Sixers Secure No. 3 Pick After Strategic Tank, Face Crucial Choice Between Trade and Rebuild
The Philadelphia 76ers have finally locked in the No. 3 overall pick in the NBA Draft after months of calculated effort to retain it. If the pick had fallen outside the top six, it would have been transferred to the Oklahoma City Thunder. To ensure they held on to the selection, the Sixers deliberately tanked during the latter half of the previous season.
This strategic losing paid off, and now the franchise is faced with a significant decision: keep the pick and build for the future, or use it as a trade asset to reshape the roster for immediate contention.
League Skeptical of Morey’s Plans, Eyes Bold Trade With No. 3 Pick
Despite 76ers executive Daryl Morey publicly stating that the “plan is to keep” the pick, there is widespread skepticism around the league. Reports from ESPN’s Jonathan Givony suggest that rival teams expect Philadelphia to entertain trade offers, leveraging the high value of the No. 3 selection.
Notable names like Kevin Durant and Lauri Markkanen have surfaced as potential trade targets, indicating that the 76ers might be considering a bold move to bring in star talent. Given Morey’s track record of aggressively pursuing elite players, such speculation holds weight.
Sixers Secure No. 3 Pick After Strategic Tank, Face Crucial Choice Between Trade and Rebuild
Daryl Morey is known for his bold strategies in acquiring top-tier talent, as evidenced by last summer’s acquisition of Paul George on a lucrative four-year contract. However, that move has aged poorly—George has struggled with injuries and a decline in performance, significantly contributing to the team’s underwhelming season.
Now, Morey faces the opportunity to possibly reverse that mistake by using the draft pick to secure a more reliable or younger star, both to reinvigorate the team and to escape George’s expensive long-term deal.
Balancing Win-Now Ambitions with Long-Term Planning Amid Uncertain Draft and Costly Trades
Trading the pick for a star like Durant or Markkanen could help the Sixers return to championship contention, but it wouldn’t come without risks. Durant, nearing 37, would likely seek an extension, while Markkanen’s contract runs longer than George’s and is equally expensive.
Though such deals may offer short-term gains, they would maintain the team’s heavy financial commitments. Alternatively, retaining the pick could bring in a young, cost-controlled player who could provide value over the next four years while developing alongside younger core pieces like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.
Ultimately, the 76ers find themselves at a crossroads. Using the No. 3 pick could secure a young star on a team-friendly deal, helping balance out the financial strain from aging, injury-prone stars. However, the draft is inherently uncertain—there’s no guarantee a future star will be available at that spot.
Morey’s decision will hinge on whether he believes Joel Embiid can remain healthy enough to anchor a title run. If so, trading the pick could bring in the final piece. If not, the draft may offer the best long-term path forward in building the next core around Maxey and a new young co-star.
Kevin Durant and Ja Morant shake hands after the match
Before heading to the bus after games, Kevin Durant always takes some extra time to say goodbye to familiar faces and old friends as he leaves San Francisco once more.
The Phoenix star loves returning to Chase Center, and playing in the All-Star Game this weekend in front of Bay Area fans who still remember and appreciate all he did for the Warriors means a lot to him.
“For sure, this is my home, I got murals up in the concourse, what’s that mean?” Durant said with a smile. “I’ve been saying this since I left here, this is always going to be a part of my DNA, this is in my blood. Finally somebody’s listening to me but it always felt like home. Since I left here it’s always been that.”
Durant wishes his Suns teammate Devin Booker could have been selected for the All-Star Game alongside him in his 15th career selection.
After reaching 30,000 career points Tuesday night, the 36-year-old Durant has many reasons to celebrate. He became the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 points, joining LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain. Julius Erving also reached this mark when combining his points in the NBA and ABA.
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer praised Durant for his shooting ability after his milestone. “He’s probably the most incredible shot maker I’ve ever been around,” Budenholzer said.
“Gone against him a lot of nights, too, so it’s nice to be on his side. The way he can rise up and shoot over people, his height, his ballhandling, he’s just, if not the most incredible shot maker, I’m not sure who is. It’s just great to be around him every day.”
