Back To Basketball For Kevin Durant

By Randy Renner

34 of the biggest stars in the basketball universe are in Las Vegas this week for the USA Basketball mini-camp but make no mistake, all eyes will be watching Thunder superstar Kevin Durant.

After three surgeries on his right foot Durant now says his foot has healed and he's been medically cleared to resume most basketball activities, pretty much everything except for full speed, full contact scrimmages.

"Kevin has been incredibly disciplined in his return-to-play protocol, and he's now at the stage where he can participate in noncontact drill work," Thunder general manager Sam Presti told ESPN.com. "We are excited he is at the point where he can take part in portions of the minicamp, as he has demonstrated great focus throughout his recovery efforts."

Earlier Durant had said he would not participate in any of the practices or drills this week and then apparently new medical tests revealed his condition had improved to the point where at least some participation would be safe.

This will be the first time Durant has taken part in a regular practice session since last winter. He played in only 27 games last season.

Durant's activities will be closely monitored by Team USA's medical staff, which includes Thunder trainer Joe Sharpe. The Thunder will have additional staffers watching as well and  Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams is also an assistant for Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

This marks a huge milestone for Durant as he continues to recover while working toward returning to full basketball related activities soon.

Thunder training camp begins at the end of September.