Member-only story

Kevin Durant: Basketball Superstar

Dave Simmons

·12.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Kevin Durant: Basketball Superstar (Superstar Athletes)

5 min read · 4 weeks before

1.1k View Claps

62 Respond

Save

Listen

Mention the name Kevin Durant, and basketball enthusiasts worldwide instantly recognize one of the greatest shooters and scorers the game has ever witnessed. KD's exceptional talent, combined with his off-court charisma and philanthropy, has cemented his status as a global sports icon.

Early Life and Basketball Beginnings

Born on September 29, 1988, in Washington, D.C., Kevin Durant's basketball journey began at an early age. Growing up in a basketball-loving family, he honed his skills on the outdoor courts with his older brother, Tony. Despite his lanky frame and initial lack of height, KD's natural talent and unwavering determination were evident from a young age.

Kevin Durant: Basketball Superstar (Superstar Athletes)

by Matt Doeden

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9346 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	24 pages

Durant's high school years at Montrose Christian School in Rockville, Maryland, propelled him into the national spotlight. As a junior, he led his team to a 28-1 record and a national championship, earning him recognition as one of the top high school prospects in the country.

College Career at Texas

In 2006, Durant enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin to play under legendary coach Rick Barnes. As a freshman, he quickly emerged as a dominant force, averaging 25.8 points per game and leading the Longhorns to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen. His exceptional performance earned him numerous accolades, including Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year honors.

NBA Draft and Early Career

After just one season at Texas, Durant declared for the 2007 NBA Draft, where he was selected second overall by the Seattle SuperSonics. In his rookie year, he showcased his versatile offensive arsenal, averaging 20.3 points and earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors.

When the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder in 2008, Durant quickly ascended to stardom. He formed a formidable duo with fellow rising star Russell Westbrook, leading the Thunder to the NBA Finals in 2012.

Rise to NBA Superstardom

In the 2013-14 season, Durant cemented his status as one of the league's elite players. He won his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, averaging 32 points per game and leading the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals. The following season, he captured his second MVP trophy and guided Oklahoma City to within one game of the NBA championship.

Durant's dominance continued in the 2016-17 season when he joined the Golden State Warriors. Alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, KD formed a superteam that won two consecutive NBA championships in 2017 and 2018. His contributions were recognized with two NBA Finals MVP awards.

Brooklyn Nets and Beyond

In 2019, Durant signed a free agent contract with the Brooklyn Nets, forming another formidable partnership with Kyrie Irving. Despite injuries limiting his availability, KD has remained a cornerstone of the Nets, leading the team to the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2021.

Team USA Career

Beyond his NBA accomplishments, Kevin Durant has also excelled on the international stage as a member of Team USA. He has won three Olympic gold medals, including two as a starting forward in 2012 and 2016. His contributions to the American national team have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Playing Style and Legacy

Kevin Durant's playing style is characterized by his exceptional shooting ability, length, and athleticism. He possesses a deadly combination of size, skill, and finesse, making him one of the most unguardable scorers in NBA history. His signature skill is his pull-up jumper, which he can execute from anywhere on the court with deadly accuracy.

Off the court, Durant is known for his quiet demeanor and humble personality. He is actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors and has established the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation to support community programs and youth basketball initiatives.

Kevin Durant's journey from a skinny high schooler to one of the greatest basketball players of all time is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and global impact. His scoring prowess, combined with his off-court charisma and philanthropy, has solidified his status as a true basketball superstar and an inspiration to aspiring athletes and fans worldwide.