Durant will surely put on a great show. He had some of the best moments of his career playing for these passionate fans. Durant holds a 3-2 record at Chase Center, averaging 22.4 points with a shooting percentage of 39.8%. His highest scoring game there was 31 points in a 109-105 loss on Dec. 28.
During his most recent visit, on Jan. 31, Durant engaged in a fun and friendly back-and-forth with former Seattle SuperSonics star Gary Payton. Payton sat courtside across from the Golden State bench while watching his son, Gary Payton II.
Kevin Durant drives past Vince William Jr. in the 1st half
They joked around, discussed their NBA eras, and debated scoring abilities. Payton reminded Durant, “I was a point guard, you’re a scorer.”
Durant responded, “Check my footage, man, I do it all.” The banter started last summer when Durant told Payton he was too small to guard the two-time Finals MVP.
“It’s always good when I run into an older player, especially from the 90s,” Durant said. “If you play in the 90s, they feel like that’s the golden years of the NBA. So I try to let them know, especially GP, what it would have been like if you were on the court with me because they tend to talk down on the mentality of our era of players. GP is a great sport about it, one of my favorite players, somebody I look up to and have major respect for.”
These are the types of lighthearted moments Durant looks forward to during tougher times, like the constant speculation around whether Phoenix would trade him before last week’s deadline.
Even without Payton’s presence, Durant will see many people in the stands still thankful for everything he helped the Warriors achieve.
He spent three seasons with the Warriors from 2016 to 2019, leading them to two championships alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Coach Steve Kerr, who coached Durant, Curry, and the U.S. team to an Olympic gold medal last summer, said, “Just his ability to get his shot off against any defense, any defender, nobody’s ever had that kind of skill at that size.
So, incredibly unique package and I think he loves to play basketball more than anything, he just loves the game. He works so hard at it. That’s what I enjoyed the most when we had him here, was watching him after practice just go through his routine, and it’s mesmerizing.”
So as Durant returns this time, you can expect him to enjoy the moment with everyone watching.
Although the reunions may be brief, they are still special and unforgettable—just like his playful exchange with Payton.
“Hell yeah it’s going to be a homecoming,” Durant said. “It’s like I’m coming back home. Three years here were a huge part of my life, so yeah, it’s a homecoming.”
Kevin Durant, the 6-foot-10 forward for the Phoenix Suns, is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. Throughout his career, Durant has faced criticism, dealt with injuries, and confronted doubts about his abilities, yet he continues to rise above and prove his doubters wrong.
From his humble beginnings to his dominance on the basketball court, Durant’s journey has been one of perseverance, hard work, and exceptional talent.
Durant’s story begins in Washington, D.C., where he was born in 1988. Growing up, he was a quiet and reserved kid, but his love for basketball was undeniable. Durant was a standout player at Oak Hill Academy, one of the most prestigious high schools for basketball in the United States.
From there, he went on to play one season at the University of Texas, where he was named the National Player of the Year and earned All-American honors. His dominance in college basketball quickly caught the attention of NBA scouts, and in 2007, he was selected as the second overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics.
Durant’s arrival in the NBA was met with high expectations. He was touted as the future of the league, a player who could eventually carry a franchise to an NBA championship. However, Durant’s first few years in the league were not without challenges.
Despite his scoring ability and talent, Durant’s teams struggled to make an impact in the playoffs. The criticism began to mount as Durant’s failure to lead his teams deep into the postseason was scrutinized.
The pressure on Kevin Durant intensified in 2016 when he made the controversial decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team with which he had spent eight seasons, and join the Golden State Warriors.
Critics were quick to call Durant’s move a “weak” choice, arguing that joining a team that had already won 73 games the previous season made him a “bandwagon” player. Many believed Durant’s legacy would be tainted because of this move, and he would never earn the respect he deserved.
However, Durant silenced the critics by leading the Warriors to two NBA championships in 2017 and 2018. His performance in the 2017 NBA Finals, where he was named Finals MVP after averaging 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, was nothing short of spectacular.
Kevin Durant gestures in the 2nd half
Durant performs consistently in big games
Durant’s scoring ability, defensive presence, and leadership proved that he could perform at the highest level in the biggest moments. His decision to join the Warriors had proven to be a wise one, as he helped pump the team to new heights.
