Kevin Durant is willing to eventually move to the bench
Kevin Durant has reached a point in his career where reflection meets acceptance, and his recent comments show that even one of basketball’s best scorers understands the value of adjustment. 37 years old Houston Rockets forward he said would be open to come off the bench one day if it meant helping a struggling team.
“Yeah, if I’m on a team where we’re good and I realize I’m not able to start anymore,” Durant said on The Pivot Podcast. “I don’t see that happening, but I’m just saying. I want to be a part of a good team, so yeah, if it comes up one day and I have to know it’s my time to come off the bench, then yeah, I feel like I could step up to that role.”
For a a player of Durant’s staturethe statement is rare. The two-time NBA champion and 15-time All-Star has long been defined by his dominance as a starter. Still, his willingness to accept a smaller role speaks to his awareness and longevity. Durant signed a two-year, $90 million extension that could keep him in Houston through the 2027-28 season, when he’ll be approaching 40 years old.
Kevin Durant is thriving with the Rockets
Durant’s mindset fits perfectly with the Rockets’ mix of veteran leadership and youth. Under coach Ime Udoka, Houston sought to balance the experience of Durant with the energy of rising stars such as Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. A lineup tweak earlier this week, inserting Josh Okogie into the starting lineup, helped the Rockets secure their first win of the season, a 137-109 victory over Brooklyn. Durant finished with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Durant’s journey after an Achilles injury in 2019 shaped his perspective. When told the injury could end his career, he came back stronger and wiser, learning how to maintain his body to extend his time in the league.
Whether he remains a starter or eventually takes over a bench role, Durant’s focus is clear. His legacy, he says, is not the number of championships he wins, but the example he sets for the next generation of players in Houston and beyond.
2025-10-29 16:21:00
