes on him in the NBA finals, 2 different medical groups, agents, and insurance people.. it would not happen. Again, this isn’t a movie. Real life simply doesn’t work that way. People do not risk their lifetime of achievement for a game. At least not at the pro level, I don’t know what level you were at, but it seems at minimum, dubious, to me

You're right, no medical professional has ever been subject to any kind of covert or overt pressure by their employer, insurers, budget considerations etc- it's never happened ever! We live in a magical world where organizations and employers have no agenda other than the wellbeing of all regardless of cost! The idea that a basketball team would pressure the medical staff to rush a players return is absurd, and clearly didn't happen in this case, despite it clearly happening in this case. It was just a freak accident, I'm sure

And KDs doctors and agents ok’d it

And then everyone stood up and cheered

Roll credits

Pressure to get someone on the court is fast-tracking rehab, not altering a diagnosis. People need to stop learning sports medicine from Varsity Blues

I’m not a conspiracy theory person at all, but I do think something strange happened here.

Put as succinctly as possible, I just think it’s too much of a coincidence to believe he hurt, in his first game back, what everybody believed he hurt a month ago and were assured didn’t happen. I don’t believe his injury a month ago was calf only.

The facts to support this aren’t out yet. It’s just the feeling I’ve had since the beginning. Imo he had a partial tear (misdiagnosed or the diagnosis hidden from the media) that fully ruptured Monday.

[FNQ]

You're right, no medical professional has ever been subject to any kind of covert or overt pressure by their employer, insurers, budget considerations etc- it's never happened ever! We live in a magical world where organizations and employers have no agenda other than the wellbeing of all regardless of cost! The idea that a basketball team would pressure the medical staff to rush a players return is absurd, and clearly didn't happen in this case, despite it clearly happening in this case. It was just a freak accident, I'm sure

And KDs doctors and agents ok’d it

And then everyone stood up and cheered

Roll credits

Pressure to get someone on the court is fast-tracking rehab, not altering a diagnosis. People need to stop learning sports medicine from Varsity Blues

I’m not a conspiracy theory person at all, but I do think something strange happened here.

Put as succinctly as possible, I just think it’s too much of a coincidence to believe he hurt, in his first game back, what everybody believed he hurt a month ago and were assured didn’t happen. I don’t believe his injury a month ago was calf only.

The facts to support this aren’t out yet. It’s just the feeling I’ve had since the beginning. Imo he had a partial tear (misdiagnosed or the diagnosis hidden from the media) that fully ruptured Monday.

I think the diagnosis was hidden from the media in med-speak. Happens all the time - in fact, the Warriors did this with Andrew Bogut before.

But I think in the end, Occam’s razor will be the answer: had an Achilles injury, they softened the blow to the public, they rushed rehab, everyone unanimously decided to give him a go and let KD manage it in game.. and it backfired.

One thing about KD.. if they gave him incorrect information (both the team and his own doctors), he’d be chirping about it right now. Mess with a man’s payday and they won’t be silent

[NapoleonII]

You're right, no medical professional has ever been subject to any kind of covert or overt pressure by their employer, insurers, budget considerations etc- it's never happened ever! We live in a magical world where organizations and employers have no agenda other than the wellbeing of all regardless of cost! The idea that a basketball team would pressure the medical staff to rush a players return is absurd, and clearly didn't happen in this case, despite it clearly happening in this case. It was just a freak accident, I'm sure

And KDs doctors and agents ok’d it

And then everyone stood up and cheered

Roll credits

Pressure to get someone on the court is fast-tracking rehab, not altering a diagnosis. People need to stop learning sports medicine from Varsity Blues

I’m not a conspiracy theory person at all, but I do think something strange happened here.

Put as succinctly as possible, I just think it’s too much of a coincidence to believe he hurt, in his first game back, what everybody believed he hurt a month ago and were assured didn’t happen. I don’t believe his injury a month ago was calf only.

The facts to support this aren’t out yet. It’s just the feeling I’ve had since the beginning. Imo he had a partial tear (misdiagnosed or the diagnosis hidden from the media) that fully ruptured Monday.

But only people with a medical degree, 5 years of experience, a GSW security pass and 100% of the transcripts of conversations had between staff can make a judgement here...so kindly stfu and watch the finals.

[djsunyc]

Watch on YouTube

wait, this clown was saying KD was going to play in game 5....Durant needs to remove him from his inner circle and replace him with Shannon, Max, Perkins

jay williams had dinner with KD the night before game 5. he said he would be shocked if durant didn't play in game 5 after that dinner. in what way does that mean he actually encouraged him to play? he's just reporting what they talked about. he came away from that dinner knowing KD was going to play. that's it.

[djsunyc]

did gsw release a statement about durant after the surgery? did i miss it? if not, that's very weird.

[FNQ]

And KDs doctors and agents ok’d it

And then everyone stood up and cheered

Roll credits

Pressure to get someone on the court is fast-tracking rehab, not altering a diagnosis. People need to stop learning sports medicine from Varsity Blues

I’m not a conspiracy theory person at all, but I do think something strange happened here.

Put as succinctly as possible, I just think it’s too much of a coincidence to believe he hurt, in his first game back, what everybody believed he hurt a month ago and were assured didn’t happen. I don’t believe his injury a month ago was calf only.

The facts to support this aren’t out yet. It’s just the feeling I’ve had since the beginning. Imo he had a partial tear (misdiagnosed or the diagnosis hidden from the media) that fully ruptured Monday.

But only people with a medical degree, 5 years of experience, a GSW security pass and 100% of the transcripts of conversations had between staff can make a judgement here...so kindly stfu and watch the finals.

Lol comment away

But if it’s cartoonishly incorrect, posters should expect a correction. I’m saying what I am because I thought people would like insight. If it’s a lynch mob mentality people are looking for, they should put me on ignore

[mkot]

One thing about KD.. if they gave him incorrect information (both the team and his own doctors), he’d be chirping about it right now. Mess with a man’s payday and they won’t be silent

His mom did speak about it.

From everything we've heard so far, the GSW organisation including the coaching and medial staff did not protect or take care of Kevin Durant (from himself). At the very least they did not put KD's health and future as their priority.

[xdrta+]

did gsw release a statement about durant after the surgery? did i miss it? if not, that's very weird.

Weird? Why? You don't know that he had surgery?

[djsunyc]

did gsw release a statement about durant after the surgery? did i miss it? if not, that's very weird.

Weird? Why? You don't know that he had surgery?

we got the insta story from kd but have we heard from gsw concerning their player? usually when a player has surgery, the team releases a statement. did i miss any statement from gsw?

[FNQ]

His mom did speak about it.

From everything we've heard so far, the GSW organisation including the coaching and medial staff did not protect or take care of Kevin Durant (from himself). At the very least they did not put KD's health and future as their priority.

But KDs doctors escape blame? His mom did speak on it, and people on both sides projecting it as support of their side..

In the scenario you described, you could argue the same for Looney (chest), Iguodala (knee), Klay (hamstring), and Steph (finger). So I think what you’re saying is technically right but is a common standard in the NBA and all of pro sports.

[zhenyasj]

His mom did speak about it.

From everything we've heard so far, the GSW organisation including the coaching and medial staff did not protect or take care of Kevin Durant (from himself). At the very least they did not put KD's health and future as their priority.

From everything you heard from pundits who are paid for hot takes and few ex-players. Their opinions are just as irrelevant as other pundits and ex-players who say that everything was fine.
Finally, KD posted himself on Instagram following the surgery with not even a hint of bitterness toward anybody.