When Kevin Durant faced an Achilles tear in 2019, it seemed like the NBA might lose one of its best stars in his prime.

Instead, Durant healed, rebounded, and somehow got even better.

According to The Lead, Durant has averaged 27.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists since his Achilles tear, posting 53/42/88 splits and a true shooting percentage of 65.

KD since tearing his Achilles in 2019:

– 27.9 PPG
– 6.7 RPG
– 5.2 APG
– 53/42/88 splits
– 65% true shooting

28 PPG on 50/40/90 in his mid 30s pic.twitter.com/W8ApxRVTNe

— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) August 1, 2025

Last season, Durant produced 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.7 percent and 43.0 percent from the three-point line.

It may not have been his best season ever, but it was a very good one, even though the Phoenix Suns struggled again.

Now that he is moving to the Rockets, Durant has the opportunity to play for a team with a better core.

He was carrying a heavy load while playing for the Suns, and that won’t be as bad with the Rockets.

Still, there is no doubt that he has instantly become Houston’s most important player, and the team wants a lot from him.

An Achilles’ tear is very serious, and a lot of talented and proven stars were never able to recover fully.

Durant has, and then some.

At 36 years old, he could be entering the last phase of his career, but it’s something of a surprise that he got this far at all.

That Achilles injury could have put an end to everything he was doing, but Durant was able to bounce back.

Since then, he has been an All-Star multiple times and the face of two teams.

Now he is with the Rockets, where he will once again be a franchise figurehead.

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