Kevin Durant is making headlines once again as the Houston Rockets have successfully traded for the legendary forward, adding him to their roster. The Rockets sent Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and several draft picks to the Phoenix Suns to secure Durant, who holds the title of the eighth-leading scorer in NBA history.
As he approaches 37 years old next season, Durant continues to demonstrate his elite scoring ability and efficiency, maintaining a prominent presence on the court. He has achieved impressive milestones throughout his career, including being a 15-time All-Star and accumulating over 30,000 career points.
Here are some remarkable statistics that highlight Durant’s standing in the game:
1. With 30,571 points, Durant ranks eighth on the all-time scoring leaderboard. His scoring average of 27.2 points per game places him fourth among those with a minimum of 500 games played.
2. He is unique among players who have played at least 500 games, being the only one to average at least 25 points, one steal, and one block per game.
3. Among the 52 players who have surpassed 20,000 points, Durant ranks second in true shooting percentage at 62%, showcasing his scoring efficiency.
4. Durant has sustained an impressive track record by averaging over 25 points in at least 35 games for 13 seasons, a feat unmatched by any other player.
His proficiency extends to mid-range shooting, where he stands out over the last decade, shooting 52.1% in that zone since the 2013-2014 season. This season marked a shift in his shooting tendencies, as he took more three-point shots than mid-range attempts for the first time since 2020-2021.
On the defensive end, Durant has made significant contributions as well, with his presence greatly impacting the Suns’ defensive statistics. His ability to hinder opponents’ shooting as they face him is another testament to his overall skill set.
The Rockets are banking on Durant to not only enhance their scoring capabilities but also to bring a wealth of experience and leadership to a young team. His addition could prove beneficial as the Rockets strive to improve their performance in the season ahead.
This strategic trade highlights the ongoing evolution of NBA teams as they look to build competitive rosters, and it offers a promising outlook for Durant and the Rockets’ future endeavors.