As the leader of the young Thunder team, Durant quickly became one of the NBA’s premier scorers. His height…
Thanks for the clarification! Since you’re asking about Kevin Durant and his involvement in the NBA, I can provide a detailed overview of his career, achievements, and impact on basketball. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Kevin Durant’s journey in the NBA:
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### **Kevin Durant: A Basketball Icon**
Kevin Durant, often referred to as KD, is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His incredible scoring ability, versatility, and leadership on the court have defined his NBA career. From his early days with the Seattle SuperSonics to his championship runs with the Golden State Warriors, Durant’s journey in the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable.
Born on September 29, 1988, in Washington, D.C., Durant grew up with a passion for basketball. He played college basketball for one season at the University of Texas before declaring for the 2007 NBA Draft, where he was selected second overall by the Seattle SuperSonics (who later became the Oklahoma City Thunder). From there, Durant’s career skyrocketed, making him one of the most influential players in the history of the sport.
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### **Early Career: Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder (2007–2016)**
#### **2007 NBA Draft and Rookie Season**
Kevin Durant was selected second overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. In his rookie season, Durant averaged 20.3 points per game and quickly established himself as a future star in the league. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year for his outstanding performance.
The 2007–2008 season marked the end of the SuperSonics’ era, as the team relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant’s career continued to ascend with the Thunder, as he became the focal point of the franchise.
#### **Emergence as a Star**
As the leader of the young Thunder team, Durant quickly became one of the NBA’s premier scorers. His height (6’10”) combined with his guard-like skills made him nearly impossible to defend. Durant won his first scoring title during the 2009–2010 season, averaging 30.1 points per game. This was just the beginning of his dominance in the league.
Durant formed a dynamic trio with Russell Westbrook and James Harden in Oklahoma City, leading the Thunder to multiple deep playoff runs. In the 2011–2012 season, the Thunder reached the NBA Finals, but they were defeated by LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Despite the loss, Durant’s potential as a future champion became evident.
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### **MVP Season and Individual Success (2013–2014)**
The 2013–2014 season was arguably the peak of Kevin Durant’s individual success. He was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after an extraordinary season where he averaged 32.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Durant’s famous MVP acceptance speech, where he emotionally thanked his mother, Wanda, as “the real MVP,” resonated with fans and showcased his humility and appreciation for his upbringing.
During his time with the Thunder, Durant won a total of four scoring titles (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014), cementing his reputation as one of the best offensive players the game has ever seen. However, despite his personal accolades, the ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship remained elusive.
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### **Golden State Warriors Era: Championships and Legacy (2016–2019)**
#### **Controversial Move to Golden State**
In the summer of 2016, Kevin Durant made one of the most controversial decisions in NBA history by signing with the Golden State Warriors, a team that had just set the record for the most wins in a regular season (73-9) and had reached the NBA Finals in back-to-back years. This move was met with widespread criticism, as many fans and analysts believed Durant was joining an already dominant team to “take the easy way out” to win a championship.
Despite the backlash, Durant’s decision proved to be a career-defining one. Joining forces with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, Durant helped form one of the most potent lineups in NBA history, often referred to as the “superteam.”
#### **Back-to-Back Championships and Finals MVPs**
Durant’s impact on the Warriors was immediate. In the 2016–2017 season, the Warriors dominated the league and returned to the NBA Finals, where they faced LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers for the third consecutive year. Durant was the best player in the series, averaging 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, and was named Finals MVP as the Warriors won the championship in five games.
The following season (2017–2018) saw a similar result, with the Warriors once again winning the title, and Durant being named Finals MVP for the second straight year. His ability to score at will, play solid defense, and lead the team in crucial moments was pivotal to the Warriors’ success.
#### **Injury and Departure from Golden State**
Durant’s time with the Warriors, however, came to an unfortunate end. In the 2019 NBA Finals, Durant suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Game 5 against the Toronto Raptors. Despite his efforts to return from a prior calf injury, the Achilles tear was a devastating blow. The Warriors went on to lose the Finals, and Durant’s future with the team was in question.
In the summer of 2019, Durant decided to leave the Warriors and sign with the Brooklyn Nets in free agency, marking the next chapter of his career.
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### **Brooklyn Nets: A New Challenge (2019–Present)**
#### **Recovering from Injury**
After signing with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, Durant missed the entire 2019–2020 season while recovering from his Achilles injury. Many doubted whether Durant would return to his previous form, as Achilles injuries have historically been difficult for athletes to fully recover from.
However, Durant made a triumphant return to the court in the 2020–2021 season. He quickly dispelled any concerns about his health, averaging 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game during the regular season. Durant’s elite performance led the Nets to a deep playoff run, where they ultimately fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in a dramatic seven-game series. Durant’s Game 7 performance, where he scored 48 points and nearly led the Nets to victory, was one of the most iconic moments of his career.
#### **Teaming Up with Kyrie Irving and James Harden**
Durant’s tenure with the Nets has been marked by the formation of another superteam, this time alongside Kyrie Irving and James Harden. While the trio has shown flashes of brilliance, injuries and off-court issues have prevented them from consistently playing together. Nonetheless, when healthy, the Nets have been considered title contenders.
#### **2021–2022 Season and Beyond**
Durant’s individual brilliance has continued to shine, and he remains one of the most dominant forces in the league. His scoring ability, leadership, and experience have made him the focal point of the Nets’ championship aspirations. As Durant continues to chase his third NBA championship, his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats is already secure.
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### **International Success: Olympics and Team USA**
In addition to his NBA accomplishments, Kevin Durant has been a key figure in international basketball. He has represented Team USA in multiple Olympic Games, winning gold medals in 2012, 2016, and 2021. Durant’s performances in the Olympics have further solidified his status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Durant became the all-time leading scorer for Team USA in Olympic history, passing Carmelo Anthony. His leadership and clutch performances helped the U.S. secure its fourth consecutive gold medal in basketball.
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### **Legacy and Impact on the Game**
Kevin Durant’s legacy extends far beyond his accolades and championships. He has redefined what it means to be a “scorer” in the modern NBA. Durant’s unique combination of size, skill, and shooting ability has made him one of the most unguardable players in the history of the game. His influence can be seen in the next generation of players, many of whom have modeled their games after his.
Off the court, Durant has also made a significant impact. He has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including his work with the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation, which focuses on enriching the lives of at-risk youth through educational and athletic programs.
Durant is also a savvy businessman, with numerous investments in technology, media, and other ventures. His decision to build a brand that extends beyond basketball reflects his ambition to leave a lasting impact both on and off the court.
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### **Conclusion**
Kevin Durant’s journey in the NBA has been one of extraordinary talent, perseverance, and success. From his early days as a young star in Oklahoma City to his championship runs with Golden State and his current pursuit of greatness with Brooklyn, Durant has cemented his place as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
His ability to rise above criticism, recover from injury, and continue performing at an elite level has made him a true icon of the game. As Durant’s career progresses, his legacy will only continue to grow, and his impact on the sport of basketball will be felt for generations to come.
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