PHOENIX — Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is in his 18th NBA season, but the 36-year-old has no intention on letting up on the gas. One of the keys to Durant’s longevity in the league has been his commitment to the lifestyle of being an elite competitor.
The habits built to maintain as an elite competitor stretches beyond game days to drills in practice, offseason workouts, diet and more. Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer is still learning about KD in their first season together.
But Coach Bud is already noticing the leadership in action.
“There's so many things that are so impressive about Kevin. To see what he's doing out here in training camp. Leading with his effort, leading with his competitiveness. He doesn't take drills off. He's the first one in line,” Budenholzer said. “It's kind of the stuff you want from your best players.”
Durant spent little time away from basketball this summer after helping Team USA to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics alongside Suns teammate Devin Booker. Although the pair were photographed enjoying their time on a yacht after the games, KD acknowledged that there’s always some work incorporated into leisure time.
“It's no getting away from this lifestyle, man. You can't. You go vacation but you're gonna work out while you're there. Basketball is our DNA so it's hard to get away,” Durant said. “The great thing about this team is we got competitors already, we got guys that take pride in who they are as individual players. You got guys on this floor that are trying to establish themselves on this team, in this league, all-time, we got a lot of stuff that we’re playing for.”
Durant is the oldest player on the Suns roster, but he played the most minutes (37.2) per game last season while proving to be the most consistent starter in Phoenix’s rotation. The rookies on Phoenix’s roster were probably in Pre-K when KD entered the NBA. His first training camp was in 2007 but the future Hall of Famer is still working to get better day in and day out.
The Suns open their preseason schedule on Sunday, Oct. 6 against the Lakers in Palm Desert.
Follow the conversation with Lina Washington on X and Instagram: @LWashingtonTV. If you have a sports story idea, email Lina at LWashington@12News.com.
The city of Phoenix is home to four major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
Sports
Watch more of the latest sports videos on the 12News YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe!