Durant Prepares for 17th NBA Season: A Glimpse into His Remarkable Journey
As Kevin Durant gears up for his 17th NBA season, the basketball world reflects on the incredible career and ongoing journey of one of the sport's greats. At 35 years old, Durant shows no signs of slowing down, poised to continue his legacy with the Phoenix Suns.
Durant's trajectory has been one for the ages. Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics—a franchise that would eventually become the Oklahoma City Thunder—he has consistently demonstrated why he is among the most elite players in the league. His career, studded with accolades and milestones, is a testament to his enduring talent and dedication.
Durant’s journey began much earlier, though. He started playing basketball at the tender age of 8. Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the game, Durant shared, "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... It's going to 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."
The seasoned star heads into the upcoming season with two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract with the Suns. His impact on the team and the city of Phoenix has already been profound. "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 expressed.
Beyond the NBA, Durant's contributions to basketball are monumental. He recently secured his fourth Olympic gold medal representing Team USA, further solidifying his status as a global basketball icon. This achievement is among the myriad reasons Durant’s name resonates in conversations about the greatest to ever play the game.
As the league evolves, with younger talent emerging each season, Durant acknowledges the inevitable thoughts of retirement. "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, his passion for the game remains unshaken. Whether he'll stay in basketball after his playing days end is something even Durant himself finds hard to predict: "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's journey has been shared with other notable names from his 2007 draft class, including Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green. Each has paved their own path in the NBA, but Durant's impact stands out, marked by his unique combination of skill, versatility, and leadership.
Looking ahead, Durant’s focus is clear. He remains committed to contributing to the Suns' mission and perhaps earning the cherished honor of the franchise's Ring of Honor. With several years left before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026, Durant’s presence in the league continues to be a beacon of excellence and inspiration.
As we anticipate another season of Durant's artistry on the court, one fact remains undeniable: Kevin Durant’s influence on basketball is indelible, his legacy ever-expanding, and his story far from over.