Next up on our top 25 list is Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns. The veteran superstar forward is a superb three-level scorer with a unique skill set. Let’s dive into his game and spot on the list.
Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 9 – Kevin Durant
A Historic Offensive Talent
Durant is arguably the most gifted and complete scorer in NBA history. At 6-foot-11, Durant has an incredible combination of elite shooting, agility, and ball handling. He is an elite three-level scorer who particularly thrives as a mid-range scorer. This skill set, combined with his size, makes Durant an all-time great scorer and top 15-level player in league history. Durant is capable of carrying an offense with his shot creation, all while being able to fit with any lineup and play off-ball due to his shooting. Efficiency is a key part of Durant’s offensive and scoring brilliance; he is one of the most efficient high-volume scorers of all-time. Durant pairs this with high-level defense, rebounding, and playmaking. With his size and length, Durant is highly impactful and versatile defensively. Durant’s two-way play often goes overlooked when discussing his game.
Season Recap
In his 16th season, Durant maintained his elite level of play. Durant made his 14th straight All-Star team and 11th All-NBA team. Notably, he posted averages of 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 52.3/41.3/85.6 shooting splits. Additionally, Durant had a 62.6 true percentage and was an above-average shooter from 12 out of 14 zones. Durant also ranked in the 95th percentile for offensive plus/minus and overall plus/minus. Durant’s incredible scoring efficiency and advanced stats make him stand out.
Safe to say Kevin Durant had a pretty impressive age 35 season… pic.twitter.com/PnagxVfZ7A
— NBA University (@NBA_University) July 12, 2024
However, not everything about Durant and the Suns’ season was positive. Despite putting together a new big three with Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns finished as just the 6th seed. The Minnesota Timberwolves swept the Suns in the first round in a series where Anthony Edwards dominated and only one game was decided by less than 10 points. Durant put up impressive averages of 26.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 55.2/41.7/82.4 shooting splits. While Durant’s had good counting numbers this series losing a series in this fashion is a reflection on all of Phoenix’s stars and highlights a disappointing overall season. Additionally, in Games 2 and 3 Durant was uncharacteristically inefficient.
Over the summer, Durant won his fourth Gold Medal and became Team USA’s all-time leading scorer, cementing himself as the greatest Olympic basketball player of all-time. Notably, Durant played with Booker in the Olympics which could help the duo develop more on-court chemistry.
Season Outlook
With the Suns’ offseason addition of Tyus Jones and hiring of Mike Budenholzer Phoenix could be primed for a bounce-back season. Jones is an elite playmaker who will fill a clear void for the Suns as they didn’t have a natural point guard last year. Furthermore, Budenholzer should implement a more fluid offense. Even though several Western Conference teams improved, there’s no reason the Suns can’t compete for a top-three seed, especially considering their star power. Last season the Suns starting five posted an impressive net rating of 11.1, while the trio of Durant, Booker, and Beal posted a 6.6 net rating with Jones in the mix, these lineups will get even better.
At 36, it will be interesting to see if Durant can maintain the same level of offensive responsibilities or if Booker will get an even larger offensive load. With another productive season and more team success Durant could reclaim his spot in the top-five. Conversely, a similar season to last year could see Durant dip further in the rankings.
The Last Word
Considering his incredible talent and elite scoring nine feels somewhat low for Durant, it’s certainly possible he will return to a higher ranking after this season. For the time being, Durant’s lack of playoff success in recent years and injury history hold him back from a top-five spot. While Durant had a productive playoff series, and the roster around him wasn’t perfect, with that much offensive talent, not winning a game in the playoffs along with Phoenix’s regular season is beyond disappointing. Both Durant and Booker were bumped down on this list due to this lackluster season. Regardless, Durant’s sustained success and incredible scoring are highly impressive.