In the fast-paced world of the NBA, where youth often takes center stage, it’s easy to overlook the enduring brilliance of seasoned veterans. Yet, Kevin Durant, currently playing his first full season with the Phoenix Suns, serves as a potent reminder that age is just a number when talent and dedication persist. As fans and analysts marvel at his consistent high-level performances, a common question arises: How Old Is Kevin Durant?
Kevin Durant is currently 35 years old. Born on September 29, 1988, Durant has defied typical NBA aging curves, showcasing a level of play that rivals his prime years. At an age when many players experience significant decline, Durant is not just maintaining, but arguably enhancing his legacy. His recent scoring outbursts, including multiple 35-plus point games, are not isolated flashes, but rather a continuation of a season marked by exceptional offensive and defensive contributions.
For the 2023-24 season, Kevin Durant’s stats are nothing short of remarkable for a player in his mid-thirties. He’s averaging an impressive 28.5 points and 5.5 assists per game, while achieving elite shooting percentages of 56.8% from the field, 42.5% from three-point range, and 85.4% from the free-throw line. These figures aren’t just good for his age; they are among the league’s best, placing him firmly in the conversation for All-NBA honors once again. This level of efficiency and volume scoring is historically rare, especially for a player in their 35th year.
Kevin Durant’s Unprecedented Shooting Prowess at 35
One of the most astonishing aspects of Kevin Durant’s game, even as he gets older, is his mid-range shooting. He is currently in his fifth consecutive season shooting over 50% on mid-range jumpers from beyond 15 feet. To put this into perspective, legendary shooter Dirk Nowitzki, renowned for his fadeaway jumper, only achieved this feat twice in his illustrious 21-year career. Durant’s consistency in this area is unparalleled in the modern NBA, highlighting his skill and dedication to mastering his craft.
Statistical analysis reveals that Durant’s five seasons above 50% from the mid-range would tie him with Chris Paul for the most seasons since the NBA began tracking shot locations. His shot chart is a testament to his scoring versatility, showcasing his ability to score from virtually anywhere on the court. Defenses struggle to contain him, as forcing him to either side offers no respite. His proficiency from the left block, in particular, where he utilizes his right-hand dribble to assess the court, places immense pressure on opposing defenses.
This offensive gravity is strategically leveraged by the Phoenix Suns, often positioning Devin Booker or another sharpshooter just a pass away from Durant in the post. This tactical approach forces defenses into difficult choices: either allow Durant single coverage, or double-team him and leave a dynamic shooter open against a scrambling defense. It’s a testament to Durant’s basketball IQ and the Suns’ intelligent roster construction that maximizes his strengths even at 35 years old.
A Historical Offensive Force: Efficiency and Volume Combined
As Kevin Durant navigates his 35th year, he is on track to achieve his eighth full season averaging at least 28 points per game on 60% true shooting or better. This would extend his NBA record in this category, further distancing himself from legends like Adrian Dantley and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The data is clear: Kevin Durant stands as arguably the most efficient high-volume scorer in the history of basketball. While Steph Curry’s efficiency is also noteworthy, Durant has maintained an elite scoring volume throughout his career, even from a young age.
Beyond his scoring, Durant is also having “one of the most impressive defensive years of his storied career.” His defensive contributions, particularly as a secondary rim protector and his active hands on defense, are often understated but crucial to his team’s success. For a player with his longevity, this two-way impact is exceptionally rare.
Age 35 and Still Among the Elite: A Historical Perspective
Only two players in NBA history have managed to average at least 28.5 points per game after turning 35 while playing a minimum of 50 games: LeBron James (twice) and Kevin Durant this year. This elite company underscores the extraordinary nature of Durant’s ongoing performance. Reflecting on his career trajectory, from his arrival in Seattle to becoming a centerpiece in Phoenix, highlights the remarkable duration of his dominance.
Durant entered the NBA as the second overall pick in the 2007 draft, immediately signaling a new era of basketball athleticism. His unprecedented combination of height, wingspan, shot creation, and ball-handling skills redefined the prototype for NBA wings. This was nearly 17 years ago. Despite a severe Achilles injury that could have derailed his career, Durant remains a top-tier scorer, showing no signs of slowing down even now, at 35 years old.
