Few players, like Kevin Durant, make their way to Phoenix, and I want to emphasize my admiration for the Suns. My personal connection to the team dates back to my childhood when I watched legends like Steve Nash, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Shawn Marion. It’s essential to clarify that my opinion on Kevin Durant is not a reflection of his professional accomplishments.

Durant’s stature in the basketball world far surpasses mine in any field. I recall being a 6-foot-4 high schooler who hesitated to play in the post, mainly due to my fear of having my shots blocked. In contrast, Durant, at 6-foot-10, has maximized the extraordinary gifts he possesses.

I must address a prior statement I made, asserting that Durant had been ineffective as a member of the Phoenix Suns. I intended to refer to his performance during the 2023 Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets when he struggled, shooting 22.2 percent from 3-point range and committing turnovers. However, I want to make it unequivocally clear that I do not hold Kevin Durant responsible for these struggles in any way.

During the 2022-23 season, Durant arguably delivered one of the finest performances of his career. It’s truly admirable how he rebounded from life’s setbacks, including a devastating knee injury. In his time with the Brooklyn Nets, Durant was widely regarded as the best player in the NBA, boasting an impressive shooting percentage above 55. The Nets dominated, winning 16 of 17 games and emerging as the league’s top team.

Then, a mishap occurred when Jimmy Butler inadvertently landed on Durant, causing a knee injury. Durant was dominating the NBA, and the Nets seemed destined for the Finals if not for various circumstances, including questionable officiating in favor of the Milwaukee Bucks, Kyrie Irving’s injury, and some subpar performances by James Harden.

This was all transpiring after Durant had torn his right Achilles tendon during the 2019 NBA Finals, a setback that prompted widespread doubt. However, it showcased Durant’s unwavering determination to be the best in the game.

To sum it up, the Phoenix Suns have a player of Durant’s caliber, and I apologize if my earlier sentiments did not convey this admiration.