Yet, despite his success in Golden State, Durant faced more criticism as some argued that his championships were “tainted” due to the Warriors’ already-established dominance. Durant was once again labeled as someone who could not win on his own. Many of his detractors believed he would never be able to prove his worth as a true superstar without joining a super team.
In 2019, Durant made another pivotal decision, leaving the Warriors to sign with the Brooklyn Nets. Many questioned if Durant’s move to Brooklyn was the right decision, given the uncertainty surrounding the Nets’ roster and their ability to contend for a championship.
However, Durant’s arrival in Brooklyn was followed by the signing of fellow superstars Kyrie Irving and James Harden, forming one of the most potent trios in NBA history. Despite the immense pressure of trying to create another championship-contending team, Durant thrived in Brooklyn.
However, Durant’s time in Brooklyn was not without its challenges. In 2020, Durant suffered an Achilles injury that sidelined him for an entire season. There were doubts about whether Durant could ever return to his former self, as Achilles injuries are often career-altering.
Yet, Durant defied the odds and made a remarkable recovery. He returned to the court in the 2020-2021 season, picking up right where he left off. Durant’s return was a testament to his dedication and work ethic, as he once again became one of the league’s top players.
Durant’s ability to perform at an elite level after such a significant injury further solidified his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of his generation. He continued to prove that he was capable of carrying a team and leading them to success.
Kevin Durant poses with his medal (NBA)
Dominated the league even after injuries
Despite the injuries, the criticism, and the doubts, Durant remained one of the most consistent and dominant players in the NBA. His scoring ability, leadership, and clutch performances in the postseason reaffirmed his status as one of the game’s top players.
In 2022, Durant made another move, this time to the Phoenix Suns, where he hoped to contend for an NBA championship once again. The move was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism, as many wondered if Durant could still carry a team to a title.
With the Suns, Durant reunited with former teammate Chris Paul, forming a dynamic duo that could potentially rival some of the best in the league.
Despite the Suns’ early struggles and the ongoing questions about Durant’s ability to lead a team to a championship, Durant continues to prove that he is far from done. His incredible scoring ability, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure have made him one of the most feared players in the NBA.
Durant’s hunger for success and his unwavering commitment to proving his doubters wrong will continue to drive him as he strives to add more championships to his already impressive resume.
Kevin Durant’s journey has been one of perseverance and determination. From his early struggles in the NBA to his dominance with the Warriors, Nets, and Suns, Durant has consistently proven that he is one of the most talented and resilient players in the league. Through all the criticism and adversity, Durant has remained focused on his goals and continues to rise above the doubters.
His legacy is cemented as one of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game, and his career is far from over. As he continues to prove his doubters wrong, Durant’s story serves as a reminder that greatness is not defined by others’ opinions but by one’s ability to keep pushing forward.
Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal are still part of the Phoenix Suns after a busy trade deadline. Now, they have about 30 games left to improve a season that has been disappointing so far.
However, there aren’t many signs to suggest that things will turn around.
The Suns were relatively quiet during the trade deadline, despite rumors that Beal and Durant might be traded. Phoenix general manager James Jones didn’t share much about how seriously he considered trading either player when asked before a game against the Utah Jazz.
“It always gets noisy when you’re not winning,” Jones said. “And we’re not winning.”
The Suns are 26-25 after breaking a three-game losing streak with a 135-127 overtime win over the Jazz on Friday night. Durant (ankle) and Beal (toe) were both out due to injuries.
Injuries have been a constant problem for the All-Star trio over the past 18 months, preventing them from playing together for long stretches. Durant’s absence has been especially tough for the team. The Suns are 24-15 when he plays and 1-10 when he doesn’t.
Even when all three players have been healthy, success has been inconsistent. After being swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves last season, the Suns made changes by retooling their roster around the Big 3. They fired coach Frank Vogel and hired Mike Budenholzer, but the team still hasn’t found success.
Phoenix is running out of time to figure things out with this group. Jones insists the team isn’t giving up.
Devin Booker shoots to score the ball
“I think the injuries are a part of it,” Jones said. “I also think we just haven’t performed well enough. … But we do see glimpses of success, and for right now, these last 32 games of the year give us an opportunity to maximize what we do.”
