Best of Kevin Durant: His NBA Legacy Kevin Durant is one of the most skilled and versatile players in basketball history. Standing at 6’10” with guard-like agility, he’s known for his elite scoring, smooth shooting, and high basketball IQ. From his early days in Maryland to NBA championships and Olympic gold, Durant has built a remarkable legacy as both a player and a leader on and off the court.
Best of Kevin Durant: His NBA Legacy
Table of Contents
- The Rise of a Basketball Prodigy
- Early Life and High School Dominance
- College Career at Texas
- NBA Draft and Seattle SuperSonics Era
- Rookie Season Breakthrough
- Oklahoma City Thunder Dynasty
- MVP Season 2013–14
- Finals Appearance and Near Championship
- The 2012 NBA Finals Run
- Golden State Warriors Championship Years
- Joining the Warriors: A Controversial Move
- Back-to-Back Championships (2017–2018)
- Finals MVP Performances
- Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns Chapters
- The Brooklyn Experiment
- Phoenix Renaissance
- Kevin Durant’s Greatest Career Achievements
- Individual Awards and Honors
- Statistical Milestones
- International Basketball Success
- Olympic Gold Medals
- Playing Style and Basketball IQ
- Offensive Versatility
- The Unguardable Shot
- Legacy and Impact on Basketball
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Rise of a Basketball Prodigy
Kevin Wayne Durant did not just get lucky with basketball. He seemed meant for it from the start. Standing at 6’10” and moving like a guard, Durant possesses a rare blend of size and skill. His effortless shooting displays how the game has evolved in recent years. Beyond his physical gifts, what truly sets him apart is his relentless drive to improve and perform under pressure.
Durant’s journey begins on the playgrounds of Maryland and ends up under the bright lights of NBA arenas. His path has resembled a basketball fairy tale, proving that talent combined with unwavering dedication can lead to greatness.
Early Life and High School Dominance
Durant grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Always the tallest on the court, he relied not just on height but on discipline instilled by his grandmother, Barbara Davis. Her lessons in humility and hard work became the foundation for his future success.
During his high school career at Oak Hill Academy and Montrose Christian School, Durant stood out not just as a scorer but as a player who redefined expectations. Coaches and scouts were awed by his ability to handle the ball like a guard and score over defenders with ease.
College Career at Texas
Durant spent one incredible season at the University of Texas. Averaging 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, he became the first freshman to win the Naismith College Player of the Year award.
What made Durant’s college stint exceptional wasn’t just the statistics. His graceful playing style and ability to turn basic moves into dazzling plays caught the attention of coaches and NBA scouts alike, solidifying his draft stock.
NBA Draft and Seattle SuperSonics Era
In the 2007 NBA Draft, Durant was selected second overall by the Seattle SuperSonics, who would later become the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although questions surrounded his slim build, Durant was ready to prove his doubters wrong.
Rookie Season Breakthrough
Durant’s transition to the NBA was smooth. Averaging 20.3 points per game, he became just the second teenager in NBA history to do so over an entire season.
What impressed coaches and veterans wasn’t just his scoring, but his basketball IQ and eagerness to learn. Durant approached every game as a student, constantly asking questions and refining his skills—a mentality that would define his career.
Oklahoma City Thunder Dynasty
Following the franchise’s move to Oklahoma City, Durant emerged as the face of the Thunder. Teaming up with Russell Westbrook and later James Harden, Durant helped build a young, energetic team that played without fear.
MVP Season 2013–14
The 2013–14 season marked Durant’s pinnacle. He averaged 32 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, shooting an impressive 50.3% from the field. His MVP acceptance speech, where he honored his mother as “the real MVP,” revealed his humility and deep roots.
His leadership and clutch performances drove the Thunder through numerous tight games, earning admiration from fans and opponents alike.
Finals Appearance and Near Championship
Durant’s elite performances in the playoffs brought Oklahoma City to the brink of a championship. He consistently delivered under pressure, showcasing why he was considered one of the game’s best.
