Kevin Durant, one of the NBA’s most talented and decorated superstars, has always had an enigmatic legacy. Despite two NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and multiple scoring titles, Durant’s place in basketball history has often sparked debate. In a recent interview, Durant opened up about his complicated legacy, shedding light on his feelings about how the basketball world perceives him.
Durant, currently with the Phoenix Suns, admitted that the scrutiny surrounding his career can be overwhelming at times. “I feel like I’ve done everything I can to solidify my place in the game,” Durant said. “But there are still people who question my decisions, question my championships, question how I’ve done it.”
Much of this criticism stems from Durant’s decision to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016, a move that many fans and analysts felt made the NBA less competitive. Durant won two titles with the Warriors, but some have diminished those accomplishments, arguing that he joined an already dominant team rather than building a champion from scratch. Reflecting on that, Durant said, “People will say what they want. I’ve learned that no matter what I do, there’s always going to be something people nitpick.”
Durant also discussed how his time in Brooklyn and the abrupt end to the Nets’ “superteam” era, alongside Kyrie Irving and James Harden, added another layer of complexity to his legacy. Despite high expectations, the Nets failed to win a championship, further fueling the debate around Durant’s career choices. “It didn’t work out the way we wanted it to, but that doesn’t mean it was a failure. We were just trying to play great basketball,” Durant said, emphasizing his focus on the game rather than the narrative surrounding it.
As Durant continues his journey with the Phoenix Suns, he remains determined to create his legacy on his own terms. “I just want to be known as a hooper,” Durant stated. “A guy who loved the game, gave everything to it, and didn’t care about anything but being the best player I could be.”
Durant’s comments reflect a man at peace with his place in the NBA, even if the conversation around his legacy remains complex. With the Suns now in contention for a title, Durant has another opportunity to add to his resume and, perhaps, change the narrative around his career once again. But as he made clear in the interview, he’s not chasing validation—just greatnes.