Durant has played alongside incredible talent in his illustrious NBA career.
Kevin Durant was a fan favorite in the NBA until the 2016 offseason. The narrative about Kevin Durant changed after he joined the Golden State Warriors and created the powerful superteam that won two championships.
Since then, wherever he plays, he is under the microscope, and people follow his moves and try to discredit any of his results. The truth to be told, after he left the Warriors, he played for the Nets without success (0 NBA Finals), and after his failed stint in Brooklyn, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he created another superteam with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
In this feature, we will go through his career with the superteams, and talk about his result and future expectations.
Thunder Big 3 (2010-2012)
Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden
Seasons Together: 3 (2010-2012)
NBA Championships: 0
NBA Finals: 1 (2012, lost to Miami Heat)
The Thunder’s Big 3 era began when Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, all drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder, started playing together in the 2010-11 season. This trio was a force of nature, combining Durant’s scoring prowess with Westbrook’s explosive athleticism and Harden’s versatility.
During their time together, the Thunder’s ascent was nothing short of meteoric. They rapidly evolved from a promising young team to a force to be reckoned with in the rugged Western Conference. Their chemistry on the court was evident as they weaved intricate plays and engaged in high-octane battles with the league’s best.
In the 2011-12 season, they reached the NBA Finals, where they faced LeBron James and the Miami Heat. The series went to five games, with the Heat ultimately winning the championship. Though they came up short, it was clear that Durant, Westbrook, and Harden were poised for greatness.
In retrospect, the Thunder’s Big 3 may not have etched their names on the championship trophy, but their indomitable spirit, explosive plays, and unmatched scoring left an enduring legacy. They represented the realization of a dream for Oklahoma City and set a standard of excellence that would continue to inspire fans and players alike. The echoes of their journey still resonate through the NBA, serving as a reminder that success is often born from perseverance and the unwavering pursuit of greatness.
Warriors Big 3 (2016-2019)
Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson
Seasons Together: 3 (2016-2019)
NBA Championships: 2 (2017, 2018)
NBA Finals: 3 (2017, 2018, 2019)
One of the most significant turning points in Kevin Durant’s career came in the summer of 2016 when he made the shocking move to join the Golden State Warriors. He teamed up with two-time MVP Stephen Curry and the sharpshooting Klay Thompson, forming a “Splash Brothers” tandem that was already a dominant force in the NBA.
The Warriors’ Big 3 quickly became a powerhouse. Durant’s scoring ability, combined with the Warriors’ remarkable ball movement and three-point shooting, resulted in back-to-back NBA championships in 2017 and 2018. Their synergy on the court was evident, as they dominated the competition. Durant’s move to the Warriors was met with both praise and criticism, as some viewed it as a shortcut to a championship. However, Durant proved his worth by earning NBA Finals MVP honors in both championship-winning seasons.
In retrospect, Durant’s tenure with the Warriors marked a highly successful chapter in his career. The back-to-back championships, coupled with his NBA Finals MVP honors, validated his decision and solidified his legacy as an NBA champion. It was a period that ushered in a historic dynasty, replete with memorable moments, iconic plays, and a testament to the power of collective excellence.
The Warriors Big 3 was not just a convergence of talent; it was a demonstration of how great players can come together, elevate each other, and create a basketball spectacle that transcends the boundaries of time. Durant’s time with the Warriors will forever be remembered as a golden chapter in NBA history, where greatness was not just achieved but etched in the history of the game.
Nets Big 3 (2021-2022)
Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden
Seasons Together: 2 (2021-2022)
NBA Championships: 0
NBA Finals: 0
The Nets Big 3 era, which spanned the 2021-2022 NBA season, was a tantalizing chapter in the career of Kevin Durant. When he left the Golden State Warriors in 2019 to join the Brooklyn Nets, he ignited a spark of excitement across the basketball world. Paired with Kyrie Irving and James Harden in 2021, the trio, at least on paper, had the makings of a basketball dream team.
Anticipation was palpable, and fans eagerly awaited the fireworks this Big 3 was expected to produce. Durant, known for his scoring prowess and versatile skill set, was the lynchpin. Kyrie Irving, a magician with the basketball, added finesse and creativity, while James Harden’s scoring and playmaking abilities provided yet another dimension to the team’s offense.
However, the Nets Big 3’s journey was marred by an unfortunate twist of fate—injuries. Durant, in particular, faced the challenge of coming back from a major Achilles injury. He exhibited flashes of his scoring brilliance but struggled with consistent availability. Kyrie Irving also grappled with various injuries that limited his time on the court. While James Harden was a key contributor, he too had his share of health issues, which hampered the trio’s ability to gel on the court.
Despite these challenges, the Nets Big 3 displayed glimpses of their potential and provided fans with moments of brilliance. Their offensive prowess was evident, and they showcased an ability to be a scoring juggernaut when fully healthy. However, the injury bug took its toll, leaving fans with a sense of unfulfilled promise.
Phoenix Big 3 (2023-2024)
Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal
Seasons Together: TBD
NBA Championships: TBD
NBA Finals: TBD
Kevin Durant, after a bad experience with the Brooklyn Nets, got traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he is currently with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Per the latest report, Kevin Durant was frustrated in Phoenix after a bad start of the season (15-15 record). Even the video shows proof of how frustrated and unhappy he is currently because the Suns don’t play well.
Currently, this superteam not looking good, especially because Bradley Beal played only six games and he is apparently out indefinitely. What can we really expect from Phoenix? Devin Booker is one of the best, if not the best, shooting guard in the league. Kevin Durant is in his prime averaging 30.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, while Bradley Beal would be their primary point guard, but it seems the Suns need other players in order to have any success.
And if we got real there, the only scenario that is acceptable for the Suns is the NBA Finals. So far this season, the Suns have not met the expectations put on their shoulders at the beginning of the campaign. Phoenix’s injury-riddled team has been disappointing at least, with an underwhelming record of 15-15 and the 10th seed in the difficult Western Conference.
The season is long and Phoenix still has time to recover the ground lost, but it’s clear that Durant´s frustrations have been felt by the organization, and with Beal only playing six games so far in the season, the Suns need a lot more luck to have their star players available if they are going to get back into the playoff image.