Kevin Durant: Nets on Why Playing at the All-Star Game Matters to Him

• Kevin Durant has said he wants to play at the 2023 All-Star game
• He hasn't played at the All-Star game since he joined the Brooklyn Nets
• The two-time NBA champion is currently nursing an MCL sprain and will likely return just before the 2023 All-Star game in Utah

Kevin Durant has not played an All-Star game since he joined the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. The last time he played was when he was with the Golden State Warriors.

The two-time NBA champion suffered an MCL strain in early January when the Nets played the Miami Heat. He was evaluated a few days ago and will do the same just before the 2023 All-Star game.

The 2014 NBA MVP has started doing some running and basketball activities on the court. His absence has been felt by the Nets now led by Kyrie Irving who has been magnificent.

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Surprisingly, since signing for the Nets in 2019, Durant is yet to play in front of Golden State's crowd. Moreover, the 34-year-old is yet to play against LeBron James since the 2018 Christman Day showdown when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Why All-Star game matter to Durant

Speaking to the Athletic, the 6-foot-10 forward said he is itching to play the game. He says he wants to be part of the All-Star game since it has been too long.

“I want to be a part of all these events. I missed going back to Golden State, my previous home. So, it’s been three years since I did that. You see all this stuff pass you by, so I want to participate in everything. I know I got to take my time and make sure I do my rehab and get back on the floor.”

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The Nets are 2-6 since he went down. However, they showed incredible fighting spirit against the Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Fans' reactions to Durant's All-Star remarks

Durant is 34 years old, and he obviously doesn't have many All-Star events to participate in as he enters the latter stages of his hugely successful career. Here are some reactions from fans.

@CarterSyko:

"Did anyone seriously think KD wouldn’t want to play in the All Star game?"

@ChefdDds89:

"He wants to set up his next team. Playing with Kyrie is too much work for him."

@Aidan_Better:

"KD back to golden state confirmed."

@BlindfoldMike:

"Finally a star who wants to participate."

@YCaldout:

"KD is the ultimate anti-load management player."

James compliments Durant

LeBron James recently said that Durant is the player that can surpass his inevitable scoring record, which he could achieve in February 2023, as Sports Brief earlier reported.

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James is edging closer to passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who has held that record since 1984.

The Lakers star said Durant's unstoppable and versatile scoring style gives him a good chance of surpassing his record.