Kevin Durant, a 15-time NBA All-Star and two-time Finals MVP, recently shared his thoughts on the current state of basketball, declaring that the game is at its peak. Speaking with The Athletic, Durant emphasized the evolution of the game and the rise of dominant big men, noting that basketball continues to adapt and grow.
“I think we’re at the peak of basketball, in my opinion,” Durant said. “The game is always going to evolve into something different. There’s going to be players that change the mindset of how to win a basketball game.”
Durant, now 36, has been sidelined with an ankle injury but has had an impressive season, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 36.5 minutes per game. Despite his injury, Durant remains confident in the trajectory of the game, highlighting the overall growth and improvement of players.
“We’re seeing the growth. You’re seeing players get better,” Durant continued. “Look at the last six champions – they’ve all been different. That shows the diversity in winning styles and strategies.”
The Phoenix Suns, Durant’s current team, is struggling to make a push for the playoffs this season. With a 35-41 record, they sit in 11th place in the Western Conference, outside of the playoff picture. However, Durant’s optimism for the future of the sport remains unchanged.
Durant’s focus on the evolution of big men in the modern game stands out. In an era where smaller, more perimeter-oriented players dominated, the return of dominant bigs has redefined team dynamics. Durant noted that the most dominant bigs are now central to offensive schemes, changing the way the game is played.
“There’s going to be complaints from different sides, with people wanting to see it in different ways,” Durant acknowledged. “But for the most part, you’re seeing the growth of the game. If you complain about it too much, you’re not going to see the beauty of what’s going on.”
Durant’s view reflects the broader trends in basketball. The rise of versatile big men like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Victor Wembanyama and others has changed the expectations of what a dominant center should bring to the floor. These players are not just rim protectors and rebounders but also playmakers and offensive focal points, reshaping the game’s flow.
Despite Phoenix’s current struggles, Durant’s legacy as one of the greatest players in the game’s history is unquestioned. His insights into the game’s evolution show his deep understanding of the sport and his continued commitment to improving as a player, even at this stage of his career.
As Durant noted, “Nothing’s perfect,” and the game will always have its critics. But for him, the current era of basketball is one of the best, marked by a continuous evolution and new players shaping the future.
