It was actress Joan Collins who once said that age is just a number. That’s certainly true for Kevin Durant and an elite group of NBA legends who have thrilled and dazzled fans with miraculous feats in the closing chapters of their storied careers. Michael Jordan’s final season saw him play all 82 regular-season games, averaging 20 points per night at the age of 39. Fellow Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took home Finals MVP honors at 37. Kobe Bryant’s last game, also at 37, saw him drop 60 points.
And now enters Durant who at 37, ready to embark on his pursuit of a third NBA title. He’ll join contemporaries Steph Curry and LeBron James, all long in the tooth but still chasing that final taste of glory.
Vanessa Richardson from Space City Network made no bones about it when speaking to Sporting News. “There’s so much excitement around this team. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest players ever and to have him in a Rockets uniform is going to be such a thrill for fans around the world. It’s going to be must-watch TV each night.”
The future Hall of Famer will be coached by Ime Udoka, who, unlike K.D., hasn’t had enough praise showered down upon him for the dramatic nature of the Rockets’ ascension since his arrival in Houston in the spring of 2023. Vanessa summed up Udoka this way, “It’s been incredible to see the plans unfold from this group. From ownership to the front office to this coaching staff led by Ime, they’ve all come together to create this team, and it has a tough no-nonsense mentality that players respect and gravitate towards.”
More: 5 key storylines for the Houston Rockets
The last several seasons have featured champions such as Toronto, L.A., Milwaukee, Golden State, Denver, Boston, and of course the reigning champ, the OKC Thunder, who will tip things off against the Rockets in defense of their title. We’ll find out quickly if K.D., Ime, and company are contenders or pretenders for the crown.
More NBA News:
- Nikola Topic's testicular injury for OKC Thunder won't sideline him as long as you'd think
- Brandon Ingram's debut reveals how he'll fit in with the Raptors
- Ace Bailey went off in his debut
- Victor Oladipo, Frank Kaminsky make surprise NBA cameos