Kevin Durant is one of the greatest players in NBA history. His career, however, has often been overlooked by fans due to the nature of his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Houston Rockets star recently appeared on the “Mind the Game” podcast with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Hall of Famer Steve Nash. Durant revealed that he believes his era of Thunder basketball set the franchise up to find success in the modern era.
“I just think they got a beautiful thing going and I think that what we created early on in OKC has just prepared everybody in OKC for what this is like,” Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant stated. “We’ve all learned from that situation. It’s been nine, ten years almost. So, they’ve been through different iterations of the Thunder.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“They’ve been through different iterations with great players and they understand developing a great player from a 19-year-old into being the MVP,” Durant continued. “Drafting them, trading for them, developing. So, they done been through everything. Even though we were the Seattle Sonics, we were an expansion franchise. So, they understand everything from building up from the ground up to where they are now. We all could see this coming with this team.”
Durant spent the first nine seasons of his career with the franchise, the final eight of which came after the move from Seattle to Oklahoma City. During his eight years in the new location, he averaged 28.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 49.0% from the field, 38.7% from three-point range and 88.3% from the free-throw line.
He won four scoring titles and the 2013-14 MVP during that stretch, while also earning seven All-Star selections and All-NBA honors six times. His accomplishments have often been overlooked due to the tumultuous nature of his departure to the Golden State Warriors — where he won two championships and NBA Finals MVP awards.
It remains to be seen if he will receive a better reception from the fans of the organization he played a major role in building after the Thunder won their first title in franchise history in 2024-25. The Rockets will mark the fifth team Durant has played on in his illustrious NBA career.
More NBA: Rockets star Kevin Durant discusses 50-40-90 seasons with LeBron James