Beal had been part of trade rumors for months because of the $110 million he’s owed over the next two years. The three-time All-Star also has a no-trade clause, but Jones said he never asked Beal to waive it.
The 31-year-old is averaging 17.4 points per game and was moved to the bench earlier this season.
The speculation surrounding Durant came as more of a surprise, especially in the days leading up to the deadline. Even at 36 years old, Durant is still one of the league’s best scorers, averaging nearly 27 points per game. He will play in his 15th All-Star game later this month and is under contract for next season.
It’s unclear how the trade rumors impacted Durant, but Jones called him a “pro.”
“He’s always shown and will continue to show, and I think this team will continue to show, that despite the things outside of our walls, we will focus on the task at hand and that’s ball,” Jones said.
Jones, who won three NBA titles during his 14-year career, believes that the team still has potential to make a deep playoff run. The Suns did trade center Jusuf Nurkic to the Hornets on Thursday, adding Cody Martin and Vasa Micic for more depth on the perimeter.
Jones’ optimism may seem hard to believe, but right now, there’s not much else to do.
“We understand that there’s a lot of work to do,” Jones said. “But it’ll be fun. It’ll be a challenge and we’re up to it.”
Could Kevin Durant be the missing piece for the Miami Heat? Here’s how a blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler could make it happen!
The Miami Heat have always been aggressive in their pursuit of championship glory. With their current roster falling short of elite status, Pat Riley and the Heat front office could be eyeing a blockbuster trade to bring in a generational talent—Kevin Durant. The only way to make it happen? Trading their beloved leader, Jimmy Butler.
A Butler-for-Durant swap isn’t straightforward, but with the right mix of players, picks, and trade exceptions, the Heat could construct an enticing package that the Phoenix Suns might actually consider. Let’s break down what a deal could look like and how it could impact both franchises.
The Trade Package: What Would It Take?
For Phoenix to part ways with Kevin Durant, they would need a combination of All-Star talent, young prospects, and draft assets. The Heat’s best offer could look something like this:
Miami Heat Receive:
Kevin Durant (F)
Phoenix Suns Receive:
Jimmy Butler (F)
Tyler Herro (G)
Nikola Jović (F)
2027 First-Round Pick (Unprotected)
2029 First-Round Pick (Top-3 Protected)
This package gives the Suns a proven playoff performer in Butler, a dynamic scoring guard in Herro, and a promising young forward in Jović. More importantly, the two first-round picks provide Phoenix with valuable assets to retool for the future.
Why the Heat Make This Move
Miami’s culture thrives on star power, and Kevin Durant would instantly elevate the team’s championship aspirations. Durant’s scoring ability and efficiency would complement Bam Adebayo’s defensive prowess, while allowing Erik Spoelstra to design an offense that maximizes spacing and three-point shooting.
Superstar swap? Exploring the trade package that could send Jimmy Butler to Phoenix and land Kevin Durant in Miami!
A core of Durant, Adebayo, and Terry Rozier could be formidable in the Eastern Conference.
Additionally, Miami has struggled with late-game shot creation outside of Butler. Durant, one of the best closers in NBA history, would provide the Heat with a go-to scorer who can take over games when needed.
Why the Suns Consider It
Phoenix is in win-now mode, but they lack the depth and defensive grit to truly contend. Butler brings a proven playoff mindset, toughness, and leadership, which could be valuable alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. While losing Durant is a massive blow, Butler’s ability to perform in high-pressure moments could keep the Suns competitive in a brutal Western Conference.
Tyler Herro’s addition provides a much-needed secondary playmaker and scorer, while Jović offers developmental upside. Most importantly, the draft capital gives Phoenix flexibility to explore future moves if the current core doesn’t work out.
Potential Roadblocks
While this trade looks strong on paper, a few complications could arise:
Miami’s Willingness to Part with Butler: Jimmy Butler is the heart and soul of the Heat. Would they be willing to move him for an aging superstar in Durant?
Phoenix’s Interest in Butler: Would the Suns prefer younger assets instead of a win-now piece like Butler?
