Warriors News: Dubs Hotshot Could Be Out Longer Than Expected

NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson are questionable for the coming season although there are speculations that they could return by the latter part at the earliest. Some feel that it would best to pass on the 2019-20 season and return the year after.

However, a doctor who consulted the Mayo Clinic and studied the biomechanics of the knee came out with an interesting study for athletes dealing with ACL injuries. For him, players who tear their Achilles should not return to action for two years. It would be best to take note that he has not done any evaluation on Thompson or Durant.

"This is not my opinion. People say to me, ‘Well, that is your opinion, there are other opinions.' No, I deal in science and I deal in fact. People don't like to hear it but it does not change the facts, and that facts are that you're at risk for re-injury before two years and you won't be the same player in the first year," said Dr. Tim Hewett to Heavy.com.

This should raise some debate on when either player should return to action. For Durant, he was spotted walking without a limp recently. As for Klay, his father, Mychal Thompson, claims that his son should be back in harness by late next season. This all depends on the progress of either player in rehab. Much of this was covered in a previous post.

For either Durant or Thompson, there is no question that their respective teams -- the Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors -- could get a big boost if they return to action earlier than scheduled. However, it is also likely that both would be used sparingly and be a share of their regular self. Hence, this somehow backs the claim that both should not ruse themselves back into action. But the period that they would be out is something debatable.

Durant and Thompson could defy the claims of Hewett. It all depends on their progress and how well they can recover. For now, there is no definite date on when both can return to their respective teams.

The bottom line is that both All-Stars should not force the issue. Until they are granted a 100-percent bill of health, it would be best to return when the time is right. They are key pieces but their respective ballclubs need to look at their health on a long term basis.