Kevin Durant Reportedly 'Not Close' to Returning to Warriors

Houston Rockets v Golden State Warriors - Game Five
Houston Rockets v Golden State Warriors - Game Five / Ezra Shaw

After straining his calf in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets, reports suggested that Kevin Durant would only miss one or two games.

But that's apparently all changing thanks to a report From Thursday. After his team got a decisive win over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, it now seems like KD may not even make an appearance until the Finals, if the Warriors make it that far. After he was ruled out for Game 2 in a swift manner, this probably isn't too surprising.

For any team not named the Golden State Warriors, this would be a devastating blow to their lineup. But as we all saw Tuesday night, they're more than capable without arguably the best player in the NBA. It's insane, but it's true.

Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have done this before without KD, and they've been able to channel that game plan since he's been sidelined.

In fact, Curry has been more valuable to the team than KD has this season.

Curry is the captain of the Warriors' ship, and KD is just part of the supporting cast when it comes down to it.

If the rumors are true about Durant leaving this offseason, this would make for an anti-climactic end to his time with the Warriors. It's crazy to think that they'll be fine if they do end up losing KD, but everything we've seen would lead us to believing just that.

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals will be played Thursday at 9 p.m. at Oracle Arena, and like Game 1, KD will be a spectator from the bench.