Durant’s Desire to Play in Miami: If KD doesn’t want to be moved or prefers another destination, this deal falls apart quickly.
The idea of trading Jimmy Butler is painful for Miami fans, but acquiring Kevin Durant could give the Heat a legitimate chance to win a title in the next two seasons. If Phoenix is open to restructuring their roster and values Butler’s leadership, this trade could benefit both sides.
While the NBA landscape constantly shifts, one thing remains clear: Miami will always be in the mix for the biggest stars. If Durant becomes available, expect Pat Riley to do whatever it takes to bring him to South Beach.
The NBA is in chaos, and the trade deadline is tomorrow, so anything can happen. The Luka Doncic trade still confuses me. Seeing him make halfcourt shots in the Lakers’ practice gym and shoot next to LeBron James and Austin Reaves is beyond strange. It doesn’t seem real. If this is the end, maybe it’s a sign from above.
Doncic isn’t the only big-name player traded, though. The Spurs jumped at the chance to get De’Aaron Fox, and this led to Chicago sending Zach LaVine to Sacramento. LaVine will team up with DeMar DeRozan again after three months apart, but this time he’ll be on a solid team.
The Phoenix Suns are now interested in trading Kevin Durant, which could make this one of the most exciting trade deadlines ever. Phoenix really wants to add Jimmy Butler, but they can’t get rid of Bradley Beal’s contract, so trading Durant is probably the only way to get Butler. Durant is the better player, right?
There’s a complex argument for Butler filling a specific need for Phoenix’s offense — adding more rim pressure and creating more in the halfcourt — but we’re talking about Kevin Durant here. What are we even doing? Durant is 36 and has shown signs of slowing down, but so has 34-year-old Butler. Durant is still a 7-foot-tall scoring machine, an excellent defender, and has a shot no one can block.
The rumors about a Durant-Butler trade are real, and if the Suns really do consider sending Durant to the Miami Heat in exchange for Butler, they’ll need a trade package that makes sense. That’s what we’re looking at today.
The tricky part for Phoenix is that they’re hard-capped at the second tax apron, meaning they can’t combine salaries in a trade. The Suns’ front office needs to match Durant’s $51.2 million salary exactly, without going too far over it.
Jimmy Butler stands on the court in the 2nd half
Butler makes $48.8 million, so getting Butler along with some useful role players just isn’t possible unless the Suns can make a separate trade to create salary room, which seems unlikely.
Here’s what Miami can offer for Durant right now:
Jimmy Butler
Nikola Jovic
A 2029 first-round pick
A 2031 first-round pick
Is that enough for a 36-year-old Durant in the second-to-last year of his contract? The Suns are currently ninth in the West, with a record barely above .500. If their reasoning for the trade is “why not?” it’s hard to blame them.
Butler would change the offense, and Nikola Jovic is a solid long-term player with immediate value. If the Suns can get several first-round picks from Miami — especially from years far down the line — it might be worth considering. Butler is open to signing a new deal in Phoenix, and if it doesn’t work out, the Suns would at least have more future assets to work with.
This trade seems unlikely, but the Heat want Durant, and the Suns are eager to shake things up. Sometimes tough situations lead to surprising moves. A Durant-Butler swap could actually happen.
Kevin Durant achieved a lot during his time with Oklahoma City.
On Wednesday, the Phoenix Suns star has a chance to hit another big milestone in the same arena where he played for eight seasons, if he plays in the game.
Durant needs 26 points in the Suns’ game against the Oklahoma City Thunder to become the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 points.
The only players ahead of Durant on the all-time scoring list are LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain.
Durant scored the first 17,566 regular-season points of his career with the Thunder. His rookie year was in Seattle, but the team moved to Oklahoma City for his next eight seasons.
On Tuesday, the Suns listed Durant (left ankle sprain) as doubtful for the game, which was a surprise. Phoenix might be looking to trade the 15-time All-Star before Thursday’s trade deadline.
The Suns enter the game having lost two straight games in Portland and three of their last four games.
Their most recent loss was 121-119 in overtime to the Trail Blazers on Monday.
In that game, Devin Booker became the Suns’ career scoring leader, surpassing Hall of Famer Walter Davis. Booker now has 15,678 points for Phoenix.
