Kevin Durant is not just a basketball player; he’s a phenomenon. From his early days as a highly-touted prospect to his current status as an NBA legend, Durant’s journey is a study of perseverance, skill, and adaptation.
With multiple scoring titles, championships, and Olympic gold medals, Durant’s career is a tapestry of remarkable achievements.
We’ll look at his early years, his championship runs, and his ventures outside the court, and analyze what sets him apart as one of the greatest players of all time.
Setting the Stage for Greatness
- Born on September 29, 1988, Kevin Wayne Durant’s journey began in the Washington D.C. area, where he honed his basketball skills. His talent was evident early on, leading to his recruitment by several prestigious high schools, including National Christian Academy, Oak Hill Academy, and Montrose Christian School.
- His high school performance was so impressive that he was widely regarded as the second-best player in his class. Durant’s early accolades paved the way for his brief but impactful college career at the University of Texas, where he continued to dominate, earning numerous awards.
- He was the first freshman to be named Naismith College Player of the Year. This early success set the stage for his entry into the 2007 NBA Draft, where he was selected as the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence (2007-2016): Oklahoma City Thunder Era
Durant’s early NBA years with the Seattle SuperSonics, which became the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008, were marked by significant growth and achievements.
His time with the Thunder solidified his status as a top player, characterized by a relentless scoring ability and a developing all-around game.
Rookie of the Year (2007-2008)
- Drafted as the second overall pick, Durant quickly demonstrated his potential, showcasing his scoring prowess and versatility.
- He played in all 80 games in his rookie season with the Seattle SuperSonics, averaging 20.3 points per game.
- Durant earned the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
- He also made the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Breakthrough Years (2008-2010)
- As the team transitioned to Oklahoma City, Durant’s game elevated further. In 2010, at just 21 years old, he became the youngest NBA scoring champion, averaging 30.1 points per game. He also had a 90% free throw percentage, showcasing his incredible shooting ability.
- He earned his first NBA All-Star Game selection and was the first player in franchise history to play in the All-Star Game.
- These breakthrough years established Durant as one of the league’s elite scorers and a rising star in the NBA.
First NBA Finals (2010-2012)
- Durant’s trajectory continued upward as he signed a five-year contract extension with the Thunder. During the 2010-11 season, Durant led the league in scoring for the second consecutive year, averaging 27.7 points per game.
- His scoring prowess was on full display when he scored his first career 50-point game against the Denver Nuggets.
- He also won the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award in 2012.
- He led the Thunder to their first NBA Finals appearance in 2012, where they faced the Miami Heat. Although they lost the series, Durant’s scoring performance in the Finals was remarkable, averaging 30.6 points per game.
50-40-90 Season (2012-2013)
In the 2012-13 season, Durant became the youngest player to join the 50-40-90 club, demonstrating his efficiency and scoring versatility. This was a season of personal and team achievements, highlighting his continued development as a player.
MVP Season (2013-2014)
- The 2013-2014 season was a pinnacle for Durant, as he earned his first and only MVP award. This was also the year he won his fourth scoring title.
- He averaged an impressive 32.0 points per game, showcasing his dominance as a scorer. He surpassed Michael Jordan’s record of consecutive games with 25 points, recording 41 straight games.
- This season solidified Durant’s place among the league’s elite.
Final Seasons with the Thunder (2014-2016)
- The following seasons were marked by injuries, limiting Durant’s playtime in the 2014-15 season. He only played 27 games due to a foot fracture.
- The Thunder made the playoffs, but lost to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals in 2016.
Championship Years (2016-2019): Golden State Warriors Era
Durant’s move to the Golden State Warriors in 2016 was one of the most significant and controversial decisions in NBA history.
This era saw him achieve his first NBA championships and Finals MVP awards but also faced scrutiny for joining an already dominant team.
Joining the Warriors (2016)
- Durant’s decision to join the Warriors was met with mixed reactions, with many criticizing him for joining an already championship-caliber team. He was called a “bully” for taking the “easy way out”.
- He signed a two-year, $54.3 million contract with the Warriors. Despite the criticism, the move marked a turning point in his career, leading to his first NBA titles.
First Championship and Finals MVP (2016-2017)
- Durant’s first season with the Warriors was a resounding success. The team’s chemistry and Durant’s scoring prowess led them to the 2017 NBA Championship, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- Durant was named the NBA Finals MVP, averaging 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game in the series.
- This marked a significant milestone in his career, silencing some critics and achieving the ultimate goal of winning a championship.
Second Championship and Finals MVP (2017-2018)
- The following season saw Durant and the Warriors continue their dominance. They won their second consecutive NBA Championship in 2018, again defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- For the second year in a row, Durant was named the Finals MVP, further cementing his status as a top player in the league.
Three-Peat Chase and Injury (2018-2019)
- The 2018-19 season saw the Warriors attempting a third consecutive championship. However, Durant’s tenure with the Warriors ended in tragedy.
- During the 2019 NBA Finals, Durant suffered an Achilles injury that sidelined him for a significant period.
- This injury marked the end of his time with the Warriors, and he entered free agency in the summer of 2019.
The Brooklyn Nets Era (2019-2023)
Durant’s move to the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. This period was defined by his absence due to injury, his triumphant return, and his eventual trade request.
Year Absence (2019-2020)
- After sustaining his Achilles injury, Durant joined the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent, signing a four-year contract.
However, he missed the entire 2019-2020 season due to his injury. He also tested positive for COVID-19, adding to the challenges during his time away from the court.
Return to the Court (2020-2021)
- Durant made a grand return in the opening game of the 2020-2021 season, showcasing his scoring ability with 22 points.
- He also signed a 4-year, $198 million extension with the Nets.
- He was fined $50,000 for using derogatory language in an exchange with Michael Rapaport.
In the 2021 playoffs, Durant had an amazing performance, scoring 49 points and securing a triple-double against the Bucks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Playoff Disappointment (2021-2022)
- Despite high expectations, the Nets faced early playoff exits in 2022, being swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round.
Durant’s performance was not enough to overcome team-wide issues.
Subheading: Offseason Trade Request (2022-2023)
Following disagreements with the Nets’ front office, Durant requested a trade during the 2022 offseason, signaling the end of his time in Brooklyn.
Phoenix Suns (2023-Present)
The next chapter of Durant’s career took him to the Phoenix Suns, where he has continued to perform at a high level, reaching new milestones and leading his team.
Joining the Suns (2023)
- Durant was traded to the Phoenix Suns, marking another significant team change in his career.
- He made his debut with the Suns on March 1, 2023, scoring 23 points.
- He played 8 regular season games with the Suns in 2023.
55-40-90 Season (2023)
- In the 2023 season, Durant became the first player in NBA history to achieve the 55-40-90 shooting splits. This feat highlighted his efficiency and scoring ability.
- He also finished the regular season with an 8-0 record with the Suns, a testament to his impact on the team.
All-Time Scoring (2023-2024)
- Durant continues to climb the NBA’s all-time scoring list. In October 2023, he surpassed Elvin Hayes to move to 11th place. He then surpassed Moses Malone to enter the top 10.
- By February 2024, he passed Carmelo Anthony on the list, and by March 2024 he passed Shaquille O’Neal to reach No. 8 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
- He also recorded his 18th career triple-double in December 2023.
2024 and Beyond
- Durant was named the Western Conference Player of the Week in January 2024.
- He was named to the 2023-24 All-NBA Second Team.
- In the 2024 playoffs, the Suns were swept in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- In late 2024, he suffered a left calf strain and later an ankle sprain.
- He was named an All-Star for the 15th time in his career in early 2025.
National Team Career
Durant’s contributions to the USA National Team have been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by multiple Olympic gold medals and MVP awards. His commitment to Team USA has cemented his legacy as an international basketball icon.
Early Years with Team USA
- Durant was named to the US National Team for the 2010 FIBA World Championship, where he not only led the team to victory but was also named the tournament MVP.
- He was also named the USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year in 2010.
Olympic Success
- Durant has won four Olympic gold medals with Team USA, an unprecedented achievement in men’s Olympic basketball. He won gold medals at the 2012 London, 2016 Rio de Janeiro, 2020 Tokyo, and 2024 Paris Olympics.
- He became the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
- He was named the 2021 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
- He played a key role in winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- He was named to the FIBA All-Star Five for the 2020 Olympics.
Player Profile and Style
Durant’s game is characterized by a unique blend of height, skill, and scoring ability. His versatility and impact on the game have made him a player that the league has never seen before.
Unique Skill Set
- At nearly 7 feet tall, Durant possesses a rare combination of size and finesse, making him a matchup nightmare for opponents.
- His scoring ability is among the best in the history of the game, illustrated by his four NBA scoring titles.
- He is also known for his mid range and three point shooting, along with his ability to drive to the basket.
- He has been named to 11 All-NBA teams, which is a testament to his consistently high level of play.
Impact on Modern Basketball
- Durant’s style of play has had a significant influence on modern basketball. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his size, has changed how many teams approach the game.
- He has been ranked as one of the greatest players of all time by various publications.
Personal Life and Off-Court Ventures
Beyond basketball, Durant is also known for his business ventures, philanthropic activities, and engagement with his fans.
Family and Interests
- Durant has a close relationship with his mother, Wanda Pratt, and credits her for much of his success. He was the subject of a Lifetime movie called “The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story”.
- He enjoys playing video games and often streams his sessions online.
Philanthropy and Community Work
- Durant has always been active in philanthropic causes. In 2013, he donated $1 million to the American Red Cross for victims of the Moore, Oklahoma tornado.
- Durant is also a spokesperson for P’Tones Records, a non-profit after-school music program.
Business Ventures
- Durant has a strong online presence, including his YouTube channel, which has over 790,000 subscribers and 38 million video views.
- He co-founded Thirty-Five Ventures with his business partner, Rich Kleiman. The company works in various areas of business including content creation, investments, and brand partnerships. It also has its video series called “The Boardroom”.
- He is also a part-owner of the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer.
- He also has a partnership with Weedmaps, which seeks to destigmatize marijuana use.
- He is an investor in Just Women’s Sports.
- He has a brand ambassador deal with Coinbase.
- Durant is also a minority owner of a Major League Pickleball team.
Legacy
Kevin Durant’s career is a testament to his exceptional talent, resilience, and dedication to the game. His impact extends beyond the basketball court, establishing him as a true icon.
A Basketball Icon
- Durant’s career is highlighted by a long list of major awards, including two NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, an NBA MVP award, four scoring titles, and four Olympic gold medals.
- He has consistently been recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
The Ongoing Story of KD
- Even with numerous accomplishments, Kevin Durant’s story is still being written, as he continues to play and achieve new milestones with the Phoenix Suns.
- His ongoing contributions to the game, both on and off the court, ensure his legacy will continue to grow.
Buzz Williams