Kevin Durant’s Legacy Grows as He Prepares for 17th NBA Season
As Kevin Durant embarks on his 17th NBA season, his illustrious career continues to capture the attention and admiration of basketball fans worldwide. With a record that includes four Olympic gold medals, it’s clear that Durant remains one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes. Now 35 years old, he is preparing to add yet another chapter to his impressive legacy.
Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, Durant's journey has taken him from the Pacific Northwest to the heart of the Valley. The SuperSonics later became the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Durant further cemented his status as a superstar during his time there. In a career spanning nearly two decades, he now dons the jersey of the Phoenix Suns, a team whose rich history he respects and wishes to be part of in the long term.
Reflecting on his time in Phoenix, Durant shared, "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. One day, I would like to receive the franchise's Ring of Honor."
Durant's commitment to the Suns is unwavering. With two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract, he won’t become an unrestricted free agent until 2026. This gives the Suns ample opportunity to capitalize on his talents and perhaps guide him toward fulfilling his ambition of joining the franchise’s Ring of Honor.
His journey in basketball began in his early childhood. Durant has been dedicated to the sport since he was 8 years old, and over the years, he has competed against some of the best talents. His draft class included notable names such as Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, showcasing the level of competition and excellence that defined that era.
However, as the sands of time continue to shift, Durant acknowledges the inevitable thought of retirement creeping into his mind. "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 admits. Yet, despite these thoughts, his passion for the game remains undiminished.
Durant’s introspection reveals a man deeply connected to his craft yet aware of the finite nature of an athletic career. "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. 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."
Durant’s potential post-retirement future remains uncertain. Though he expresses a desire to stay involved in basketball in some capacity, he remains pragmatic. "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," Durant explains.
As one of the NBA’s most prolific players, Durant’s legacy extends beyond just his on-court achievements. His drive, skill, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the sport. Each game he plays is not just a continuation of his career but a contribution to the rich tapestry of basketball history.
As Durant gears up for his 17th season, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the next moves of a player whose career is a testament to excellence, perseverance, and an undying love for the game of basketball.