#SoleWatch: Kevin Durant Is Back on the Court in the Nike KD 6

KD flashes back in return to Thunder.

by Brandon Richard

Just weeks before the start of the NBA season, it was announced that Kevin Durant would be sidelined with a fracture in his right foot. The first major injury of Durant’s career forced him to miss the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first 17 games, which, coupled with a Russell Westbrook hand injury, resulted in a slow 5-12 start for the team. Surprisingly, the Thunder cleared Durant to play yesterday and the reigning MVP made his season debut against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Knocking off some of the rust, Durant poured in 27 points on 9-of-18 shooting in 30 minutes of action. However, Anthony Davis’ 25 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals and 4 blocks led the Pelicans to a 112-104 victory.

One interesting note about Durant’s return: he wore last season’s signature shoe, fresh off signing a much talked about contract extension with Nike. I don’t want to speculate too much about why he made the decision to go back to the KD 6, but it does raise some questions with Durant coming off a foot injury. Perhaps he just preferred the cushioning of a well-broken-in shoe. He did wear the KD 7 with Team USA during the summer and throughout OKC’s preseason.

Do you think KD going back to the 6 for his return is bad news for the KD 7? Sound off below and keep it locked for more on Durant and NBA #SoleWatch.

Kevin Durant wearing Nike KD VI 6 Away II (1)

Kevin Durant wearing Nike KD VI 6 Away II (2)

Kevin Durant wearing Nike KD VI 6 Away II (3)

images via Derick E. Hingle for USA Today Sports