Kevin Durant's Ongoing Journey: From Eighth-Grader to Basketball Legend
As Kevin Durant gears up for his 17th NBA season, his legacy continues to grow. Entering the league as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics—who later became the Oklahoma City Thunder—Durant has carved out an illustrious career. Now, at 35 years old, the Phoenix Suns forward brings a wealth of experience and accolades, including four Olympic gold medals representing Team USA.
A Career Spanning Generations
Durant's journey began when he started playing basketball at just 8 years old. The game, he admits, has been the center of his life for nearly three decades. "I've been at this since I was 8. 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," he shared, reflecting on his career.
Despite the whispers of retirement that float around any seasoned veteran, Durant remains committed to his craft. "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," he conceded, offering a glimpse into the mind of an athlete at the crossroads of his career. However, the allure of the game continues to captivate him. "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."
Current Chapter: Phoenix Suns
Durant now dons the Suns' jersey, and his devotion to the team and its fans is evident. "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. I started to understand the history of the Phoenix Suns and I am happy to be a part of it," he expressed. His aspirations are high, as he hopes to one day receive the franchise's Ring of Honor, a testament to his commitment and ambition.
Durant's contract with the Suns includes two more fully guaranteed years, and he won’t become an unrestricted free agent until 2026. This assures Phoenix fans that their star player will remain a pivotal part of their championship aspirations for the foreseeable future.
A Decorated Past and an Uncertain Future
Durant’s draft class is often cited among the most talented, featuring notable names such as Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green. But it’s Durant who has consistently stood out, capturing the imagination of fans and critics alike with his peerless talent and relentless drive. His career trajectory, marked by individual brilliance and team success, has set him apart as a generational talent.
The forward's illustrious career has not been without reflection. "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," Durant mused. The uncertainty of life after basketball lingers, yet his passion for the sport suggests he will always be connected to it in some capacity.
As Durant continues to build on his storied legacy, the basketball community eagerly watches what might unfold in these next chapters. His unwavering dedication, combined with a profound respect for the game, ensures that whether he’s on the court or in another role, Kevin Durant remains an integral part of basketball history.