Kevin Durant's name is synonymous with excellence in the NBA. As he prepares for his 17th season, the 35-year-old superstar continues to captivate fans with his remarkable career and ongoing contributions to the game. Looking back, it's evident that Durant has achieved extraordinary milestones, all while evolving both on and off the court.
A Storied Career
Durant first entered the NBA as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, selected by the Seattle SuperSonics. The franchise's transformation into the Oklahoma City Thunder marked the beginning of Durant's rise to prominence. His journey since then has been nothing short of legendary.
Adding to his illustrious career, Durant recently secured his fourth Olympic gold medal, an achievement that underscores his status as a remarkable talent representing Team USA on the global stage. Reflecting on his beginnings, Durant recalls that his love for basketball started when he was just 8 years old, setting the foundation for an unparalleled athletic journey.
The Phoenix Chapter
Now with the Phoenix Suns, Durant is a key figure on a team with high aspirations. He openly expresses his affection for the franchise and the city. "I love playing in Phoenix, I love our fans, I love the city. ... I realized what our mission is by being in the Valley and I realized how much these people care about their team," Durant shared. His connection with the team runs deep, as he appreciates the history of the Suns and aims to be a significant part of it. "One day, I would like to receive the franchise's Ring of Honor," he added, indicating his desire to leave a lasting legacy in Phoenix.
Durant's current contract with the Suns ensures his presence on the team for at least two more fully guaranteed years. He will not become an unrestricted free agent until 2026, providing ample time for him to make a substantial impact in Phoenix.
Reflecting on the Future
As Durant continues to excel, thoughts of retirement have started to surface. The inevitability of an NBA career's end is something he contemplates more frequently now. "As I get older in the league and the league is getting younger, I tend to think about retirement more. It creeps in my mind for sure," Durant admitted.
The prospect of stepping away from the game invokes a blend of uncertainty and excitement for Durant. "I honestly don't know what I'll do [when I stop playing]. I have a lot of different interests. I definitely want to stay around the game... That's gonna be a huge, huge transition," he pondered. Durant's commitment to basketball has spanned almost three decades, making the thought of life beyond the court both intriguing and daunting: "It's gonna be hopefully 30 years of me doing this where every day was centered around the game of basketball. It hasn't been no other lifestyle but this."
While he remains focused on his career, Durant acknowledges that the future holds many possibilities. "Right now I would say yes [about staying in the game], but that's just a figure of speech, I can't know what's going to happen," he remarked, leaving the door open to various paths in his post-playing days.
Enduring Legacy
Kevin Durant's journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his profound impact on the game of basketball. From his draft class peers like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, to his Olympic triumphs and present endeavors with the Phoenix Suns, Durant's career is a narrative of sustained brilliance.
As he stands on the cusp of another NBA season, the basketball world watches with anticipation. Durant's story continues to unfold, filled with achievements and aspirations that inspire both current and future generations of players. His legacy, both past and future, remains indelibly etched in the annals of basketball history.