From the 2007 draft class, only five players remain in the league, with Durant and Mike Conley as the only starters on their respective teams. Al Horford, another impactful player from that draft, is also still competing at a high level, further emphasizing the exceptional careers forged by players from that era. Horford himself has expressed awe at Durant’s sustained excellence, particularly after Durant scored 45 points against his Celtics, attesting to the unique caliber of player Durant remains at 35.
Coach Mazzulla’s Insight: Durant is “Different”
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, who has coached against Durant in multiple playoff series, made a point to differentiate Durant from other elite scorers. Mazzulla highlighted Durant’s ability to play through physicality and his poise under pressure, noting, “He’s different. He’s earned that, I would venture to say.” Mazzulla appreciates Durant’s approach to the game, emphasizing his resilience and lack of reliance on drawing fouls, a testament to his pure skill and competitive spirit at 35.
Durant’s current free throw rate is among the lowest of his career, but this reflects his evolving role within the Phoenix Suns. With playmakers like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Durant doesn’t need to shoulder the same ball-handling and paint-penetration responsibilities as in the past. Instead, he thrives in a system designed to optimize his scoring and playmaking within a spaced offense.
Thriving in Phoenix: A Perfect Late-Career Fit at 35
Kevin Durant’s move to the Phoenix Suns, with two years and $103 million remaining on his contract after this season, appears to be an ideal fit for this stage of his career. Phoenix offers him a platform to refine and even elevate his game as he advances into his late thirties. Surrounded by elite floor spacers, the Suns’ offense is perfectly tailored to his strengths. Playing alongside other primary scorers like Booker and Beal reduces the offensive initiation burden on Durant, allowing him to operate with greater efficiency and impact.
This current phase of Durant’s career blends elements of his Golden State and Brooklyn tenures. He retains the capacity to dominate games and deliver clutch performances, while also seamlessly adapting to a role as a floor spacer and decoy. While his post-up frequency may have slightly decreased, his efficiency as a playmaker has increased. Durant is now setting career highs in secondary assists, demonstrating his evolving understanding of how to impact the game beyond scoring, even at 35.
Grayson Allen, a Suns teammate, highlights Durant’s unselfishness and patience, noting his ability to make the right pass and leverage double teams to create opportunities for others. This team-oriented approach, combined with his individual brilliance, makes Durant an invaluable asset to the Suns as they contend for a championship.
Defensive Prowess and Transition Dominance at 35
Beyond offense, Durant’s defensive contributions are crucial to the Suns’ overall improvement. The Suns’ defense has risen in league rankings, and Durant’s individual defense is a significant factor. His block and steal rates remain consistent with his career averages, and he continues to take on challenging defensive assignments.
The Suns’ improved defense fuels their transition game, where Durant and Booker form the league’s most potent duo. Durant leads the NBA in transition scoring efficiency, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple facets, even at 35 years old.
Championship Contender: The Durant Factor at 35
Former coach Billy Donovan emphasizes Durant’s championship-level impact, stating that any team with Durant has “a legitimate shot to compete for it all.” Donovan highlights Durant’s drive, dedication, and clutch performance ability, noting his eagerness to embrace high-pressure moments. Even at 35, Durant continues to perform at an elite level in fourth quarters, matching the scoring efficiency of players like Steph Curry in crucial moments.
Durant’s scoring legacy continues to grow. He is on the verge of surpassing Shaquille O’Neal for ninth on the all-time regular season scoring list. Projecting forward, he is on pace to potentially reach sixth place in combined career points (including playoffs) by April 2025, chasing legends like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan as he approaches the elusive 40,000-point milestone.
Appreciating Greatness in Real Time at 35
It’s easy to become accustomed to witnessing greatness from veteran stars like Kevin Durant and to take their sustained excellence for granted. However, Durant’s current season at 35 years old is far from ordinary. He remains a trailblazer, an archetype of the modern, versatile seven-foot scorer. Now, he is also demonstrating exceptional adaptability and longevity.
Instead of speculating about how many more years Kevin Durant will play, we should appreciate the present. We are witnessing one of the most refined and impactful basketball talents in history, still performing at an elite level at 35. It’s a rare and special sight, and one that should be savored in real-time before this remarkable journey eventually concludes.
