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Why are Durant 37 years old and still so many teams rushing to? 37 years old is still at the peak

3:23pm, 1 July 2025Basketball

On June 30, there are only a handful of players who can continue their peak form to the age of 37 in the NBA's history, and Kevin Durant is one of them. Today in 2025, this former four-time scoring champion and two-time champion still maintains an amazing competitive state and has become the focus of many teams chasing. Why can Durant attract so many teams at the age of 37? Behind this is both the embodiment of his personal ability and the general environmental factors of the development of modern basketball.

###1. Comprehensive technology, no offensive ability, Durant's offensive methods are almost impeccable. At 2.08 meters tall, he has the dribbling skills and shooting feel like a defender. He is at ease whether it is a mid-range jump shot, a three-point shooting, or a breakthrough layup. Even at the age of 37, his shooting percentage remains above 50%, his three-point shooting percentage exceeds 40%, and his free throw shooting percentage is stable at around 90% all year round. This efficient scoring ability allows him to become the team's number one scoring point under any tactical system.

More importantly, Durant's style of play does not rely on explosive power. Unlike those players who make a living by speed and bounce, his offense relies more on the advantages of rhythm changes, shooting feel and height and wingspan. Even though his athleticism has declined as he gets older, his shooting skills and basketball IQ are enough to keep him dominating the game. As he said in the interview: "I don't need to jump the highest or run the fastest, I just need to find the most suitable opportunity to shoot."

###2. Strong adaptability, seamlessly integrating into any system

Durant is one of the most "plug and play" superstars in NBA history. Whether it was the single-core leadership of the Thunder period, the Warriors' "Death Five Small" system, or the multi-giant lineup of the Nets and the Suns, he could quickly adapt and perform at the top level. This adaptability makes him still regarded as the last puzzle by multiple championship teams at the age of 37.

Modern basketball is increasingly emphasizing space and projection, and Durant is precisely the perfect representation of this trend. Not only can he score on his own, but he can also open up space for his teammates and attract double-teams to pass the ball. Even when he is out of the ball, his running position and receiving and shooting ability are top-notch. For any team that is determined to win the championship, players like Durant are scarce resources.

###3. Self-discipline and maintenance, prolonging career

Durant's career longevity (persistence) is inseparable from his strict self-discipline and scientific physical management. Although he had suffered serious injuries such as a ruptured Achilles tendon, he still maintained an extremely high competitive level after his comeback. This is due to his persistence in high-intensity training, scientific diet management and advanced recovery methods.

Durant reportedly invests millions of dollars in physical care every year, including a team of private trainers, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and state-of-the-art recovery equipment. He even uses high-tech means such as hyperbaric oxygen chambers and cryotherapy to accelerate his physical recovery. This ultimate pursuit of details allows him to maintain a high-intensity game time of more than 30 minutes per game at the age of 37.

###4. Commercial Value and Dressing Room Influence

In addition to contributions on the court, Durant's commercial value is also an important reason why the team competes for him. As one of the most influential stars in the NBA, his joining can directly increase the team's ticket revenue, jersey sales and media attention. For small and medium-sized teams, Durant's arrival can even change the economic situation of the entire team.

In addition, Durant's professional attitude and leadership abilities have also been widely recognized. Despite his low-key personality, he always sets an example in the locker room, and young players are willing to learn from him. For a team that is determined to cultivate rookies or reshape the team's culture, a veteran like Durant is undoubtedly an ideal signing target.

###5. League Trend: The value of veterans has been redefined

In recent years, NBA teams have significantly increased their attention to veterans. The successful cases of veterans such as LeBron James and Chris Paul prove that as long as they stay healthy, experienced veterans can still play a decisive role in the playoffs. Durant is one of the biggest beneficiaries of this trend.

Especially at critical moments in the playoffs, players like Durant can often help the team overcome difficulties with their rich experience and big heart performance. Durant's performance with the Suns proved this in the 2024 playoffs - he hit a key goal in many games and almost brought the team into the Western Conference Finals alone. The stability of this "playoff model" has made the championship team flock to him.

###Conclusion: How long can Durant's "ageless myth" last?

37-year-old Durant is still at the peak of the NBA. This is not only a reflection of his personal ability, but also an inevitable result of the development of modern basketball. As long as he stays healthy, he will remain one of the most threatening scorers in the league within the next 2-3 years. And for those teams eager for championships, Durant is undoubtedly the most reliable "ultimate answer".

Perhaps, when we discuss Durant's future, the real question is not "how long can he play" but "whether his limit is?"

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