Kevin Durant is widely regarded as the greatest scorer in NBA history. Because of his stature, length, and talent combination, he is the best cheat code. After all, few people in the world could dispute with a 7’1″ forward’s jump shot and a 7’5″ wingspan.
You could tell he was going to be one of the all-time greats from the start. Even if he never plays another minute of professional basketball again, he is guaranteed to be admitted into the Hall of Fame after only 12 seasons in the league. That is his standard of greatness.
We’re going to honor his great career by walking you through his NBA journey today. Thus, if you’re a Kevin Durant fan, take a seat, relax, and let us tell you everything you need to know about each of his medals and achievements:
2007-08LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Seattle SuperSonics’ Kevin Durant #35 reacts during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 27, 2007 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers triumphed 106-99. NOTE TO USER: By downloading and/or using this Photograph, the user expressly acknowledges and agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo courtesy of Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) Getty Images ORG XMIT: 76076219 GTY ID: 76219SD005_Seattle_SuperKevin Durant has played with a grudge since entering the league. It didn’t take him long to notify the league that he was determined to prove to everyone that he deserved to be the first overall pick in the Draft.Durant comfortably earned the Rookie of the Year award, averaging 20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.0 steal, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.7 three-pointers per game on 43/28/87 shooting.
Awards and distinctions:- The Rookie of the YearWallpaper Flare (2008-2016) (via Wallpaper Flare)Durant’s performance increased even more once the Seattle Supersonics relocated to Oklahoma City. His fast rise to become one of the league’s most productive scorers helped the team become a consistent postseason contender.Durant evolved into a capable volume scorer from beyond the arc. After missing the cut in his first two seasons, he became a fan favorite and was named for seven consecutive All-Star Games (including one MVP in 2012) because to his playmaking and defense, both of which improved significantly.He led the league in scoring four times (three in a row), scored over thirty points per game in two of those seasons, and was chosen to play for Team USA in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, winning two gold medals.As if that wasn’t enough, he won the MVP award for the 2014-15 season, leading the Thunder to a 59-23 record while averaging 32.0 points per game, 7.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.4 threes, and 1.3 steals per game on 50/39/87 shooting.Awards and distinctions:MVP, two gold medals, four NBA scoring championships, and seven all-star appearancesAll-Star MVPCredit: USATSI from 2016 to 2019.The only thing missing from Durant’s nearly faultless resume was an NBA championship. In 2012, he had a decent chance to make the Finals, but he was defeated by LeBron James and the Miami Heat. He didn’t receive another opportunity until 2016.This is why he took the contentious decision to join the Golden State Warriors and demonstrate his abilities, bringing him a lot of criticism from other players in the league. Nonetheless, he maintained his word and shown his ability to be the best player on the world’s greatest squad.Durant transformed the Warriors from formidable to terrifying. Rather than accepting a free ride to the Finals, he worked to improve them and lead them there. That explains why, in just three seasons in the Bay, he won back-to-back NBA Championships as well as two straight Finals MVP trophies.He obviously played in the All-Star Game in each of those seasons and earned the All-Star MVP award in 2019.Awards and distinctions:- 3 All-Star Games – 2 NBA Champions – 2 Finals MVPsAll-Star MVPCredit: Getty Images, 2019-2023Photographer: Getty ImagesDurant opted to join Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets for the next stage of his career now that he is a champion and has nothing to prove. Unfortunately, he has been unable to play while recovering from an Achilles injury.Durant understands he might enter the GOAT conversation if he leads the Nets to a pair of titles. He’s doing his own thing and establishing a winning culture on a failing team, demonstrating that he doesn’t want to win the easy way.So, after a one-year break, the league will have to figure out how to stop Durant once he returns to full vigor for the 2019 season. He’s now one of the best two-way players on the planet