'Blame me': Warriors GM breaks down over Kevin Durant heartbreak
Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers has broken down in an extraordinary post-game interview in which he revealed the extent of Kevin Durant’s injury.
Myers updated the media on Durant’s condition, after he was rushed back for the must-win game five after injuring his calf in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
The Golden State GM was on the verge of tears as he revealed Durant was suspected to have torn his Achilles.
“Kevin, it's an Achilles injury,” Myers told assembled media.
“I don't know the extent of it. He'll have a MRI tomorrow.
“Prior to coming back, he went through four weeks with a medical team, and it was thorough, and it was experts and multiple MRIs and multiple doctors, and we felt good about the process.
“He was cleared to play tonight - that was a collaborative decision.
“I don't believe there's anybody to blame, but I understand in this world, and if you have to, you can blame me.
“I run our basketball operations department. And to tell you something about Kevin Durant, Kevin Durant loves to play basketball, and the people that questioned whether he wanted to get back to this team were wrong.”
"It's an Achilles injury."
Bob Myers shares the news of KD's injury. pic.twitter.com/tdQmNYDVka— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 11, 2019
The injury will have far-reaching ramifications throughout the NBA, reaching far beyond Golden State’s hopes of winning a third straight championship.
Of course, the Warriors will still have to rally from a 3-2 deficit in order to defeat the Toronto Raptors.
Durant scored 11 points before injuring his achilles in the second quarter, but the Warriors were able to overcome his shock injury to survive, 106-105.
Never been to an NBA Finals game where both teams were sad afterwards. Devastating for Kevin Durant.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) June 11, 2019
Speculation grows that Durant was rushed back
NBA fans and experts alike have been quick to raise an eyebrow over Myers’ press conference.
While many praised Durant for risking injury to return to the court at a crucial time, others speculated the Warriors had rushed their star back, knowing he was at risk of being hurt.
Lingering over everything is Durant’s looming free agency - if he has indeed injured his Achilles, the former MVP will command a much smaller the deal than he otherwise would have.
Last piece on Durant:
1: Team doctors often choose the interest of team over health of player.
2: Any athlete will want to play regardless of health (you don’t make it to the league w/o toughness)
3: Being, “cleared to play” in the league is like passing an open book test.— Emmanuel Acho (@thEMANacho) June 11, 2019
Bob Myers says there is no one to blame. Oh, you better believe there is buddy boy.
— Chris Martin Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) June 11, 2019
The Bob Myers press conference could be for many reasons:
- Mis-diagnosed/treatment of Kevin Durant injury.
- Improper clearance for him to return.
- A difference in opinion in his clearance.
- Emotion over the injury.
I'll pick the first three over the last one.— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) June 11, 2019
Think I'm wrong about the Bob Myers presser? Steve Kerr asked about if he has any regrets about Kevin Durant coming back. "I'm going to leave that to Bob."
— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) June 11, 2019
That was disturbing. I never want to hear Bob Myers speak about anything, ever again.
— John Lurie (@lurie_john) June 11, 2019
Got to respect Bob Myers for so many reasons taking on the Kevin Durant injury himself
— Bill Herenda (@billherenda) June 11, 2019
If that KD injury is a full ruptured Achilles, it’s one of the worst days the NBA has had in awhile. Completely changes the course of a top-15 player in nba history. Changes the landscape of the league with his impending free agency.
— Ian Kenyon (@IanKenyonNFL) June 11, 2019
Durant injury has massive long-term consequences for the NBA
Durant’s likely absence for the rest of the season will not only hinder the Warriors’ hopes for this year’s championship, but could have massive consequences for the 2019-20 NBA season.
As one of several key free agents heading into this off-season, speculation as to whether Durant will stay with the Warriors or make his mark elsewhere has followed him all season.
The likes of Boston’s Kyrie Irving, Toronto’a Kawhi Leonard and even Golden State teammate Klay Thompson are also major free agents, with teams like the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers headlining a list of teams vying for Durant and one other major free agent’s services.
An achilles injury will likely rob Durant of at least a significant portion of next season, and depending on the severity, there is no guarantee he will return as the dominant force he was prior to the injury.
This could mean Durant will make less money on his next deal, affecting which team he signs with and potentially, who chooses to team up with him.
More will be revealed once Durant’s achilles is fully assessed in the coming days.