Durant Discusses Retirement: My Time is Running Out, Hoping to Leave My Mark on Basketball

On March 23 Beijing time, Durant discussed retirement on a podcast and gave his views, detailed below—

I genuinely feel that I am getting closer to the end of my career every day. However, finishing another season brings its own unique feelings. After enduring the grueling daily schedule, this is now my 19th year playing in the NBA, and it's hard to describe this sensation.

Speaking of statistics, the average career length for professional players is actually quite short.When I first entered the league, I had only one thought: I just wanted to play as long as possible. So now, smoothly navigating through this season, staying healthy, and playing most of the games, I feel proud and content. This feeling is quite subtle.

Honestly, my body is still in good shape, and I can play without any issues, but I also understand,almost twenty years have passed in a flash, and my time is running out. I know that someday, basketball will no longer be my "home court," and that day is gradually approaching.

The season is slowly winding down; it's already March, and April will mark its end. Basketball is something I've done every day of my life, it's my routine, the center of my life. Realizing that my remaining playing time is limited, I'm also starting to prepare for life after retirement.

Over the past few years, I've gradually come to accept it: some voids are destined to remain unfilled. What truly healed me were the small things in basketball: teammates fighting alongside me, people I've met, and the love from fans worldwide. That is the most precious. Even after retiring, I'll still go to the gym to play and train, maintaining the habit. But everything will ultimately be different.

What sustains me is daily discipline and pure love for basketball. When you leave something you love, you realize that some things can no longer be done. Basketball will always exist, but I will miss the NBA family, the people I interact with daily: media, fans, team staff. There are many kind people here.

Just like school, you'll miss the campus and your classmates. Memories will stay, but you can never go back. However, I won't feel empty; I can still play basketball and feel its essence.

Young players like Doncic have immense talent. Their early career stats are identical to mine, James's, and Kobe's from our youth.I only hope that when they surpass me, they can do it with the same respect I had back then. I also hope that I can leave a bit of my own mark on basketball.