Kevin Durant (born September 29, 1988, in Washington, D.C., U.S.) is an American professional basketball player who won the 2013–14 National Basketball Association (NBA) Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards and established himself as one of the best players of his generation while only in his early 20s.
Durant was a basketball prodigy as a youth, becoming one of the best prospects in the thriving Washington, D.C., area basketball scene by his early years in high school and an All-American in his senior season. He attended the University of Texas, where, as a freshman, he led the Big 12 Conference in scoring average (25.8 points per game), rebounding average (11.1 rebounds per game), and blocked shots.
Top Ten Things You Should Know About Kevin Durant
It’s time for the Olympics, so prepare for the basketball games at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In this article, we’ll get to know Kevin Durant, an American basketball superstar, and after that, we’ll take a look at the top facts about Kevin Durant. Stay with us.
1. He Followed The Raptors As A Kid
Everyone grows up supporting a basketball team when they’re young, and most people follow that team throughout their whole life. It’s a little different for the players, as they often must put their allegiances to one side when they sign a contract. However, Durant did follow a team when he was younger, the Toronto Raptors.
Although he was born and grew up in Washington, Durant loved watching the Raptors and has named Vince Carter as one of his favorite players. While there are current rumors about what team he’ll play for next season, there’s always the possibility he could join his childhood team.
2. He’s Won Three Olympic Gold Medals
Most athletes live their lives without ever getting a chance to compete in the Olympics. For US basketball players, earning a spot on the Olympic team is incredibly difficult as there’s so much competition. Durant received his invitation to the Olympic team on three separate occasions, going to London in 2012, Rio in 2016, and Tokyo in 2021.
As is tradition, the US basketball team dominated in all three Olympics, meaning Durant received three gold medals. Of course, he didn’t win these on his own, but he was part of an extremely talented and competitive team that gave everything to bring gold back to the US.
3. He Averaged 20 Points A Game As A Rookie
Most NBA fans know that Kevin Durant was Rookie of the Year in his first year in the NBA. However, most don’t know just how good his first year was. At just 19 years old, Durant proved that he was going to be one of the best and racked up an impressive average of 20 points per game.
This feat is made more impressive by the fact that he’s only one of three teenagers to average 20 points per game in the NBA. The other two players to achieve this record are the legendary Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony.
4. He Has His Own Youtube Channel
These days, being a YouTuber can lead to greater fame than even being on TV or in the movies. Lots of people launch their careers on YouTube, but Durant is someone who started a YouTube channel while already famous. He started his channel in 2017, originally to share videos and clips with fans.
However, he decided to launch Boardroom with entrepreneur Rich Kleiman. This channel aims to give sports fans an inside look at the business of sports, including interviews and showcases from people interested in the industry. It has over 700,000 subscribers, and there are loads of interesting videos.
5. He Was 6 feet tall in middle school
There are a surprising number of basketball stars who were actually relatively short before they hit their inevitable growth spurts. Kevin Durant had the exact opposite experience, apparently winding up roughly 6 feet tall while he was in middle school.
That kind of height that early in his life could have made things hard for him on a personal level, but he was likely sought after by every sports team he was near. Luckily, Durant was a skilled athlete, so his height was simply a cherry on top of his skill.
6. He Only Played A Single College Season
Most people nowadays consider Durant to be one of the greatest players of all time, but they may not know how impressive he was before most people took notice. Durant was so impressive on the court that he only needed to play a single season of college basketball.
With just a single season of play, he managed to get drafted second overall in the 2007 NBA Draft. In just a single season, Durant managed to show the entire world how much of a boost he would be to any NBA team that drafted him, something he managed to back up when he made it to the league.
7. He Won 4 Scoring Titles In 5 Years
Serious credit needs to go to Durant’s scoring capabilities. It’s already impressive enough to win a single-score title, but Durant managed to win four in a span of five years. Even more impressively, he won three of them in consecutive years.
Earning scoring titles in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014, Durant often seemed like an unstoppable force on the court. Few NBA players could have ever hoped to reach an accolade like that, and few NBA stars will ever be able to replicate that incredible feat.
8. He Opened His Own Restaurant
A lot of NBA stars eventually come to some kind of realization that there is more to life than just basketball. That led many to seek other ventures outside of the NBA, and Durant was absolutely no different.
Basketball star Kevin Durant opened his own restaurant—KD’s Southern Cuisine—to share some of his favorite foods with fans. The Oklahoma City eatery, which features “upscale versions of down-home dishes” surrounded by basketball-themed décor, has been in business since 2013.
9. He’s Been Involved With A Few Productions
Durant proved that he has a passion for content with his YouTube channel, and it seems that more than a few people took notice. At one point, Durant was linked with Apple to create a kind of basketball-themed show for their own programming.
He also, in part, started Thirty-Five Ventures, and he was a part of getting various productions made. One of which is a notable basketball documentary, but the company also seems interested in producing short films as well. It just goes to show that Durant is capable of excelling at everything he does.
10. His Favorite NBA Player Is Vince Carter
Kevin Durant stated that he desired to play for the Toronto Raptors due to Vince Carter. Carter’s energy, agility, and ability to turn around a franchise impressed him.
Durant admired Carter’s energy, athleticism, and contribution to the Raptors’ rise to playoff contention. Carter was instrumental in changing the atmosphere in Toronto and making the team a more appealing destination for free agents.
FAQs
1. How did Kevin Durant start playing basketball?
Kevin Durant began playing basketball at a young age, deeply inspired by his love for the game and the support of his family. He honed his skills on local courts, developing a passion that led to his exceptional career.
2. What are Kevin Durant’s major career achievements?
Durant boasts an impressive array of accolades, including multiple NBA championships, MVP awards, scoring titles, and All-Star recognitions, solidifying his position among the league’s elite players.
3. Is Kevin Durant involved in any charitable work?
Absolutely. Durant actively engages in philanthropic efforts, establishing initiatives that focus on education, community development, and youth empowerment.
4. What sets Kevin Durant apart from other NBA players?
Durant’s exceptional blend of height, agility, shooting accuracy, and versatility on the court distinguishes him. His impact goes beyond statistics, influencing the game’s dynamics.
5. How does Kevin Durant handle setbacks, like injuries?
Durant’s resilience in the face of setbacks is remarkable. He undergoes rigorous rehabilitation and maintains a positive mindset, showcasing determination and commitment to return stronger.
6. What are Kevin Durant’s future aspirations in basketball?
While his future remains dynamic, Durant continues to aim for excellence in the sport. He seeks to further impact the game, striving for continued success and contributions to his teams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exploring the “Top Ten Things You Should Know About Kevin Durant” reveals a multifaceted individual whose impact transcends the realm of basketball. Durant’s journey, from a humble beginning to becoming a basketball legend, exemplifies resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment. His unique playing style, numerous accolades, and off-court endeavors not only redefine the sport but also resonate with communities far beyond the court.
