The Golden State Warriors’ relationship with Kevin Durant remains a topic of hot debate, even years after his departure. Durant, now a well-established NBA veteran at 35, recently voiced his opinion on a subject that has basketball aficionados and sports analysts engaged in endless discussions—should his No. 35 Warriors jersey be immortalized in the rafters of the Chase Center?
Durant’s Time with the Warriors: A Stint of Glory
Kevin Durant’s three-season tenure with the Golden State Warriors was nothing short of spectacular, marked by two NBA Championships and two Finals MVP Awards. Despite the brevity of his stay, Durant left an indelible mark on the franchise, leading many to believe that his No. 35 jersey deserves a spot alongside the legends. In a candid interview, Durant expressed his belief that his contributions to the Warriors are worthy of this rare honor, a sentiment echoed by respected NBA writer, Mark Medina.
In a recent dialogue with GIVEMESPORT, Medina shared his insights, stating, “He’s not going to be looked at with the same vein as some of their homegrown stars, but they also have an appreciation that he was a significant reason as to why they won two titles… It was relayed to me that it was just a matter of when they would retire his jersey, not if.”
Kevin Durant isn’t washed btw pic.twitter.com/D7LOJI2KPR
— 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘢☆ (@Stunna999_) October 27, 2023
A Contentious Debate: To Retire or Not to Retire
The question of retiring Durant’s jersey has stirred quite a debate among basketball pundits. While some argue that Durant’s brilliance and contribution to the Warriors’ success are undeniable, others, like ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Michael Wilbon, believe that longevity should play a crucial role in such decisions. They contend that a player should have a more extended period of service with a team before being bestowed with the honor of jersey retirement.
Wilbon has been vocal in stating that a minimum of five seasons should be the benchmark for considering jersey retirement. This stance puts Durant’s three years with the Warriors under scrutiny, despite his remarkable achievements during this time.
Medina’s Take: A Future Celebration
Mark Medina, an established voice in NBA journalism, has a different take on the matter. After speaking with sources close to the Warriors organization, Medina is convinced that Durant’s jersey retirement is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’. He believes that the Warriors will likely wait until Durant has hung up his boots and received his inevitable Hall of Fame induction to raise his No. 35 to the rafters.
Durant’s Legacy: A Hall of Fame Career
With 17 seasons under his belt, Kevin Durant has undoubtedly crafted a career worthy of Hall of Fame recognition. His journey from being the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle Supersonics to becoming an NBA icon is a testament to his relentless drive and basketball genius. Durant’s stats speak volumes, with an average of 27.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, showcasing his all-around impact on the court.
Durant’s time with the Warriors was a pivotal chapter in his career, solidifying his status as one of the greats. Despite the debate surrounding his jersey retirement, his legacy with the Warriors, marked by championships and individual brilliance, is undeniable. As he embarks on a new chapter with the Phoenix Suns, Durant’s impact on the game of basketball remains a subject of admiration and respect, ensuring that his legacy will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
