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Kevin Durant is one of the most talented and complex figures in modern basketball. Known for his unique combination of size, skill, and scoring ability, Durant has etched his name into the NBA’s history books as one of the greatest offensive players ever. His career has spanned more than a decade and includes MVP honors, championships, and multiple All-Star selections. Beyond the court, Durant is known for his introspective nature, competitive fire, and role in shaping player empowerment in the modern NBA era. His story is one of talent, controversy, triumph, and evolution.
Early Life and High School Career
Kevin Wayne Durant was born on September 29, 1988, in Washington, D.C. Raised by his mother Wanda Durant and grandmother, Kevin had a close-knit family that instilled strong values in him. Though his father left the family when Durant was a child, he eventually reconnected during Kevin’s teenage years. Durant found solace and focus in basketball, quickly growing into his frame and becoming a dominant player by the time he reached high school.
He attended multiple schools during his high school career, including National Christian Academy, Oak Hill Academy, and finally Montrose Christian School. His long arms, smooth shooting, and advanced ball-handling skills for someone nearly 7 feet tall caught national attention. By the time he graduated, Durant was one of the top high school players in the country and committed to play for the University of Texas.
College Stardom at Texas
Durant played just one season (2006–07) at the University of Texas, but it was one of the most impressive freshman campaigns in NCAA history. He averaged 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, earning consensus First-Team All-American honors and becoming the first freshman to win the Naismith College Player of the Year Award.
Despite Texas losing early in the NCAA tournament, Durant’s season was unforgettable. His performances helped elevate the perception of what a freshman—and a near 7-footer who played like a guard—could do at the college level. His draft stock skyrocketed, and he declared for the 2007 NBA Draft as a consensus top-two pick.
Seattle and Oklahoma City: The Rise of a Superstar
Durant was selected second overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. He won Rookie of the Year after averaging 20.3 points per game, a rare feat for a teenager in the NBA. The franchise relocated to Oklahoma City after his first season and became the Thunder, setting the stage for the most formative years of Durant’s career.
Paired with young stars like Russell Westbrook and James Harden, Durant led the Thunder to rapid success. By his third season, he had already won his first scoring title, and in 2012, he helped lead Oklahoma City to the NBA Finals. Although they lost to LeBron James and the Miami Heat, it was clear that Durant was a generational scorer and a true franchise cornerstone.
Durant would go on to win four scoring titles and the 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player Award. In his MVP acceptance speech, he famously called his mother “the real MVP,” a moment that became an enduring part of his legacy.
Despite their talent, the Thunder fell short of a championship. A crushing blow came in 2016, when the team lost a 3–1 lead in the Western Conference Finals to the Golden State Warriors. That series would mark the end of an era in OKC—and set the stage for the most controversial decision of Durant’s career.
Golden State Warriors Era: Dominance and Debate
In July 2016, Kevin Durant shocked the basketball world by signing with the Golden State Warriors, a 73-win team that had just eliminated his Thunder in the playoffs. The move sparked a firestorm of criticism. Many accused Durant of taking the “easy way out” by joining a superteam. For years, he was called “soft” or “disloyal” by fans and media alike.
But Durant wasn’t looking for approval—he wanted to win.
And win he did. With Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors were nearly unbeatable. They won back-to-back NBA championships in 2017 and 2018, with Durant winning Finals MVP both times. In those series, Durant outdueled LeBron James and showed that he could perform at the highest level under pressure.
He averaged over 28 points per game during his time with Golden State and developed into a more complete player, improving his defense and playmaking. The criticisms never fully faded, but Durant’s dominance couldn’t be denied.
Unfortunately, the Warriors’ dynasty began to unravel in 2019. Durant tore his Achilles tendon during the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors—a devastating injury that sidelined him for the entire 2019–2020 season. The Warriors lost the series, and Durant left the team that summer in free agency.
Brooklyn Nets: A New Challenge and Unfinished Business
Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, teaming up with Kyrie Irving. Though he missed his first season recovering from the Achilles injury, he returned in 2020–21 looking nearly as good as ever. He averaged over 26 points per game and had one of the best playoff performances of his career in 2021.
In the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Durant nearly carried the Nets to victory despite injuries to Irving and James Harden. His Game 5 performance—49 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists—was legendary. In Game 7, he hit a game-tying shot to send it to overtime, but the Nets fell short.
Durant’s time in Brooklyn was marred by injuries, internal drama, and a lack of cohesion. Though the Nets had moments of brilliance, they never advanced past the second round. After requesting a trade in 2022 and navigating a turbulent season, Durant’s time in Brooklyn ended in early 2023.
Phoenix Suns and Late Career
In February 2023, Durant
traded to the Phoenix Suns, joining Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Deandre Ayton. The Suns were seen as instant contenders. Durant’s scoring touch remained elite, and he averaged over 27 points per game, proving he still belonged among the game’s top players.
However, injuries and chemistry issues limited Phoenix’s postseason success in 2023 and 2024. As Durant entered his mid-30s, questions began to arise about how many championship opportunities remained. Still, his ability to perform at a high level late into his career speaks to his commitment and conditioning.
Legacy and Impact
Kevin Durant’s legacy is complex but undeniably great. He is one of the most efficient and unstoppable scorers in NBA history—averaging over 27 points per game for his career while shooting nearly 50% from the field, 38% from three, and 88% from the free-throw line. His combination of height, length, skill, and shooting touch is nearly unmatched.
He’s a two-time champion, two-time Finals MVP, league MVP, and 14-time All-Star. He’s also one of the most influential players in the player empowerment era, exercising his freedom to choose teams and shape his narrative, even at the cost of public perception.
Off the court, Durant is a businessman, investor, and philanthropist. His company, Thirty Five Ventures, has invested in tech and media ventures, and he has produced documentaries and content highlighting social justice issues and athlete stories. He has also given back to his community, including funding college programs and youth sports in the D.C. area.
Conclusion
Kevin Durant is a generational talent—arguably the most gifted scorer the NBA has ever seen. But more than just numbers and accolades, Durant represents the modern athlete: introspective, empowered, and driven by both legacy and personal fulfillment. His path has included praise and criticism, triumph and injury, loyalty and reinvention. Whether you love him or question his choices, there’s no denying Durant’s greatness.
As his career winds down, Durant’s place in basketball history is secure. He may not be universally adored, but he will always be respected—and remembered as one of the best to ever play the game.
