Kevin Durant has had quite a stellar NBA career through 17 seasons.
The NBA is built upon stars thriving for certain clubs. Some players carve out illustrious careers with a. single franchise, and others bounce around different teams in pursuit of a title.
Dwyane Wade is a Miami Heat legend, delivering three titles to the franchise. He was the team’s star for many years. Because of such, he saw not only his jersey rise into the rafters, but a statue of him standing on a scorer’s table was put up outside of the arena he shined in for so many years.
After being recognized by the Heat, Wade was then asked which players would next receive a statue for their services to the NBA. He listed Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and LeBron James.
The three players Wade mentioned are generational players. They defined an entire era of basketball. All three have delivered multiple championships. However, Durant stands out among the group. The main question would be which club will build a statue for him.
In an appearance on “Up & Adams,” Durant responded to Wade’s claim, stating he’s not going to be getting a statue.
“I highly, highly doubt I get a statue of me put anywhere for playing basketball. I appreciate the love, though, and the respect that people show me. That’s enough for me,” Durant said.
“…There’s very few players that get that type of love in a city like that, and it’s usually those guys that got the HOF career, with the championships, and you’ve been with one city for a long time. That’s not the case for me.”
Durant spent nine seasons with the Thunder. Had he played another couple of seasons with the club or won a championship or two — a statue would have definitely been in the realm of possibilities. He’ll have his jersey in the rafters, though he left a bad taste in fans’ mouths with his departure to the Golden State Warriors.
The Phoenix Suns forward won his two lone championships in the Bay Area, but he’s still a high-caliber player and is looking to earn another ring, this time in Arizona.
Both Stephen Curry and LeBron James will have a statue outside of a basketball stadium. Curry transformed the entire NBA and helped the Warriors to four championships. He is a big part of the culture in the Bay Area and is a key member of the Warriors on an all-time scale.
James’ situation is a bit different. He entered the NBA as “the chosen one,” while helping his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to one championship win. For years, he was the best player of the league while playing in Cleveland, though. He helped the franchise in more ways than just winning a championship.
Durant’s case is certainly different, though he and James have both suited up in multiple jerseys. However, the trio will always be remembered as legends of the sport and generational talents.
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