The basketball world was hit with somber news today as reports confirmed that the father of NBA superstar Kevin Durant has been hospitalized due to a severe illness. Sources close to the family say the situation is “critical” and has left Durant deeply concerned, prompting him to leave his personal commitments behind to be by his father’s side.
Kevin Durant, widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, has always maintained a private stance on his family life. However, this sudden health crisis has thrust his father, Wayne Pratt, into the public eye. According to insiders, Pratt’s condition deteriorated rapidly over the past few days, leading to his emergency admission to a hospital in Washington, D.C. Medical staff have reportedly been working tirelessly to stabilize him, but details about the exact nature of his illness remain undisclosed.
Fans know that Durant’s relationship with his father has been both complicated and inspiring. In earlier interviews, Durant opened up about growing up with his mother, Wanda, as the primary parent after his father was absent for much of his early childhood. In later years, however, the two reconnected, forging a stronger bond that has carried through Durant’s NBA career. Pratt has been spotted courtside at multiple games, quietly cheering on his son and avoiding the media spotlight.
Witnesses at the hospital described a tense atmosphere as close family members and friends arrived throughout the day. Durant himself was seen entering the facility with a visibly worried expression, declining to answer questions from reporters. “Right now, all that matters is family,” one source close to the NBA star said. “Kevin is putting everything else aside until he knows his father is going to be okay.”
The timing of this health scare is particularly challenging for Durant, who is currently in the midst of a demanding NBA schedule. While the Brooklyn Nets have not released an official statement, team representatives have expressed their support for Durant and his family during this difficult time. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin and his loved ones,” a Nets spokesperson told reporters earlier today.
On social media, fans and fellow athletes have been sending an outpouring of support. Messages of love, hope, and prayer have flooded Durant’s Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) pages. Former teammates and coaches have also reached out, with several urging fans to respect the family’s privacy while offering heartfelt messages. NBA legend LeBron James posted a simple but powerful tweet: “Prayers up for you and pops, KD. Family first, always.”
Durant has yet to make any public comment about his father’s hospitalization, but sources say he has been in constant contact with doctors and remains by his father’s bedside. Close friends say the two have grown even closer over the past decade, sharing personal moments away from the spotlight. “Kevin knows how much his father means to him now,” one longtime friend said. “He’s not leaving that hospital until there’s good news.”
As of this evening, there has been no official medical update from the hospital. While the family remains hopeful, the seriousness of the situation has sparked widespread concern among fans. Durant’s mother, Wanda, has reportedly been a pillar of strength, keeping family members calm while focusing on her former husband’s care.
This is not the first time Durant has faced personal hardship during his career. Known for his resilience both on and off the court, the two-time NBA champion has dealt with injuries, criticism, and intense media scrutiny. Yet, those close to him say nothing compares to the fear and anxiety of possibly losing a loved one.
The basketball community now waits anxiously for updates, holding onto hope that Wayne Pratt will recover and return home soon. For now, Durant’s focus is entirely on his father’s well-being, leaving fans to wonder how long he may be away from the game. But in moments like these, it’s clear that basketball takes a backseat to family.
If there’s one thing Kevin Durant has shown throughout his career, it’s that he plays with his heart — and right now, that heart is with his father. The entire NBA family joins him in praying for a miracle.
