Rewind to June 28, 2007. The NBA Draft buzz was immense, and one name stood out as a future superstar: Kevin Durant. Picked second overall by the Seattle SuperSonics, just behind Greg Oden, Durant arrived with sky-high expectations. From the moment he stepped onto the court, it was clear he was a generational talent. In his rookie season in Seattle, he showcased an incredibly polished offensive game for a player so young, averaging 20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Despite the team's struggles, Durant immediately cemented himself as the franchise's cornerstone.
The SuperSonics' tenure in Seattle was short-lived, and after just one season, the team relocated and became the Oklahoma City Thunder. This move marked a new era for Durant and the league. In OKC, Durant truly began to blossom, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award for his stellar debut campaign. He quickly adapted to the professional game, refining his already deadly mid-range and long-range shooting. His slender frame belied a relentless competitive spirit, and he rapidly ascended to become one of the league's most prolific scorers, proving the Sonics' (and later, the Thunder's) faith in him was well-placed.
From Rising Star to MVP Contender
Durant's early career trajectory wasn't just about individual accolades; he quickly elevated the Thunder into a Western Conference powerhouse. Alongside fellow young stars Russell Westbrook and James Harden, Durant led a thrilling, high-octane offense. By the 2011-2012 season, at just 23 years old, he had already become an undeniable MVP candidate and a perennial scoring champion. That year, he steered the OKC Thunder all the way to the NBA Finals, marking his first appearance on basketball's biggest stage against LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Though they fell short, it was a pivotal moment, signaling that Durant, 'The Slim Reaper,' was destined for greatness and had truly arrived as a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.
Trade on Every Game with Kalshi
Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.