Booker said he doesn’t take for granted playing his whole career so far with one team.
“It’s rare in this league for people to do what the Tim Duncans and Dirk Nowitzkis and Kobe Bryants did, staying with one team,” Booker said. “I came in at 18, not knowing what to expect.”
There was a time when it seemed like Durant might do the same, leading the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals. But in 2016, Durant signed with Golden State and helped the Warriors win titles in his first two years there.
Devin Booker and Kevin Durant
After leaving Oklahoma City, Durant faced a lot of anger when he returned, though the tension has lessened over time.
Things have gotten easier for Durant because the Thunder have been successful in recent years, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerging as a star.
Gilgeous-Alexander is having an impressive season, leading the NBA with 32.5 points per game. Among the top 10 scorers in the league — including Durant and Booker — Gilgeous-Alexander plays the fewest minutes, averaging 34.1 minutes per game.
The Thunder have been outscoring opponents by 12.7 points per game. In their last two wins, they won by an average of 31.5 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 63 points in those wins over Sacramento and Milwaukee, not playing in the fourth quarter of either game.
After being pulled midway through the third quarter against Milwaukee, Gilgeous-Alexander showed some frustration.
“I would like to play as much as I can,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I wake up, come to the game to compete. Coach (Mark Daigneault) decides how much I play, but I want to play as much as possible.”
Wednesday’s game is the second of three between the two teams this season. Oklahoma City won the first game, 99-83, on Nov. 15, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 28 points in just under 33 minutes.
Durant missed that game due to a calf injury. The Thunder have won 24 of their last 28 games.
Kevin Durant celebrates with Tyus Jones in the 1st half
Kevin Durant is proud of what he thought the Brooklyn Nets were building before things quickly fell apart due to “dysfunction.”
Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden played only 16 games together, and their time as a trio became more famous for the issues off the court than the basketball they played.
However, when Durant returned to Barclays Center on Wednesday for the second time since his trade to Phoenix, fans rushed to get his autograph before the game against the Phoenix Suns. Durant scored 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds in Phoenix’s 108-84 win.
Durant’s Thoughts on the Support and Chaos
“Even though we went through a lot of dysfunction I guess you could call it, for lack of a better term,” Durant said, “but regardless of that, a lot of people in those stands still supported, still came out and cheered loud as hell for the game of basketball and for the Nets, so that’s what stood out the most.”
The Trio’s Struggles with Injuries and COVID
Durant, Irving, and Harden came together in 2019, with Harden joining via trade in January 2021. However, all three struggled with injuries, and Irving missed much of the 2021-22 season after refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Durant reflected on the trio’s time together: “I think that was the main thing, that we just didn’t get on the court together,” he said. “A lot of injuries. Injuries to me, James, and Kyrie kind of played a factor, along with COVID. That whole thing just confused a lot of (stuff). But I think basketball-wise, chemistry-wise, camaraderie-wise, teamwork-wise, I thought it was the perfect, ideal situation.”
Kevin Durant takes the ball forward
A Title Contender That Never Was
In the 2020-21 season, the Nets looked like championship favorites when all three were healthy. However, both Harden and Irving were injured in the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals, and despite Durant’s strong performance in Game 7, the Milwaukee Bucks came back from a 2-0 deficit to win the series.
The following season, Irving’s absences and Durant’s injury caused the Nets to struggle, and Harden asked to be traded. By the 2023 trade deadline, both Irving and Durant were traded. Durant believes the team’s failure to succeed wasn’t due to bad attitudes, but just bad luck.
“There was a lot of narratives going around about each individual player — me, James, and Kyrie — about our mentality as men,” Durant said. “But once we got on the court and once we actually played together, once you saw the culture that we were building, it was something that the fans could get behind.”
The Special Moments That Fans Didn’t See
Durant added, “That first year when James got here halfway through the season, that was some of the most incredible basketball that I’ve seen, I’ve played in. But more so than anything, the locker room, the bus rides, the plane rides, the hotels, that was the culture we were building and a lot of people didn’t get to see it but I wish they could have. It was special.”
The Nets Now and What Could Have Been
Now, the Nets are in a rebuilding phase. Durant hopes that one day the team can reach the level he thought they were headed for.
