Duke basketball: Dariq Whitehead given Kevin Durant’s jersey with Nets

Duke basketball wing Dariq Whitehead has big shoes to fill with the Brooklyn Nets. 

Jersey numbers are a major deal in sports and Duke basketball wing Dariq Whitehead has big shoes to fill with the Brooklyn Nets following his introductory press conference.

The organization announced that the rookie will wear No. 7, which was last worn by superstar Kevin Durant.

No one wore the number following the trade of Durant last winter to the Phoenix Suns after he spent two and a half seasons on the court with the franchise.

Durant signed a 4-year, $164 million deal with Brooklyn in the 2019 offseason as he was recovering from a ruptured achilles tendon and inked an extension with the Nets for 4-years and $194 million before requesting his trade.

Dariq Whitehead wore No. 0 in his storied career at Montverde Academy (Fla.) and in his lone season at Duke as he now looks to make a name for himself in the NBA.

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Whitehead will not be on the court for the Nets next week at NBA Summer League after he needed a second surgery on his foot following the season.

The 6-foot-7 wing underwent his initial surgery for a broken foot in August but, despite playing 28 games this season, his foot did not heal properly.

Duke basketball draftee hoping to be back on court soon

The expectation is that Dariq Whitehead will be ready for training camp in the fall.

Whitehead was in a walking boot during his personal draft party and at his introductory press conference.

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The Newark, New Jersey native explained that he has sought the advice former Blue Devil standout Jayson Tatum on his injury as Tatum had a similar injury during his only season at Duke.

Dariq Whitehead averaged 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game on 42.1-percent shooting from the field and a sizzling 42.9-percent from 3-point range.