After Kevin Durant joined the Phoenix Suns in February 2023, expectations soared, particularly following the addition of Bradley Beal.
Fans and experts alike envisioned a championship for the Suns’ new Big 3 of Durant, Beal, and Devin Booker. However, the 2024 playoffs painted a different picture, as the Suns were unceremoniously swept in the first round by the Timberwolves.
This early exit has sparked intense speculation about Durant’s future with the Suns, especially after head coach Frank Vogel was dismissed post-playoffs, highlighting the potential impact on Durant’s legacy. On a recent episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” analyst Zach Lowe discussed Durant’s career trajectory. He suggested that Durant’s decision to join the Golden State Warriors and his role in their championship successes might forever be overshadowed by the strength of the team itself. Lowe commented, “He’s never going to get the credit that those accomplishments would normally bestow on him because of how good the team was. I think he’s realized that.”
The frequent coaching changes in Phoenix and previously with Durant’s former team, the Nets, have further complicated his legacy, painting him as somewhat of a coach killer.
This sentiment was echoed by Kendrick Perkins on Sports Center, where he referred to Durant as a catalyst in the firing of multiple head coaches, stating, “I’m exhausted dealing with a lot of these soft cupcake players that lack accountability. Over this past season, we’ve witnessed the firing of several coaches, largely influenced by Durant’s lack of engagement with them.”
The pressure on coaches in the NBA has noticeably increased, illustrated by the recent firings of Darvin Ham and Frank Vogel, amongst others. Reports of Durant feeling uneasy in the Suns’ setup and potential conflicts with the coaching staff have only intensified the scrutiny.
For now, Durant’s immediate focus is on the 2024 Paris Olympics, leaving his NBA future uncertain. The basketball community is eager to see what unfolds for Durant post-Olympics, as the next chapter of his career could provide clearer insights into his legacy and next moves.
