As Kevin Durant embarks on his 17th NBA season, the 35-year-old forward's prolific career shows no signs of slowing down. While many athletes might find themselves easing into retirement at this stage, Durant's focus remains firmly on the court.
Durant, who started playing basketball at the tender age of eight, has crafted a legacy that spans nearly two decades. His journey began when he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, a franchise that would later become the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since then, Durant has continued to evolve, both as a player and a leader, most recently with the Phoenix Suns.
A Legacy of Excellence
Durant's accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable. He recently secured his fourth Olympic gold medal, a testament to his prowess on the international stage while representing Team USA. Currently, Durant is under contract with the Suns for two more fully guaranteed years, and he won’t become an unrestricted free agent until 2026. This secures his contributions to the team in the immediate future.
Durant reflects on his presence in Phoenix with evident pride and ambition. "I love playing in Phoenix, I love our fans, I love the city," Durant shares. "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."
Thoughts on Retirement
However, as he navigates through this stage of his career, Durant admits that thoughts of retirement have increasingly crept 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," Durant notes. The continuous influx of young talent serves as a backdrop against which he evaluates his own longevity and legacy.
Despite these contemplations, Durant remains undecided about what life after basketball will look like. "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."
A Career Intertwined with Greats
Durant's draft class of 2007 included a plethora of talent with players like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green. His place among these basketball greats underscores the enduring impact of his career. Durant's journey from the Seattle SuperSonics to the Phoenix Suns is a narrative rich with achievements, challenges, and growth.
"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 adds, highlighting the uncertainty of the future. He leaves the door open for various possibilities, whether it be coaching, mentoring, or another role within the sport he has dedicated his life to.
In conclusion, as Durant looks ahead to another grueling season, his legacy continues to be defined not just by his statistics and accolades but by his deep connection to the sport and the fans. Whether he is on the court or planning for his eventual life post-basketball, Kevin Durant remains a central figure in the world of basketball, embodying the spirit of the game he loves so much.