Kevin Durant Prepares for His 17th NBA Season
As Kevin Durant readies himself for his 17th season in the NBA, the veteran forward reflects on a career that has been nothing short of monumental. At 35 years old, Durant continues to showcase his unmatched talent and passion for the game, despite the league around him getting younger.
Durant's career began in 2007 when he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, a franchise that would later become the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since then, Durant has collected numerous accolades, including four Olympic gold medals representing Team USA, further solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats.
"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 stated. This introspection is natural for someone who has dedicated his entire life to basketball, having picked up the sport at just 8 years old.
A New Chapter in Phoenix
Currently, Durant suits up for the Phoenix Suns, a team he has grown to love. "I love playing in Phoenix, I love our fans, I love the city," Durant expressed. "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." His connection with the franchise runs deep, and he even aspires to one day receive the franchise's Ring of Honor, a testament to his commitment and contributions.
With two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract with the Suns, Durant will not become an unrestricted free agent until 2026. This provides stability and an opportunity for Durant to continue his pursuit of another NBA championship with a team and a city that have embraced him wholeheartedly.
Reflecting on a Stellar Career
Over the years, Durant has been a pivotal figure in the NBA. His draft class, which included notable players like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, has left its mark on the league. Durant's journey from the SuperSonics to the Thunder and now with the Suns has been marked by growth, resilience, and a relentless drive to excel.
Despite the thoughts of retirement creeping in, Durant remains focused on the present. "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." His dedication to the sport is evident, but he also acknowledges the uncertainty that the future holds.
Looking Ahead
Durant's transition from active player to his next role in life is something he contemplates, but with a sense of openness and curiosity. "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," he reflected.
As the NBA season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching Durant closely, eager to see how he continues to perform at such a high level despite the years and miles logged on the court. His influence on the game and his legacy are firmly established, but Durant's story is far from over.
In a career filled with highlight-reel moments and significant achievements, Kevin Durant remains a beacon of excellence and dedication in professional basketball. His journey, marked by perseverance and passion, serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.