For all the criticism Kevin Durant has faced over the course of his career, particularly regarding team changes and championships, his résumé remains undeniable. The veteran forward is still one of the league’s elite talents and now stands among just five players in NBA history with 16 or more All-Star selections.
Durant made his 16th appearance Sunday with Team USA Stripes, and although they lost, he later reflected on his journey and his place in the game as he enters the later stages of his career.
Kevin Durant Reflects on His Place in NBA History After 16 All-Star Selections
Durant is widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen, even if his latest All-Star outing was a quiet one. The veteran forward totaled 12 points across three games as Team Stripes fell 47-21 to the younger Team USA squad in the championship round.
When asked how he would define his legacy after the game, Durant suggested he would like to be remembered for his longevity.
“Somebody who has been around for a long time, who has experienced pretty much everything in this league,” Durant said. “I just feel like I’ve experienced everything. I think I’ve experienced a lot. It’s up for people to determine how they feel about my game or my legacy.
“For me, I feel like I’ve reached my expectations. I’ve set a lot of goals for myself. I’m still enjoying what I’m doing.”
Kevin Durant on his legacy:
“I’m somebody who’s been around for a long time, experienced everything.” pic.twitter.com/TiHh1cLRmK
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) February 16, 2026
Durant has unquestionably met and arguably exceeded the expectations he would have set for himself entering the league as a first-round draft choice (No. 2 overall) by the Seattle Supersonics. When the franchise relocated, he continued on with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he developed into a perennial MVP candidate and one of the most unstoppable scorers in the league.
His later seasons in Oklahoma City represented the statistical peak of his career, highlighted by his 2014 MVP award and four scoring titles. While individual accolades defined that stretch, team success only came during his time with the Golden State Warriors, where he captured back-to-back NBA championships and earned Finals MVP honors in both runs.
Durant also played for the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns before joining the Rockets this season. And at 37 years old, he continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 25.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, and shooting 50.6% from the floor while having Houston firmly in the championship consideration.
The Rockets are currently fourth in the Western Conference with a 33-20 record, and will return on the road against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, Feb. 19.
