Kevin Durant likely out six to eight weeks with fractured bone in foot

Reigning NBA MVP Kevin Durant is likely to miss the first month of the season, and possibly more, after the Oklahoma City Thunder announced Sunday that he has a fractured bone in his right foot.

Durant, who decided not to play with Team USA in the world championships this summer, told team officials over the weekend that he felt discomfort in his right foot. The club, which released a statement to announce the news, said Durant broke a bone in his small toe and that it will require surgery that could include a layoff of six to eight weeks for recovery and rehabilitation.

Thunder General Manager Sam Presti released the following statement:

“After practice yesterday, Kevin made us aware of discomfort in his right foot. We proceeded to perform the necessary imaging studies to determine the cause of his discomfort. At this stage, Kevin has been diagnosed with a Jones fracture. Traditional treatment of this injury requires a surgical procedure and recent NBA cases have resulted in a return to play in 6-8 weeks.”

“We are in the process of collaboratively evaluating the most appropriate next steps with Kevin, his representatives, and Thunder medical personnel. Until a course of action is determined, we are unable to provide a timeline specific to Kevin’s case.”

Durant led the Thunder to the Western Conference finals last season. He led the NBA in scoring with a career-high 32 points a game while shooting 50.3% from the field, including 39.1% from three-point range. He also averaged 7.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.3 steals.

The NBA season opens Oct. 28. The Thunder begin play on Oct. 29 against the Trail Blazers in Portland.