Kevin Durant's longevity is not being valued as it should be

Diego Jiménez Rubio | Sun, 12/01/2024 - 12:57

Kevin Durant, Longevity in the NBA. Photo: gettyimages

NBA legends are legends until the end and have the ability to slow down their decline, and even make it invisible. That's what Kevin Durant is achieving this season, where he appears rejuvenated. There are reasons to be excited about the Phoenix Suns who show better signs than last year and rely completely on KD, despite his 36 years.

A controversial personality, a brilliant career in terms of NBA statistics, but always in the shadow of others in terms of sporting successes. These are factors that may influence the injustice with which the impressive triumphant longevity of Kevin Durant is being treated. He is the spiritual leader of a Phoenix Suns team that dramatically felt his absence in several games this season and elevates their performance on both ends of the court when he's present.

Everyone will remember Kevin Durant the scorer. Too few will remember the defender. This is Durant at 36 after tearing his achilles. Absolutely ridiculous what he's still able to do on that end of the court.

(80th percentile in dEPM this season btw)pic.twitter.com/EgKmMxx5xp
— Hot Hand Theory (@HotHandTheory) December 1, 2024

Kevin Durant deserves immense recognition for how he's handling this stage of his career. Far from being frustrated by past choices of teams, he, already one of the greatest offensive players in history, should boast about his ability to stay in shape and remain disruptive. If he can manage his efforts and inspire his Phoenix Suns teammates, he could contend for a very well-deserved championship.

Suns duo tonight:

Booker — Durant —
27 PTS 21 PTS
9 AST 10 REB
2 STL 3 BLK

Suns have won 8 of their last 10 games vs the Warriors. pic.twitter.com/wwqeGAI13s
— Booker Muse (@DevinBookerMuse) December 1, 2024