Kevin Durant gives Nets reason to hope for early return

Kevin Durant made a loud statement by picking Brooklyn in free agency — and has been quiet since. But the injured superstar sat down — with a Nets logo positioned in the backdrop — to talk about various topics, including his new team and the possibility of coming back this season.

“I’m excited about this group,” Durant told sneakerhead/gaming influencer Chris Henderson in a YouTube video. “Obviously with me not starting off the season and obviously being injured, you’re going to see a lot of guys step up and do some things and go to another level as a player.”

Starting off are the operative words. While it’s hardly a guarantee, it’s noteworthy — and enough to get Nets fans’ ears perking up.

After Durant ruptured his Achilles during June’s NBA Finals, Golden State flatly said he’d miss next season, but The Post has steadfastly left open the possibility of a return this coming campaign. Now, after general manager Sean Marks refused to rule Durant out for the season during July’s summer league, the star teased a possible return himself.

On Friday night, Durant had posted a picture on Instagram of himself trying to stand on his injured leg with a trainer watching on intently. It included the caption “Balancing act. 12th week.”

Still, until Durant returns, much of the burden is going to fall on Kyrie Irving. Durant gushed about his fellow All-NBA star.

“He’ll make you feel a certain way when you watch him,” Durant said. “His movements, his mentality out there, his smarts for the game, his efficiency, he’s an all-around player.”

Durant also spoke about the Nets’ underrated depth and balance that they hope will let them stay afloat until his eventual return, whenever that may be.

“Like Caris [LeVert], Joe Harris, Taurean Prince, even the older guys like Garrett Temple, Kyrie, DeAndre [Jordan], I feel like everybody in this environment in going to step up, especially due to circumstances with me not being available,” Durant said.

“I think everybody’s going to step up and take it to the next level. We’ve got great coaching, great front office, great fanbase that’s excited for something new. This is a fresh start for everybody, I feel.”

Durant’s relationship with LeVert is well-documented. He reached out to the young wing after his collegiate foot injury at Michigan, and the two share the same foot specialist — Nets’ orthopedist Dr. Martin O’Malley.

The pair have worked out together in past summers, with Nets players nicknaming LeVert “Baby Durant.” Durant is also friendly with Prince, and joined Jordan and Irving to win a 2016 Rio Olympic gold.

The wide-ranging interview meandered through a range of topics over 45 minutes, including gaming, sneakers, business and career influences.

While Durant sounded almost wistful at the idea of wearing the Biggie Smalls-inspired jerseys Brooklyn brought out for a cameo last season, he said even if they don’t make an encore this season, the gritty Nets will still very much be infused by the late rapper’s lyrics, spirit and ethos.

“Biggie is always going to be the main influence around our team,” Durant said. “We’re driven by his influence, what he rapped about, living in Brooklyn, coming up from Brooklyn, the bottom. That’s how we play. We’re inspired by stuff like that. No matter if he’s in the jersey, his spirit is always going to be around the team.”

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