Kevin Durant just completed his first full season in Phoenix as a member of the Suns. How do we grade his performance?
Welcome to our Phoenix Suns Season in Review series where we do individual PLAYER REVIEWS of each man who contributed in the 2023-24 season. We go through the roster to analyze what went right/wrong for them, and what they can do to improve for next season.
It was a disappointing finish for the Phoenix Suns, but Kevin Durant was certainly not solely to blame. The infrastructure of the roster surrounding the Suns’ Big 3 needs some work.
They’ve already moved on from Frank Vogel. What’s next? Well, blocking out the noise is certainly number one on the agenda. The rumors are already swirling, and in typical NBA offseason fashion, no credible source pushes these agendas. We’re dealing with gossip and content filler at this point. Let’s focus on what matters.
How can the Phoenix Suns maximize Kevin Durant?
Let’s zoom out and look at what Kevin Durant did this season for the Phoenix Suns.
Kevin Durant
- Position: Forward
- Vitals: 6’11”, 240 lbs., 35 years old
- Experience: 16 years
- Stats: 27.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.2 BPG, 0.9 SPG.
- Shooting Splits: 52.3 FG%, 41.3 3PT%, 85.6 FT%
- Accolades: 2024 All-Star Starter, (1) MVP Vote
Durants joins Booker, Beal, Nurkic, Allen, and Little as guaranteed returners for the 2024-25 campaign.
Career Progression
Kevin Durant’s career has been filled with controversy, stemming from his decision to join Golden State after losing to them in the playoffs the year prior. Despite how it feels, it’s important to realize that he’s only actually requested a trade once in his career, which was in Brooklyn (to Phoenix) a year and a half ago.
He has nothing left to prove at this stage, as his list of accomplishments is neverending.
The discourse on Durant is tiring at this point. At his age, doing what he did should not be taken for granted, and I think there’s plenty more left in the tank.
Regular Season Recap
Kevin Durant appeared in 75 games for the Suns this season, the most out of the Big Three. It was also the most games he has played since he appeared in 78 contests for the 2018-19 Golden State Warriors. Availability was one of the main concerns entering the season, and he shredded those expectations and then some.
Durant had some carrying to do early in the season when Phoenix faced multiple stretches without Bradley Beal and Devin Booker. He was the steady force that kept them afloat during those rough times, let’s not forget that.
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