“It didn’t culminate into a championship, but people who had season tickets, who get into their car in the cold, come down and watch us play, still remember some moments, some regular-season games, a couple playoff games,” Durant said. “Some moments that people can hold onto and you can feel that love when I come through here.”
Phoenix Suns stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are expected to play on Tuesday night when the Suns take on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Both players have been dealing with left calf injuries. The Suns have listed them as probable for the game.
“Brad and Kevin did everything today,” Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said after Monday’s light workout. “So they came out of yesterday in a good place. … We’ll kind of wait to see how they feel, but we’re expecting that they’ll play, we’re hopeful that they’ll play and I think they’re excited to play.”
Durant has missed the last seven games, and the Suns have a record of 1-6 without him. The Suns are 0-5 since Beal was injured.
Tuesday will be the Suns’ first game since losing 138-122 at home to the New York Knicks on Wednesday, which extended their losing streak to five games.
Kevin Durant (NBA)
“I definitely feel a lot better,” Beal said on Monday. “I’m thankful we had the schedule we had so we had some rest days, Kev and I.”
Durant, 36, was playing at a high level before the injury, averaging 27.6 points and 6.6 rebounds. The two-time NBA Finals MVP has made 24 of 56 three-pointers (42.9 percent).
Beal, 31, is averaging 17.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Budenholzer doesn’t expect much trouble getting the two players back into the offense.
“Those two guys are veterans. It’s basketball,” Budenholzer said. “They have to go out and play. … Just lean on their IQ and experience and just get them to go out and compete and play together.”
On Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, Devin Booker showcased an outstanding performance for the Phoenix Suns. The guard was on fire, scoring 52 points on 18 of 30 from the field, leading the Suns to a convincing 123-109 victory on the road. This marked Booker’s sixth 50-point regular-season game and his 27th 40-point game, underlining his scoring prowess.
Despite taking a secondary role as the Suns’ top scorer since Kevin Durant joined the team, Friday’s game exemplified how Booker can explode with scoring on any given night. Notably, he managed to score 20+ points in two different quarters during the game.
Booker’s remarkable scoring outburst generated a buzz on social media, with fans and analysts alike expressing awe at his performance. The accomplishment was highlighted by various tweets and posts, emphasizing the significance of his 52-point game and the impressive statistics he has accumulated throughout his career.
As demonstrated by his consistent high-scoring performances, Booker has established himself as one of the premier scorers in the NBA. Despite a challenging start to the season, the Phoenix Suns have climbed back into playoff contention, currently holding the eighth spot in the Western Conference with a record of 23-18. The team’s success moving forward is expected to be closely tied to Booker’s ability to deliver standout performances like the one witnessed on Friday night.
Known for his eccentric personality, Stephen A. Smith often expresses himself passionately on television. However, it is uncommon for him to speak extremely negatively about someone, especially a fellow sports media colleague. Most of the time, he entertains fans with his unique demeanor, delivering fact-driven and thought-provoking narratives. However, a recent situation pushed him over the edge, and he found it challenging to contain his anger.
It unfolded less than a week ago when Jason Whitlock delivered a scathing monologue targeting Smith, going so far as to allege that Smith didn’t write his book. In response, Smith prepared a fiery comeback that unleashed chaos in the clash between the two.
Kevin Durant adds a hilarious within Smith’s rage
Embracing his cheerful engagement with fans on social media, Kevin Durant couldn’t resist adding a touch of humor to the situation. Responding to Smith’s heated remarks on @complexsports’ post, Durant left a hilarious comment, saying, “Welcome to the world wrestling federation.”
Durant’s comment not only supports Smith’s decision to stand up for himself but also injects a humorous element for those taken aback by Smith’s passionate statements.
Kevin Durant
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As the comment wasn’t directly posted on an account associated with Smith, it didn’t prompt a direct response from the analyst. Nevertheless, fans interpreted Kevin Durant’s comment exactly as he intended – with laughter and a lighthearted spirit. Within the initial three hours, the comment garnered thousands of likes and hundreds of replies from amused fans.
