As Kevin Durant prepares for his 17th NBA season, the 35-year-old veteran finds himself reflecting on his long and storied career. The Phoenix Suns forward, who recently secured his fourth Olympic gold medal with Team USA, has been a dominant force on the basketball court since he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, a franchise that later became the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, with two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract with the Suns, Durant is looking ahead while also acknowledging the inevitable approach of retirement.
Durant's Legacy and Career Reflections
Durant's journey in professional basketball began when he was just 8 years old, developing skills that would eventually make him one of the league's premier players. Despite playing in a league that is getting increasingly younger, Durant remains a pivotal figure, bringing a wealth of experience and basketball IQ to any team he joins. Reflecting on his aging career, Durant said, "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's draft class in 2007 was notably talented, featuring players like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green. Over the years, Durant has built a reputation not only for his scoring prowess but also as a versatile player who can contribute in various facets of the game. His determination and passion for basketball have kept him at an elite level, but the thought of life after basketball still looms.
Future Aspirations and Post-Basketball Plans
"I honestly don't know what I'll do [when I stop playing]," Durant admitted. "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."
Indeed, Durant's potential departure from the NBA will mark a significant personal transition after decades dedicated to the sport. While he remains uncertain about his post-retirement plans, Durant's desire to maintain a connection to basketball is clear. "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 said.
Commitment to Phoenix
Durant's commitment to his current team, the Phoenix Suns, is unwavering. The forward has embraced his role with the team and developed a deep appreciation for the organization and its fans. "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. One day, I would like to receive the franchise's Ring of Honor."
As Durant continues to build on his illustrious career, the potential for adding more accolades and achievements remains. With two fully guaranteed years left on his contract with the Suns, Durant has ample opportunity to leave an indelible mark on the team and its history, cementing his status as one of the game's greats.
Heading into what could be one of his final seasons, Durant’s future in professional basketball remains a primary focus. His dedication to the sport and the Phoenix community underscores the profound impact he has had on the game. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Durant writes the next chapter of his legendary career.