Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook could make their return soon to help the Oklahoma City Thunder bounce back from their disappointing start this season.

The Oklahoman reported that both Durant and Westbrook participated in most of the team's practice on Monday. It was the first time Durant and Westbrook engaged in contact drills since both superstars sustained serious injuries.

"They did participate and looked good," Brooks said of Durant, who suffered stress fracture in his foot, and Westbrook, who underwent surgery to repair a broken hand.

Brooks added that both superstars might return to action soon, saying that Durant and Westbrook will be reevaluated this week to determine their return date.

"This week, I don't know what day, they'll get evaluated and we'll go from there," Brooks said. "They'll continue to go through this process and when they're ready -- 100 percent ready -- they'll play."

Sources indicated that Westbrook could return as early as Friday when the Thunder collide with the New York Knicks on Friday. Brooks did not confirm whether or not Westbrook will play against the Knicks, but he said that he will not rule the All-Star point guard out.

"Just focus on his work he put in today and continue to build on that," Brooks said on Monday. "He'll get evaluated later on this week and we'll make some of those decisions later on."

Without Durant and Westbrook, the Thunder started the season with a dismal 3-12 record, which is the second-worst record in the league at this point -- next to the 0-14 Philadelphia 76ers.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said earlier this month that the Thunder should consider sitting out both superstars for the majority of the season to get a high draft pick next year, but Brooks reiterated that they don't care about what their critics are saying about their team.

"I don't really pay much attention to other people's thoughts on our team," Brooks told Sporting News. "I know what we're about, I know what our organization is about. Everybody has their opinion and they're entitled to that. Tanking is not something that we will consider. I don't think any teams focus on doing that."

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