Kevin Durant Poised for 17th NBA Season with Phoenix Suns
Kevin Durant, a name synonymous with basketball excellence, is about to embark on his 17th NBA season. As one of the league's elder statesmen at 35, Durant is both reflective and excited about what lies ahead.
A Journey Spanning Nearly Two Decades
Durant's illustrious career 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. It’s a journey that started far earlier, though—Durant picked up a basketball at the tender age of 8 and has never looked back.
Continued Success on Multiple Fronts
Adding to his accolades, Durant recently secured his fourth Olympic gold medal representing Team USA, a testament to his enduring talent and commitment to the sport. As he reflects on his extensive career, Durant admits that the thought of retirement occasionally enters 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 states with a blend of contemplation and acceptance.
A Phoenix Renaissance
Durant is currently a pivotal part of the Phoenix Suns, where he has two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract. His love for the team and the city is palpable. "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," he shares enthusiastically.
Looking to the future, Durant harbors ambitions of being honored by the franchise. "One day, I would like to receive the franchise's Ring of Honor," he reveals, underscoring his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in Phoenix.
Life Beyond Basketball?
While Durant's future in the NBA seems secure until at least 2026, he is candid about his uncertainty beyond the basketball court. "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 muses, offering a rare glimpse into the complexities that many athletes face as they contemplate life after their sports careers.
A Draft Class to Remember
Durant wasn't alone in making waves from his draft class. Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green also emerged as standout players, each carving out their own successful NBA careers. Together, they represent one of the most talented cohorts in recent memory.
The Road Ahead
As Durant prepares for another season, Suns fans can look forward to witnessing one of the game's greats in action. Whether he's securing another victory, mentoring younger players, or discussing his future prospects, Durant remains an indomitable presence on and off the court. "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," he concedes, encapsulating the blend of certainty and mystery that defines the twilight of his career.
Kevin Durant's journey in the NBA is far from over, and as he continues to create memories and milestones, the basketball world watches with eager anticipation.