Kevin Durant Responds to Critics, Says Warriors Tenure Didn't Tarnish His NBA Legacy

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has addressed ongoing criticisms about his career decisions, expressing confidence that he will be satisfied with his legacy once his playing days are over. During an appearance on The Pivot podcast, Durant responded to questions about whether forming a super team with the Golden State Warriors negatively impacted his reputation.

Durant firmly dismissed the notion that joining the Warriors tarnished his legacy, stating, "No, not at all." He emphasized that people will ultimately respect the years he has dedicated to the NBA and his actual accomplishments when they reflect on his career as a whole.

Durant signed with the Warriors as a free agent after they defeated his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in the Western Conference Finals. With Golden State, he contributed to three consecutive NBA Finals appearances and secured back-to-back championships, which remain the only titles of his career to date.

Despite limited postseason success since leaving the Warriors, Durant believes his legacy will be defined by his longevity and productivity as one of the league's most elite scorers. He highlighted that being a professional athlete for nearly two decades is a rare achievement, and even critics will acknowledge the impressive body of work he has built over time.