Kevin Durant: From Early Life To Professional Career

Kevin Durant is one of the most electrifying players in the NBA. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches tall, Durant has the length to shoot over defenders and the athleticism to outrun them. He entered the league as a skinny teenager and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, winning Rookie of the Year in 2007. Since then, Durant has only gotten better, becoming a perennial All-Star and one of the league’s most lethal scorers. In 2016, he joined the Golden State Warriors and helped lead them to an NBA Championship. Along the way, he was named Finals MVP, cementing his status as one of the game’s greatest players. Kevin Durant is a superstar in every sense of the word, and it’s always a pleasure to watch him play.

Kevin Durant is one of the most successful basketball players in the world. He was born in Washington, D.C., and developed a love for the sport at a young age. After playing college ball at Texas, he was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics and went on to become one of the most dominant players in the NBA. Kevin Durant is an inspiration to many young athletes around the world and will continue to be one of the best players in the NBA for years to come.

Early Life And Family Background

Kevin Durant was born on September 29, 1988, in Washington, D.C. Kevin’s mother, Wanda Durant, worked long hours as a secretary to support Kevin and his siblings, Rayvonne Pratt, Tony Pratt, and Brianna Pratt. Kevin’s father, Wayne Pratt, was not present in Kevin’s life and he spent much of his childhood being raised by his grandmother. Kevin began playing basketball at a young age and quickly developed into a talented player. He attended Montrose Christian School, where he led his team to a state championship as a senior.

Kevin then enrolled at the University of Texas, where he became one of the best college players in the country. After one year in college, Kevin decided to enter the NBA draft. He was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics with the second overall pick in 2007. Kevin Durant’s aunt, Pearl Moore, was a basketball player at Virginia Union University. Kevin’s cousin, Rae’Lynn Burke, played basketball at George Mason University. Kevin’s godfather, Ray Wilkins, played in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks,

Early Career

Durant switched to Montrose Christian School for his senior year after playing two years of high school basketball at National Christian Academy and one year at Oak Hill Academy, growing 5 inches (13 cm) before the start of the season and starting the year at 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m). He was voted the Washington Post All-Met Basketball Player of the Year and the 2006 McDonald’s All-American Game’s Most Valuable Player at the end of the year. Behind Greg Oden, he was largely considered as the second-best high school talent in 2006.

College Career

Durant, who had grown to 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) by the 2006–07 collegiate season, averaged 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for the Texas Longhorns. They ended the season with a 25–10 overall record and a 12–4 conference record. Texas was given the fourth seed in the NCAA Tournament and won their first-round matchup against New Mexico State, but were knocked out in the second round by USC despite Durant’s 30-point and 9-rebound effort.

Durant was named the consensus national player of the year after earning the John R. Wooden Award, the Naismith College Player of the Year Award, and eight other prestigious medals and trophies for his extraordinary performance. Durant became the first freshman in NBA history to earn a national player of the year award. He declared for the NBA draft after the season. The Longhorns retired his No. 35 jersey afterward.

Professional Career

Oklahoma City Thunder (2007–2016)

Rookie Of The Year (2007–2008)

The Seattle SuperSonics picked Durant with the second overall choice in the NBA draft in 2007. Durant, who was 19 years old, had 18 points, five rebounds, and three steals in his debut regular-season game against the Denver Nuggets. In a game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 16, he made his first career game-winning shot. After averaging 20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game during the 2007–08 NBA season, he was voted NBA Rookie of the Year. He joined Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James as the only teens in NBA history to average at least 20 points per game over the course of an entire season.

MVP Season (2013–14)

Durant averaged 35.9 points per game in January of the 2013–14 season, scoring 30 or more points in 12 straight games, including a career-high 54 points against the Golden State Warriors. He broke Michael Jordan’s record of 41 consecutive games with 25 points or more in April. Durant was named NBA Most Valuable Player after averaging 32 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game to lead the Thunder to a 59-win season.

He struggled against the Grizzlies’ aggressive approach in the first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs, completing only 24% of his field goals in Game 4. The Thunder were behind 3–2 in the series after five games, prompting The Oklahoman to label Durant “Mr. Unreliable.” In a Game 6 triumph, he answered with 36 points. Oklahoma City went on to defeat Memphis and the Los Angeles Clippers before falling to the Spurs in six games in the Conference Finals.

Golden State Warriors (2016–2019)

First Championship And Finals MVP (2016–2017)

On October 25, Durant made his Warriors debut against the San Antonio Spurs. Scoring a team-high 27 points in a rout defeat. In a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 26, he had 28 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. A career-high six blocked shots, becoming the first player in franchise history to have at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks in a single game. Durant scored 34 points while being booed during his first game back in Oklahoma City. Since departing for Golden State on February 11, helping the Warriors upset the Thunder for the third time that year.

Durant then scored 31 points in Game 3 to put the Warriors up 3–0 in the series, including the game-winning 3-pointer with 45.3 seconds left in regulation. In a series-clinching triumph in Game 5, he had 39 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Durant led Golden State in scoring in every game of the Finals, averaging 35.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 55.5 percent shooting from the field. 47.4 percent from the three-point range, and 92.7 percent from the free-throw line. Following that, he was voted NBA Finals MVP.

