Kevin Durant’s Journey from Maryland to Basketball Greatness

by Kaleab Afeworkia, age 12

Kevin Durant, one of the best National Basketball Association (NBA) players of all-time, has played with many great superstars, but many might not know where his story began.

Durant was born in Suitland, Maryland, on Sept. 29, 1988. He was born to Wanda and Wayne Pratt and had three siblings: Brianna, Anthony, and Rayvonne Durant. He loved to play sports with his siblings and looked up to his grandma. She said his height was an asset even though he was bullied for it. Durant’s Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) coach, Charles Craig, was a positive influence on him as well but unfortunately died at the age of 35. Durant was cognizant of the importance of a player’s jersey number, so he chose to wear the number 35 when he got drafted to honor Craig.

In high school, Durant played basketball for the National Christian Academy, Montrose Christian School, and Oak Hill Academy. His performance during his senior year captured the attention of college recruiters. Soon, he received offers from various Division 1 colleges and ultimately signed with the University of Texas Longhorns. During his freshman year of college, Durant averaged 35.8 points and 11 rebounds per game in 35 games. He was acknowledged as the Big 12 Tournament’s Most Valuable Player after achieving a record of 92 points and leading the team to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. At the end of his season, Durant was awarded the Oscar Robertson and Adolph F. Rupp awards,

After freshman year of college basketball, Durant decided to pursue the 2007 NBA Draft. Durant was drafted in the second round by the Seattle Supersonics as the second overall pick. Around this similar period, he also signed a $60 million, seven-year endorsement deal with Nike. As a forward for the Supersonics, Durant scored an average of 20 points per game in his first season and earned the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award. Eventually, the Supersonics moved to Oklahoma City (OKC) and changed their name to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

His performance in the new franchise allowed him to join the 2010 All-Star Game. He went on to claim three consecutive NBA scoring titles and he got the 2013-14 MVP award. The OKC Thunder had drafted two more star players, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, who worked well with Durant. Together, they were very good and efficient players. They managed to reach the NBA finals in 2012 and won the title. Durant also was elected to play in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

In the 2016 off-season, Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors to team up with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. People called him “soft” for joining a well-established team, but it paid off. In the 2017 finals, the Warriors faced off against Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. They managed to secure the title in five games. Durant averaged 35.2 points in the playoffs. However, in the 2018 season, he had an Achilles injury that lasted the whole season. After the 2019 season, he was a free agent. He signed a contract with the Brooklyn Nets for four years. His season was cut short due to COVID-19 – Durant tested positive for the virus in that same year.

In 2023, Durant signed a four-year contract with the Phoenix Suns to team up with Devin Booker. They managed to get into the play-in but unfortunately lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Durant played in the 2024 Paris Olympics and became a four-time gold medal winner, which puts him as the first men’s basketball player to have four gold medals. Durant became the number 1 scorer in American Olympic History.

Kevin Durant has had a very successful career in basketball. Known for his athleticism and excellent performances, Durant has made significant contributions to every team he has joined. His journey in basketball reflects his dedication, resilience, and relentless passion for the sport.

[Source: Biography]