'I Stole So Much from Dirk and Hakeem It’s Criminal': Kevin Durant Reaches 30k Milestone, Credits Greats with Inspiring His Game, Fans for Support

Durant’s comments echo the grace he extended to the franchise, in a media session a few days ago, after being blindsided by the news that the Suns attempted to trade him once it became clear a Bradley Beal deal wasn’t happening. “Just business,” he called it, saying “Nobody is above the system.”

Based on his remarks Tuesday night, any private frustration is directed at the front office, not the fanbase. “I’m just always grateful for the people who spend their hard-earned money and time to come watch us and be around us,” Durant said. 

“I never felt that the fans weren’t supporting me or anything to that nature. So I’m glad they showed up and showed out tonight. I’m just upset we didn’t get the win for them but glad they can cheer for something.”

KD Gives Nod to Nowitzki and Olajuwon

In addition the acknowledging the fans, Durant held up how the greats have influenced his game. He was surprised to hear a reporter say that Nowitzki and Hakeem Olajuwon (13th all-time at 26.9K points) stated Durant is one of their favorite hoopers. Smiling to himself, he appeared quietly pleased, as well as humbled, by the endorsement.

“Especially them two,” he said of his appreciation. “I mean, I stole so much from Dirk and Hakeem that it’s criminal.”

He had to agree with Nowitzki’s assessment, however, that Durant’s rendition of the one-leg stepback is “a little more athletic.”

Part of KD’s greatness is the efficiency he has maintained on jumpers throughout his career. A career 50.2% shooter, on 38.8% from three and 88.2% at the line, he hasn’t made fewer than half his field goal attempts since 2011-12 with the Thunder. Since his rookie season, he has never shot below 35% from beyond the arc. He has shot 36.5% or better in all but three seasons in his 17-year career.

But Durant doesn’t wish to be seen as just a bucket-getter. “This stuff is cool for sure, it’s good to be amongst the elite scorers in the league, but I always looked at my game as more than that. I know a lot of people see me as a scorer, a talent, but I feel like I’m much more of a complete player than that.”

Averaging 27.1 PPG this season and 27.3 for his career, he has become an excellent facilitator and notched over 4 assists per game since 2011-12. He uses his 6’11 frame to block shots and disrupt opponents in the paint, something the Suns sorely need. His 5 swats Tuesdays are case in point.

Even at 36 years old, 8th all-time in scoring, he isn’t satisfied with where he is as a player. “Still got a lot of room to grow. That’s the crazy part about it, being this old, having this many years in the league. But I’m grateful to do it here in Phoenix. My teammates support me and encourage me every day, all day, so I’m grateful for them as well.”