Second Championship And Finals MVP (2017–2018)

Durant renounced his $27.7 million player option after the Finals and became an unrestricted free agent. On July 25, he re-signed with the Warriors for a lower salary than the maximum, allowing the team to retain its core squad intact while still adding free agents.

In Game 6, the Warriors avoided elimination, and in Game 7, Durant scored 34 points to help Golden State win the series and go to the Finals. Durant had a postseason career-high 43 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in Game 3 of the 2018 NBA Finals. Therefore, guiding the Warriors to a 3–0 lead against the Cavaliers. Golden State eventually swept Cleveland to win their second consecutive title; Durant won his second Finals MVP Award with averages of 28.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists.

Brooklyn Nets (2019–Present)

Year Absence (2019–2020)

Durant revealed on June 30, 2019, that he will join the Brooklyn Nets when the July ban ended on July 6. Golden State Warriors CEO Joe Lacob said on July 1 that Durant’s No. 35 will no longer be given by the team. Durant inked a sign-and-trade contract with Brooklyn on July 7. Also, Durant did not play in the 2019–20 season and subsequently disclosed that he had planned to sit out the full season shortly after suffering an injury in June 2019. Furthermore, Durant and three other Nets players tested positive for COVID-19 on March 17, 2020. Durant was cleared and recovered on April 1st, according to reports.

Return To The Court (2020–2021)

Durant made his Nets debut on December 22, 2020, scoring 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals in a 125–99 victory over the Golden State Warriors. James Harden was moved to the Nets in a four-team blockbuster deal on January 14, 2021, reuniting Durant with his former Thunder colleague. Durant set a season-best with 42 points in a 122–115 win over the Orlando Magic on January 16, 2021. Moreover, Durant came off the bench for the first time in his career in a 117–123 defeat to the Toronto Raptors on February 5 owing to health and safety requirements.

Durant passed Reggie Miller for 21st place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list on March 27. Also, Durant scored 41 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, provided 5 assists, and blocked 3 shots in a 130–123 win over the Detroit Pistons the following game. Durant set a career-best with 55 points on 19-of-28 shooting from the field and 8-of-10 shooting from 3-point range in a 122–115 defeat against the Atlanta Hawks on April 2. Durant produced his 16th career triple-double with a career-high 16 assists and added 20 points and 10 rebounds in a 134–126 win over the Indiana Pacers in the last game of the regular season on April 10.

National Team Career

Durant was invited to the United States national team training camp in February 2007. Despite a great showing, he was dropped from the squad when the roster was reduced to the maximum of twelve players. Coach Mike Krzyzewski acknowledged the remaining players’ experience as the determining factor in their selection.

Durant was ultimately named to the national squad for the 2010 FIBA World Championship, and he took over as the team’s leader while other All-Stars were missing, a role he minimized. He led Team USA to their first FIBA World Championship since 1994 during the event, receiving tournament MVP accolades in the process. Over the course of nine games, he averaged 22.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

Kevin Durant | Net Worth And Salary

Durant is now one of the highest-paid basketball players. He made a total of $65 million from the club and other ventures last season. He also has a four-year, $164 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets, which he signed in 2019. Sources further claim that he has made a number of investments in other industries. As of 2020, Kevin Durant has a net worth of $200 million.

Durant’s current salary with the Nets is $29 million. In addition, he earns $36 million through endorsement deals with companies like Gatorade, Nike, and Degree. He also bought a property in Malibu Beach, California, for $12.05 million.

Relationship Of Kevin Durant

Durant is still single and hasn’t married yet. His celebrity and charm, on the other hand, have drawn a lot of girls to him. Cassandra Anderson, a real estate agent in California, was linked to him. He went with her after the Warriors won the 2018 NBA Finals. He did, however, leave her in October of 2018.

Kevin has also been linked to Amy Shehab, a model. He also had a long-term romance with WNBA star Monica Wright. Before they split up in 2015, the pair were engaged, according to insiders. Moreover, until 2016, the Thunder guy was said to be dating Jasmine Shine. He is now alleged to be having relationships with Apryl Jones. Both parties, however, have yet to reveal any indicators of their connection.

Kevin Durant | Social Media Presence

As one of the most popular players in the NBA, Kevin Durant receives much attention on social media. Durant has over 20 million followers on Twitter and nearly 15 million followers on Instagram. He is also very active on both platforms, regularly posting updates about his life and career. Durant’s social media presence has helped to grow his brand and connect him with fans worldwide. In addition to promoting his products, Durant also uses social media to speak out on important issues, like racism and police brutality. As a result, Durant’s social media presence has made him one of the most influential athletes in the world.

Additional Information

Full NameKevin Wayne Durant
Birth DateSeptember 29, 1988
Birth PlaceWashington, D.C., United States
NicknameDurantula, Cupcake
ReligionChristianity
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityBlack
HoroscopeLibra
Height6 feet 11 inches (211 cm)
Weight108 kg (240 lbs)

Instagram: easymoneysniper

Facebook: Kevin Durant

Twitter: @KDTrey5

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