The 2012 NBA Finals Run
In his first NBA Finals appearance in 2012, Durant averaged 30.6 points per game. Although the Thunder fell to LeBron James and the Miami Heat, Durant’s performance solidified his status as a top-tier player.
At just 23 years old, Durant carried the hopes of a franchise and a city, handling the pressure with composure and earning respect across the league.
Golden State Warriors Championship Years
Joining the Warriors: A Controversial Move
In 2016, Durant made a polarizing decision to join the Golden State Warriors. Critics labeled him a “ring chaser,” but he prioritized winning and saw an opportunity to be part of something historic alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Back-to-Back Championships (2017–2018)
Durant’s fit with the Warriors was seamless. With their fast-paced offense and precision shooting, Durant elevated the team to near perfection. Across two seasons, the Warriors posted a 16–1 playoff record and captured consecutive NBA titles.
Finals MVP Performances
Durant’s Finals MVP honors in 2017 and 2018 showcased his dominance. In 2017, he made clutch shots in pivotal moments. In 2018, he delivered all-around brilliance to help seal another title. These performances silenced many critics and elevated him into the realm of NBA legends.
Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns Chapters
The Brooklyn Experiment
Durant’s move to the Brooklyn Nets came with high expectations. Alongside Kyrie Irving and James Harden, the Nets had title hopes. However, injuries and off-court drama hindered their success.
Despite the turmoil, Durant remained focused and continued delivering elite performances, demonstrating his unwavering dedication.
Phoenix Renaissance
Durant’s trade to the Phoenix Suns offered another championship opportunity. Teaming with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Durant embraced his role as both a leader and scorer.
In Phoenix, a more mature Durant emerged—one who not only takes over games but also elevates teammates, showing his evolution as a complete player.
Kevin Durant’s Greatest Career Achievements
Individual Awards and Honors
Durant’s resume includes two NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, a regular season MVP, multiple All-Star selections, and Olympic gold medals. His accolades reflect not only individual brilliance but also peer respect.
Statistical Milestones
Durant is among the few to average over 27 points per game for his career. He shoots nearly 38% from three-point range and about 49% from the field overall. Even after injuries, his consistency underscores his relentless work ethic.
International Basketball Success
Olympic Gold Medals
Representing Team USA, Durant has won three Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016, 2021). His ability to rise in crucial moments helped him become Team USA’s all-time leading Olympic scorer—a testament to his global impact.
Playing Style and Basketball IQ
Offensive Versatility
Durant’s scoring arsenal is vast. He can post up smaller players, hit long-range threes, and maneuver with finesse. His footwork and spatial awareness make him a model for young players.
The Unguardable Shot
Durant’s signature pull-up jumper is nearly impossible to defend. Thanks to his height and release point, defenders often find themselves helpless. This go-to move has sealed many crucial wins throughout his career.
Legacy and Impact on Basketball
Durant has redefined the role of tall, versatile forwards. His success has inspired a new generation of players like Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero. Off the court, he’s used his platform for social causes and entrepreneurship, building a legacy beyond basketball.
Conclusion
Kevin Durant exemplifies basketball greatness. From humble beginnings to global stardom, his mix of talent, effort, and constant growth defines his career. Even in his mid-30s, he remains a dominant force, giving fans memorable moments every time he steps on the court.
Durant is more than a basketball player—he is a legacy in motion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Kevin Durant’s most impressive career achievement?
Winning back-to-back Finals MVPs with the Warriors (2017, 2018) stands out as a defining highlight.
Is Kevin Durant one of the top 10 NBA players ever?
Yes. Most experts place him within the top 10, thanks to his scoring, size, and skill set.
What makes Kevin Durant hard to stop?
His height, shooting ability, and ball-handling make him a nightmare matchup for any defender.
Will Kevin Durant be in the Hall of Fame?
Absolutely. His achievements make him a lock for Hall of Fame induction.
What is Kevin Durant’s shooting percentage from different areas?
Durant shoots about 49% from the field, 38% from three, and 88% from the free-throw line—elite numbers across the board.