KD resorts to Smith’s way of addressing media narratives
Ever since Kevin Durant parted ways with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he has found himself under constant scrutiny from both the media and fans. Accusations of being a bad teammate and leader have been hurled his way. However, amidst these narratives, he has navigated his NBA career according to what he believes is best for him.
Expressing his frustration recently, especially with critics intensifying during the struggles of the Phoenix Suns, Durant vehemently addressed the media narratives surrounding him and his legacy. He emphasized that the media focuses on anything except the fact that he is a dedicated ballplayer.
Despite joining a team that already had a primary scorer and offensive orchestrator, Durant has firmly grasped the reins for the Suns. Leading them with season averages of 29.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, he is demonstrating remarkable efficiency with 52.5% from the field and 1.1 blocks per game.
Kevin Durant is one of the most iconic players in the history of the NBA. His career accomplishments and accolades have cemented him as one of the greatest players of all time and arguably the greatest scorer of all time. We will explore 10 reasons why Kevin Durant is the greatest scorer of all time.
1. Consistent Scoring
One of the most impressive aspects of Durant’s scoring ability is his consistency. Throughout his career, Durant has consistently been one of the top scorers in the league, averaging over 25 points per game in each of his first nine seasons. He is one of only three players in NBA history to ever accomplish this feat, joining Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. This impressive streak of consistent scoring is a testament to Durant’s ability to remain effective even as the competition around him has improved.
2. High-Volume Scoring
In addition to his consistency, Durant is also capable of scoring at a high volume. He has scored 40 or more points in a game 81 times, which is the third-most in NBA history behind only Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. Durant has also scored 50 or more points in a game 20 times, which is the fifth-most in NBA history. His ability to score in large volumes is a testament to his skill and strength as a scorer.
3. Efficiency
Durant is one of the most considerable and efficient scorers in NBA history. He is a career 48.1% shooter from the field and a 38.1% shooter from 3-point range. He is also an 82.1% shooter from the free-throw line, which is the second-highest mark in NBA history. His efficiency as a scorer is unmatched, and it has allowed him to remain effective even as the competition around him has improved.
4. Versatility
Durant is one of the most versatile scorers in NBA history. He is capable of scoring from all areas of the court, whether it be from the perimeter, the mid-range, or in the post. He is also capable of scoring in a variety of ways, whether it be through jump shots, layups, or free throws. His incredible versatility as a scorer is one of the reasons why he is considered to be one of the greatest scorers of all time.
5. Clutch Scoring
Durant is one of the most clutch scorers in NBA history. He has hit a number of game-winning shots throughout his career, including the iconic 3-pointer in Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. His ability to step up in the clutch and deliver big shots is one of the reasons why he is considered to be one of the greatest scorers of all time.
6. Durability
Durant has also been incredibly durable throughout his career. He has only missed an average of 8.7 games per season, which is the third-lowest average in NBA history. His durability is a testament to his commitment to staying healthy and in shape, which has allowed him to remain one of the league’s top scorers throughout his career.
7. Offensive Rebounds
Durant is also one of the best offensive rebounders in NBA history. He has averaged 1.5 offensive rebounds per game throughout his career, which is the fourth-highest mark in NBA history. His ability to grab offensive rebounds and score second-chance points has been a major part of his success as a scorer.
8. Free Throws
Durant is also one of the best free-throw shooters in NBA history. He is a career 82.1% shooter from the free-throw line, which is the second-highest mark in NBA history. His ability to get to the line and convert at a high rate have been a major part of his success as a scorer.
9. Offensive Impact
Durant’s offensive impact has been felt throughout his career. He has been a part of teams that have ranked in the top five in offensive efficiency in each of the last nine seasons, a streak that is unmatched in NBA history. His ability to create shots for himself and his teammates has been a major part of his success as a scorer.
10. Playoff Success
Durant has also been incredibly successful in the playoffs. He has led his teams to the NBA Finals four times and won two championships. He is also a two-time NBA Finals MVP, which is a testament to his ability to elevate his game in the playoffs and deliver big-time performances when it matters most.
Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers of all time. His combination of consistency, volume, efficiency, versatility, and clutch scoring have allowed him to remain one of the top scorers in the league throughout his career. His offensive impact and playoff success have also been a major part of his success as a scorer.
